Back to the Future
It’s only been a short while since I’ve left University, and I’m already missing it.
I’ve recently been considering what it would be like to be back in my first lecture, knowing everything I do know.
I thought I’d share some of my thoughts here. If you’re a current (or prospective) PR student, hopefully it will help you out. If you’ve left Uni recently, or a while ago, I’m sure there will be a bunch of tips you can add.
Here’s a short list of things I’d do if I was back at Uni.
- Read a quality newspaper every day.
Reading a good newspaper each day increases your knowledge of news writing/editing and broadens your general knowledge. Reading regularly will allow you to become familiar with news writing style, and increase your ‘news sense’ - it’ll give you an idea of what is newsworthy. As Harold Burson has pointed out – it’s important for PR professionals to be ‘in the know’. The best way to do this is by reading widely. If you read a paper every day you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of ideas, information and opinions.
- Get involved in the blogosphere
PR Students have never before had the opportunity to learn so much from industry professionals. For example, last year while researching my dissertation I found Shel Holtz’s textbook to be a key resource. Now, in the blogosphere, I can read Shel’s work every day, engage him via comments, and listen to him for an hour twice a week. This opportunity to learn from the ’stars’ of the profession is unique and remarkable.
The best way to get involved is to start reading the feeds from a variety of blogs. Once you’re familiar with the style, start commenting. I can also point you in the direction of a great site where you may be able to contribute articles 
.
- Undertake a variety of work experience
As a student you have an opportunity to undertake work experience with a wide variety of PR departments and agencies. I did a fair bit of work experience, but I would have liked to have done more. I’m glad that I experienced a number of different organizational cultures before starting full-time work. You’ll find that your network of contacts will grow rapidly by doing work experience. It will also help you work out what you want to do – something I know (from experience!) young PR’s agonize over.
- Get involved on campus
The experiences you can have in student organizations will enrich your time at uni and can teach you valuable skills for the workforce. You’ll learn how to work in teams, you may get some experience managing a group of people, and it’ll do wonders for the development of your communication skills.
- Take some time to party
Uni should be the time of your life. You can make some friendships that will last a lifetime, and that will no doubt help you out later in life. Heck, you’re even likely to meet your future life-partner. (I hope that’s not completely true – because I didn’t have much luck!)
I’m extremely interested to see what everyone can add to this list. I’m particularly keen to see what people who’ve been out of Uni for a while think. If you’re still a student now – let us know what you’re enjoying at the moment.