PRacticing Authenticity & How Everything Falls Into Place
I know how frustrating it can be to find something. In the past, I’ve spent hours and hours looking for internships or jobs to help me gain experience in my field. A lack of “two years of experience” made this process difficult. I started to become frustrated because, as much as I was applying myself to these roles, I started to jump any relevant roles open and apply, even if I wasn’t interested.
Eventually, I stopped and asked myself if these roles were going to help me reach my future goals. Hiring managers or employers look for people with potential. People with potential typically enjoy what they do because most people are best at what they love. How you show what you can offer will land you a better opportunity.
Though this process was frustrating, I knew the opportunity was out there. I knew I was looking in the right place, I just had to dive a little deeper. This process taught me to never lose sight of who I truly am. You know who you are better than anyone else and if you aren’t sure what that passion or calling is, try something new that you’ve always been interested in.
I was fortunate enough to land a few interviews and sit in with various companies and agencies. I was able to learn from professionals about what their employers did and along the way, I was able to decipher what interested me and what didn’t, which is something the classroom can't always teach. However, my skills and traits didn’t always resonate with what the company was looking for.
Think but don’t overthink your interviews
Find a method for self-improvement and take initiative. I live for constructive criticism. I crave it because it helps make me a more well-rounded professional. If you don’t take constructive criticism very well, ask the editor to start soft. Remember, the only way to grow is to change.
After interviews, I like to ask for feedback. “Is there anything that would prevent me from getting this role?” I’ve found this incentivizes the interviewer to think more about my skill set and how it correlates to the role. It also gives you an idea of where you stand among the other applicants.
Prepare yourself for the interview. Research research research! Educate yourself on the role you’re applying for and ask yourself: “How am I qualified for this role?” or “How do I resonate with this company?” Make sure the company is a good fit for you and that the morals that you value also align with the company. Expressing those unique traits will most definitely help you to stand out during the interview.
Follow up on interviews. I like to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration for the position. Make sure to add your personal touch to the end.
Rejection or Acceptance, It Is All Going to be Okay
Everyone has had a moment where they were rejected or denied an opportunity. Maybe someone was denied after an interview or never heard back from an employer. Maybe you were rejected within a social situation or you rejected someone else. Rejection happens to the best of us, but if we learn how to approach these situations, we can take advantage of them. Ask yourself: “How do these people stand out?” From certain positions with several hundred applicants, how does that one applicant make their mark?
Try Something New
Growing up, I attended a winter camp where I later became a counselor. This camp offered a climbing and repelling wall. I loved both activities and I knew GVSU had one. I decided to take advantage of my resources and I started showing up at the rock wall at GVSU.
Fast forward to this day: I took a trip out west to learn how to outdoor climb with 2 friends in the AD/PR program. Go after something you’re interested in, you never will know if you’ll love it until you take that initial leap. While rock climbing will probably not be my future career, I found something I truly enjoy doing. If I never would’ve taken the initiative to step out of my comfort zone, I never would’ve had the opportunity to experience it. Take risks and ask yourself: “What is the worst thing that could happen?”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
I made many mistakes during my first interviews. I went in blindsided and I regret not taking the proper steps to prepare. However, with my mistakes, I learned what to do and not do which I feel is some of the best professional development. Finding what you love to do outside of work will guide you to where your heart truly is for work. Learn from the mistakes of others. Prepare and research to find where your interests lie. There will be setbacks down the road but those lessons are where you learn the most. Remember, denial is just another opportunity waiting to be explored.
About Olivia
Olivia Dolley is a second-year Advertising & Public Relations student. This is her first year with GrandPR serving as the Visual Media Coordinator for the firm. Olivia is currently interning with Macmillan Learning as their Editorial and Design Intern. Previously, Olivia worked in the Recreation and Wellness Office at GVSU as their Social Media Marketing Assistant. She is involved with GV PRSSA as the Podcast Host of PRHangover and she works with people from all over Michigan with her Portrait/ Event Photography. Outside of the office, she enjoys competing in CrossFit, rock climbing, and outdoor adventure. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in investor or financial relations.