Have you ever experienced the unsettling feeling that arises when you’re not quite fulfilled with your career? Most of us are able to suppress it with excuses that stem from sticking within our comfort zone and avoiding the fear of the unknown – until we lay down for bed and all those feelings of wonder creep back into our thoughts. I call it the, “there must be something more” feeling. I personally experienced this for a couple of years after graduation, before finally finding the courage to make a change and jump full force into the invigorating world of public relations.
For anyone who may be interested in making the same leap, here are five simple tips for transitioning into a PR career:
Do your research. I can’t stress this enough. Research anything and everything PR-related, and gain a better understanding on if this is really for you.
Talk to someone in the field. Identify someone already working in the field and take them out for a cup of coffee to pick their brain. Gaining some insight was the best thing I did before making my career change. Not only did it give me a better grasp on what to expect in the world of PR, but it also confirmed my desire to really pursue a job in this field.
Show passion…and patience. You have to stand out. Let your passion for this industry shine. However, you must remember that transitioning to a new role can sometimes be a long process, so be patient. If you have a true desire to make a change, your journey will be well worth the wait.
Know your strengths and weaknesses. It’s likely you’ll have many transferrable skills from your previous career, but it is also necessary to acknowledge the learning curve that comes with transitioning into any new field. Knowing your weaknesses will only help you to succeed and feel open to expanding your skillset.
Listen actively. Once you land an internship or job, nothing shows more dedication than someone who listens and pays attention to detail. PR is a fast-paced environment, so listen to your mentors, model the habits that have made them successful, ask tons of questions and take notes!
Ready to make the plunge into PR? We’d love to hear how these tips work for you! Drop us a line and let us know.