Note from the editor: We are currently looking into creating an area of Forward specifically for the posting of jobs/internships, but in the meantime, I decided to go ahead and publish this contributed post to the blog since the deadline for application is May 19. (Note: Forward is not endorsing this opportunity. I am simply passing along information that may be beneficial to our readers.) If you are interested in Forward developing a section for job opportunities, or have any thoughts on that, I’d love for you to email me at erin(at)forward-moving.com.
– Erin Caldwell, Managing Editor

—————

It’s that time of the year again — the time when a new generation of college graduates don their caps and gowns and ask the question ‘Now what?’

I was in that position three years ago today, and I still find it hard to believe that since then I have interviewed a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; flown on a leer jet with a special assistant to the Secretary of the Army, serving as a public relations advisor; and dealt with media on front-page, above-the-fold stories that have been in the forefront of national conversation.

The best part is, I got to do all of this as part of a training program.

If you are college graduate and are looking for a way to apply what you have learned in the classroom as well as learn the real-life tactics and techniques of public relations in a high-profile setting, I would recommend the program I went through — the U.S. Army Public Affairs Internship Program, which is accepting applications through May 19.

As a regular reader of Forward, I have noticed a lot of discussion about career opportunities for public relations graduates at PR firms. However, public communication is just as important — if not more — for government agencies as it is for corporate clients. Democracy depends on openness and transparency, and the government needs young, savvy PR experts to help communicate with the public.

One upfront: I should tell you that the label of “internship” for the program is a bit of a misnomer. It is more of an apprenticeship. Interns are hired on as federal government employees from day one, which means you get (a) a salary, (b) health insurance, (c) holidays, vacation and all the other perks of federal employment. Also as an upfront, this is not a recruiting tool. Interns are civilian employees and do not take on an enlistment requirement.

The program is run in three phases, each of which is designed to help young PR professionals learn the art and science of public affairs.

Read the rest of this entry »

Share This: Email or bookmark the post

I have never met a PR person who doesn’t know how to multi-task. Life as a PR professional can be a juggling act. But, if you throw too many balls or bowling pins (or whatever you juggle) into the mix, it becomes only a matter of time before you drop them all. Money Magazine and Salary.com grades Public Relations with a “D” for stress level.

So, how do you juggle everything you need to do and not lose your cool? Here are a few things I have learned along the way:

1. Open up, to yourself. Everyone has the ability to handle varying amounts of stress. You must know what you can and cannot handle.

2. Specialize. You can’t volunteer to help every non-profit that seems like a good cause and you can’t take on every project offered to you. Choose one or two things to focus on that fit in with your personal values.

Read the rest of this entry »

Share This: Email or bookmark the post