Five Ways to a PRoductive Summer

Though school is out, summer isn’t a time to completely relax. Without assignment deadlines, class clients, or professors, it may not seem important or urgent to brush up your PR skills. Summer break allows students to comfortably fix their imperfections and put advice from organizations, such as PRSSA and GrandPR, to use.

Here are five ways students can be PRoductive before the fall semester starts:

1. Job shadow
Find a local professional to job shadow. By looking into a certain niche or organization, students can figure out if it is truly their passion. Do research prior to going into the workplace. During this experience, learn about the professional’s roles and responsibilities, day-to-day functions, and work atmosphere. This can be an eye-opening experience to see what route students should take post-graduation. Also, don't forget to ask questions; professionals love to see driven and passion in students.

2. Intern/volunteer
Internships are valuable commodities in PR. Professors, alumni, and professionals always state students need two or three internships before graduating college and getting into their “big girl/boy” job. Students gain hands-on experience and real work to place in portfolios and resumes. Also become a frequent volunteer, even if it is not PR related. This helps students become well rounded in other professions and subjects. Having experiences working with others and completing tasks efficiently is an accomplishment that can be listed on your resume as well. These experiences are very valuable.

3. Sharpen your PR skills
GVSU students produce a lot of work for clients, such as campaigns and plan books. The beginning stages of the PR process are crucial to know and understand well. Use this free time to clarify the meanings of goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics. Though this sounds like PR 101 information, it is important to have these terms understood to craft great elements for school assignments and future career.

4. Craft your personal brand
As we all know, building a personal brand is important in the PR field. Personal brands allow students to stand out from other individuals within the same major to showcase achievements. One component crucial to this is your social presence. Outlets, such as your social media, LinkedIn, and personal website or blog, help craft a cohesive image of the student and qualities they have. I highly encourage PR students to invest into a website or blog. It is little to no cost, depending on website host, and can tremendously impact your future career and improve writing skills. Also, recrafting and adding recent accomplishments to your resumes and cover letters can help with your brand.

5. Have FUN!
You’ve worked hard all school year - take some time for yourself and have fun! Finding the balance between school/work and personal time is important. Take time for friends, family, significant others, favorite hobbies, and vacations. These outlets can help you move into a happy and creative space.

How are you spending your summer? Let me know, @JailynGlass.

Jailyn Glass, Account Executive | Jailyn is a senior at Grand Valley State University studying Advertising and Public Relations and minoring in Applied Statistics. Her public relations passion is in the beauty and fashion industries. In her spare time, she manages her own blog, stays up-to-date with current news, and relaxes with Pinterest pinning. Her top five strengths, according to the Clifton StrengthsFinder, are Responsibility, Individualization, Futuristic, Restorative, and Strategic.