By Kelsey Batson
I think it is safe to say no high school student truly values the adults in his or her life until he or she hits college. Suddenly, you are stranded in an unfamiliar city with no friends, no laundry service and no money to your name. Now, sitting alone in the smallest dorm room ever, all of those Facebook comments on your mom’s sappy post begin to have meaning. From concerned aunts and uncles to family friends and colleagues, this concern becomes something deeply cherished. And the Walmart gift card found in the mailbox is always the icing on the cake.
Now that each of you have probably experienced these emotions, I hope you have realized connections with our elders are important. In the world of public relations, these connections count. Any acquaintance is worth researching; your ex-girlfriend from sixth grade’s father, your dad’s golfing buddy or your mom’s best friend. These people can become the base to an ever expanding network you’re beginning to create in college. Whatever the relation, tap into it. Set ups are desired, awkwardness only a sad excuse.
Here are a few nuggets of knowledge I’ve discovered over the past couple of years:
Always consider your social media following. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like my parents friends tend to take over my feeds more than my own friends. Instagram is full of the young, hip moms I babysit for. When posting, always consider these connections. They’re almost as important as the friends I want seeing my pictures. Any opinions they are forming from just a few pictures could affect my professional future.
Set up meetings with your parents’ friends. It may seem scary and intimidating, but most likely at some point your parents have already talked you up, so proceed confidently. Ask your parents for some conversation starters; learn some background information and you are golden. Let them share their experiences. Even if their career paths aren’t what you expected, you may discover someone great in their networks.
At least one of these connections will probably lead to an opportunity, so JUMP! The popular saying, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” is true. Whether it’s knowing when and where to apply for an internship or having a voice speaking up for you in the internship decision making process. Maybe it’s even having someone vouch for you to get an internship straight out of freshman year.
Be genuine. You’re 18, 19, 20, 21? Practically an adult. As you grow, age won’t matter as much. So whether you’re building a professional or personal relationship with a 20-something or a 40-something, take it seriously. Be real. Talk about families. Ask questions. Make a genuine impression.
Finally, for those of you who have now read this and still don’t know who to connect with, make sure you’re attending PRSSA. We provide a new connection for you every week. I also can’t discredit the importance of the professional and personal connections you make with PR classmates. On the peer level these connections are something to be valued. They may also lead to future jobs and careers.
To summarize: Set up a Starbucks meeting now, cover your belly on social media, get real and get pumped for your dream internship to come knocking.
Comments