Whether you’re an assured admit to the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media dead-set on being a journalist, or a senior still unsure if you want to work at a public relations agency, I have advice for you.
Here is a list of eight tips I wish I knew at the beginning of my college experience:
1. Update your website regularly.
Remember that website that you made in Introduction to Digital Storytelling? Maybe the backend is gathering dust? Well take a duster and start wiping because that website will become your virtual portfolio. It will be invaluable to you in getting internships and other jobs. Whether you’re a writer, copy editor, graphic designer or public relations professional, edit your website to showcase your best work and personality. Here are some amazing examples from current students and alum: Carson Elm-Picard (graphic designer), Abigail Whittington (anchor and pr extraordinaire), Isabella Reilly (writer) and Ira Wilder (photographer).
2. Professors = mentors + future employers.
Once you realize that your professors aren’t just people who grade your assignments, your perspective and effort will change. We are extremely lucky that the UNC Hussman School employs professors who have one foot in teaching and the other in the journalism world. Their experience and wisdom are invaluable, so go to office hours, brainstorm your career and pick their brain about theirs. You can learn from others’ experiences without having to complete an assignment.
3. Go to UNC Hussman School Career Services.
Jay Eubank and Heather Stevenson are the BEST. They are helpful, kind and resourceful. I can’t count the number of times I met with Jay in some of my least and most career-challenging times. You will learn everything from them that you don’t learn in class: how to best use LinkedIn, what the job market looks like, who’s hiring and what alums work where.
4. Update your LinkedIn.
Think of it this way, your LinkedIn is the trailer and your virtual portfolio website is the movie. Your LinkedIn gives a more preliminary understanding of who you are professionally. You want to make it look the most up-to-date and accurate as possible.
5. Post on your LinkedIn.
In order to get people to go to your LinkedIn profile, you want to gain traction by popping up on their feeds. And you want to do so regularly so they see you often. (I’m working on this one.)
6. Your classwork is “real” work.
Just because you might not have an internship doesn’t mean your classwork is less than. The UNC Hussman School designs its classes so work can be pitched, published, and posted on your website and LinkedIn. Be proud and show it off.
7. Go to career workshops.
And take them seriously. Connect with the presenters on LinkedIn and send them a message as soon as the meeting ends. Ask for a short follow-up meeting to talk about their work and company. This will make you stand out. You might even be added to hiring managers’ email list with job opportunities. And most importantly…
8. Network! Network! Network!
Lots of job opportunities will come up because you have a connection who knows you and your work well. And what was more surprising to me was how much informational interviews helped me figure out what career path is best suited to my goals. So connect with people and ask for informational interviews through virtual or in-person coffee chats.
I know what you might be thinking, “Agh, more things to do apart from homework, clubs and work?” While these might seem like a lot right now, they can be done little by little over the course of your college experience. Once a month for 30 minutes to an hour, for example. Think of it as an investment toward your future. You don’t have to do everything all at once. And future you will be very thankful.
But I promise, the earlier you get started, the better. Trust me.