In today’s troubled economy, more companies are overlooking placing recent grads in positions they once filled. Instead, companies are placing skilled professionals in lower-level jobs. This may seem like a smart idea for your company but is it?  Not only will hiring a mid-to senior-level professional hurt your checkbook, but the chances of that professional staying in their position once the economy “shapes-up”is low.

So why hire a recent grad over an active professional in the workplace? There are dozens of reasons! Recent grads are eager, grateful and THANKFUL for any opportunity presented to them. They want to work, they want the experience and they will walk into your company with a smile on their face. Recent grads are smart, they are fresh out of the classroom and they have learned the most up-to-date skills in their field.

They are fresh with ideas, they are innovators and go-getters. Plus, they are easy to train. Since most of these new grads have never had a full-time position in their field, they are “moldable”. You can train your new employees to work the way you would like them to operate in your business, and they cost a lot less.

Most grads arise from Generation Y, the generation revolving around the growth of social media. These highly ambitious individuals can be huge assets to your company. They are capable of doing more with new media than most current employees, and it comes natural to them.  These secret media pro’s can transform your company and build you a better brand.

And thanks to the World Wide Web, recent grads are natural born researchers. They know how to dig up information, use resources and provide insight to your company. They take risks, think outside of the box and they are determined to bring the very best to your company.

Recent grads carry certain skills that may be difficult to find in professionals who have been out of school for some time. They have the talent your company is looking for, and they have the genuine ambition and drive to be successful (at a lower cost to you!) So take a chance.  When you see a rising star in your field, give them an opportunity to share with you what they are capable of doing. If you aren’t blown away by their passion and talent then maybe they aren’t the right fit for your company; however, those stars are out there. So invest in the new talent. It will not only save you some money, but you may learn a little from them, too.

“Decide what you want, believe you can have it, believe you deserve it, and believe it’s possible for you.” – Jack Canfield

If there is one thing you choose to do in life, let it be to discover your dreams and believe that they can be yours. You may think you know what you want out of life, but have you ever really thought about it? When I graduated, I thought I had everything figured out. I wanted to work in PR and be the best at what I did. But what I didn’t realize was that there are dozens of other things to figure out that come hand-in-hand with PR. Do you want to work in-house, in corporate, in an agency or as a contractor? Do you want to work in non-profit? What is your niche? Do you like media relations, community relations, digital, marketing or events? Where do you want to live? What are your salary requirements? And the list goes on. It’s stressful and if you don’t know what you want or what you are willing to try then you may end up feeling lost or confused.

Without having a clear idea of where you see yourself in your future, you may be leading yourself in the wrong direction. You may be applying to all the wrong opportunities and missing out on the right ones. So take some time to think about the goals and challenges you would like to meet. Work out a mental map on how you can meet your goals, because if you do, your dreams will become yours. You have to believe it, feel it and do what you can to get there. You never know where your life may lead you, so be ready to show this world all the dreams you have mapped out for yourself.

So grab a pen and paper and spend some time thinking about your life. What are your goals? Make a list and break down those goals into segments: Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? And even ten? Take those goals you have set out for yourself in the ten year mark and figure out how you can get there by working backwards. What will you have to do from now until then to make your dreams come true?

When I started my search for the perfect career, I realized I was doing everything wrong. I saw where I wanted to be today and not where I want to be in ten years. My scattered list of dreams had added a lot of extra stress into my life and into my job search.  I had felt intense pressure to make the “right decision” for every choice I had to make. But the truth is there is never a perfect decision. Plans change and so do your dreams. But if you have a clear idea of what you want, chances are your life will lead you towards your goals.

Remember, your dreams and goals may change. In fact, they probably will. But that’s okay; if you set yourself up for the future you always dreamed of, chances are your life will lead you in the right direction. So dream away…

“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.”

~ Cadet Maxim

Since graduation, I’ve been searching for the right road towards my adult life. I’ve spent hours watching the stars thinking about my future and where it will lead me. How will I get there? Where is there? What if I make a wrong decision? Dozens of questions occupy my daily thoughts. But one thing life has taught me is to always follow my dreams and never settle for anything less than that.

“Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I always listen to my instincts. They have led me to amazing, incredible places. My inner thoughts have shown me a world I don’t know I would have ever found if I didn’t listen to them. Now, life seems a lot more challenging. I’m on my own, and if I mess up it’s me to blame. But, taking risks is what life is all about. Life is about the adventure of finding yourself and the road you are meant to be on.

I’m following my dreams…all of them and you should, too. No matter how scared you are to take that leap; jump.  If you chase your dreams and it doesn’t work out the way you planned well, at least you know you tried. You can live knowing that you did everything you set your heart out to do. And if you “fail”, you still gained an experience you will learn and grow from.

“Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own, instead of someone else’s.”

~ Billy Wilder

The most successful people in this world have gotten to where they are now by taking risks. At one time in their lives, they were at the same stepping stones we are taking right now. They were afraid of losing it all, but they kept their dreams in sight and went for them. They fought for what mattered to them and they didn’t settle.

That’s what we need to do.  If your heart is telling you to go somewhere and your dreams are in reach, take that chance and become the person you dream of becoming. We only have one life to live. Don’t waste it wishing you took that leap. Go wherever your dreams may lead you. You will be glad you did.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

~ Mark Twain

While I’m in search for the perfect job, I have made many goals for myself. I have realized that this time “off” is very special. I have the opportunity to do things I haven’t been able to partake in since my hectic life as a college student began. Now, I have the freedom to try new things, go to new places and enjoy the hobbies I love. So, while I am diligently looking for my new place in this world, I will take advantage of living each moment of my life to the fullest.

26 things to do as a recent graduate:

1. Travel. After graduation, I took a three week trip overseas. I traveled to the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Monaco, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. It was an indescribable experience that changed my life. I learned dozens of things I didn’t even know I didn’t know.
2. Learn a new language. This is not only something that will personally challenge you, but it will also help widen your skills in the job market. Plus, once you pick up the basics, it makes traveling a lot more exciting!
3. Get involved with a non-profit organization. Volunteering is not only rewarding, but it is fun. It is a great way to stay busy and make new friends while doing something good for the community.
4. Organize your life. After years of school, it is easy to begin a collection of “junk”. Take this time to go through your belongings and organize your documents. This is a fun way to reminisce about the past. Plus, it is proven that less clutter improves productivity. All right!
5. Donate your items to Good Will. Your old items may become someone else’s treasure.
6. Get active! Ride your bike, go for a hike, canoe, rollerblade, try a new fitness class and go for a walk. This can change your life.
7. Read for fun. Throughout my academic years, school took over my life. I had hundreds of books on my “want to read” list, but I never had time to read because of school. Now, time is on our side.
8. Have fun with H20. I have never been a big fan of swimming, but I absolutely love the water. I plan on spending my days exploring new beaches and collecting shells. To me, there is nothing better than being one with nature.
9. Become a pro-chef! I love to cook, but let’s face it, I’ve dedicated more time to public relations than I have my diet. So this summer I will become a master chef! Who knows, maybe one day I will become so talented that I will have my own cooking show! Anything is possible!
10. Reconnect with family and friends. After a demanding few years in college, it’s time to play catch up with the ones you care about. Now is the perfect time to reach out to new and old friends and re-build relationships.
11. Run a race for charity. I have always been an active individual, but I have never had the courage to run a 5k. This summer I will run and I will love it!
12. Reminisce on past experiences. I love looking back on my life and remembering where I came from. Now is the time to put together homemade videos and scrapbooks that will recapture those memories.
13. Try new restaurants, shops and cafes. After returning from Europe, I’ve realized how “scheduled” my life has become. I go to the same restaurants and cafes each week rarely trying new places. My new goal is to push away from that conformity. It’s time to step out of the box and try new things.
14. Do what you love. I have so many hobbies, but I hardly partake in any of them because there is always “so much to do”. This summer, I’m making the time to do what I long to do. I will feed the ducks, redesign my house and write. There are too many wonderful experiences out there; dive into what you love.
15. Movie marathon night with your friends. I don’t know about you, but ever since I started college, my movie-going days have come and gone. A movie marathon night is a perfect way to catch up with friends and have fun!
16. Make a bucket list. I know this may seem a little crazy but it’s worth it. Life is meant to be enjoyed. So write down everything you want to accomplish in life, big and small, and create an on-going bucket list. This will keep you both focused and active.
17. Do something that scares you and do it often. The things that have shaped my life are those things I have accomplished that terrify me. Those experiences have helped build my character. Challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid of the unknown.
18. Babysit. Believe it or not, you will learn more from children than you think. Kids have innocence, a sense of adventure and a carefree-spirit that is so hard to find in adults. Spending time with kids will help you rediscover yourself. Plus, it is an excuse to act like a kid all over again.
19. Do things that you wouldn’t normally do. For example, go to the zoo or the aquarium. I have had some of the most amazing experiences doing activities that most young adults wouldn’t really find interest in anymore. It’s all about the adventure! So, why not?
20. Attend local sporting events. There are dozens of events going on all year round. Go to the football, basketball, baseball, hockey, tennis, soccer and rugby games. It may even inspire you to go out there and play some ball yourself!
21. Become a mentor. Building relationships and helping others is what life is all about.
22. Pay attention to the news. Learn everything you can and use your time to absorb and learn the history of our nation.
23. Try new things. Let the adventure of the unknown take you to new places. Don’t let it discourage you.
24. Go to concerts, festivals, carnivals and shows. They are there for a reason.
25. Keep applying! This time spent in search for your future is great, but don’t take advantage of it too much. It is a gift and it isn’t meant to last too long! (This is why it is so special). Always remember why you went to school and what your career goals are. Work is fun! So spend your time networking and learning all about new possibilities.
26. Live your life and enjoy it!

In the blink of an eye my college graduation arrived and disappeared. That day, when I walked across the stage, my entire college career seemed to flash before my eyes, and now, I stare face to face with my unknown destiny.

My professors, mentors and friends gave me a slight inkling at what this life after a degree would look like but no words can describe that feeling until you actually get there yourself. It’s scary, mind-blowing and yet exciting. I have the entire world at my fingertips. I am in charge of my future. I can go wherever my heart desires, and I can follow the path to life I’ve always dreamed of. The only problem is; how in the world do I get there?

With my new degree in hand, I have found myself jobless fighting against thousands of other candidates for the same positions. The suffering economy has brought an intense level of competition amongst recent grads. To land a good job it now takes a lot more than “just applying”. It takes skills, unique traits, ambition and creativity to even catch a glance from HR. So what do you do when you find yourself on the stepping stones to a new career somewhere in between a degree and a job?

Below, are the guidelines I’ve set for myself during my search for the perfect career:

1. Create a list of things you want out of life. Where do you see yourself? What do you want to do? Do you have a preference on where you would like to live? What is your desired salary?
2. Research. Figure out which cities are seeking recent grads for work and which states have low unemployment rates. Discover job Web Sites that target your field for work opportunities.
3. Take your list and align it with a job opportunity that seems fit. Do your interests/needs match up with what is required for you in this job? Would you be happy with this location?
4. Update your resume, cover letters and portfolio. If your information is out dated, chances are, the company will over look you. Companies want someone who takes priority in keeping up-to-date with important documents and right now, that document is you.
5. Network. Network. Network. Even if your friends are in different areas of work, you’d be surprised with who they may know.
6. Be open to new information and opportunities. Be careful not to shut the door on something new to you. That opportunity may be something you may enjoy.
7. Volunteer. If you are having a difficult time finding a full-time job, volunteering is a good way to try new things, help a good cause, meet new people and discover new things you may be good at.
8. Keep updated on social media. Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook are great sites for networking and they can be a great tool for letting people know you are on the job market. On Twitter, sign up for city job listings. The updates will go directly to your page. Keep your social media pages professional.
9. Continue learning even after your degree. Your time spent “off” during your job hunt can become valuable time you can enrich your skills. Read books, practice what you do best and do what you can to keep up-to-date with everything that is going on in your field.

This “in between” time can be scary but it is exciting. Remember to take the time to develop a plan and breathe. It’s okay if you don’t find that perfect opportunity right after college, but don’t give up or give in.

Remember this: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” Life after graduation is a gift. We, as recent grads, have the entire world in front of us. We can decide where we want to live, who we want to become and how we are going to get there. So never give up on your search for complete happiness. You will find your place in this “life after college” world, I promise. We will all do it together.

It has been awhile since my last post, and I have missed it terribly. These last few months have been a time of self-discovery. It has been a time to think about my future, my dreams and where I want to go in life and in my career. Graduation is in three short months and as each day passes, I feel a little more uneasy about the future. There are so many things to think about and so many decisions to make. It is a scary time.

The unknown has always been frightening to me. I am a planner, someone who always knows where they will be in life. But, for the first time, I really have no idea where I am going. I have a “plan” and I know where I’d like to be and where I hope my dreams will lead me. But for the first time, I have no idea where my path is going to take me.

One thing I do know is that these days, the moments I’m living right now, these are the days I will remember. This is the time to take chances. It is the time for excitment and personal growth. My journey into adulthood begins now. So as much as I fear the future, I am soaking it in. I am enjoying the unknown and someday soon, I will look back on these defining moments and will laugh. These are the moments that shape my life, and shape who I will become. The future will unravel itself as each day passes. The adventure begins today, and I ‘m ready for the ride.

My last semester in the public relations department has been very rewarding. I’ve taken away many skills, and I have grown in so many ways. Throughout the process I learned the true meaning of teamwork and how important it is to build trust within your group.

In my Advanced Public Relations course at the University of South Florida, small teams were created to develop and implement a public relations campaign for a client in the Tampa Bay area. It was an incredible experience that taught me about life, commitment, balance and of course, public relations.

I had a fabulous team that motivated, inspired and worked together to develop a successful campaign for our client. Throughout the various stages of the campaign, my team was there to support one another and to provide feedback and constructive criticism to each member.  Our campaign would not have been what it became without the leadership and teamwork that was exhibited through each member. They were incredible.

My team supported one another even when the clock could not provide us with any extra time. We pulled all-nighters and found ways to make each other laugh when bumps in the road became up-hill climbs. Together, we got through every step, side by side.

Each member had different duties that were their personal responsibilities. My team, however, recognized the importance of teamwork and united together throughout the entire campaign process. We shared our ideas, our skills and our individual talents  to create a campaign that our client can use to further their organization’s success.

Without the support and the constant teamwork from each member, our campaign would not have been what it became. Teamwork is an essential tool to lead a business to success. It is what lead my team to victory.

“Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success.”  -Henry Ford

Have you ever stopped to think about the future? Where we will be, and how we will get there? Well, how about the future of your career? In 20 years what changes will there be in society? What changes will arise in 60 years?

Now, think about the future of public relations. What will it look like? Will there be computer engines writing entire press releases for us? Will there be robots editing our news stories? The possibilities are endless.

I grew up in a generation of technology. When I was ten-years-old I started using the internet. I was fascinated by it, and I learned much of my computer savvy knowledge as a kid. I was using HTML when I was 13-years-old. I was destined for a future in the media.

That was back in the day of basic media, internet 1.0. So imagine the kids we will be competing for jobs with in the future; the kids who know Facebook, Twitter, Google Wave and every other social media websites better than we do. So how will we stand out?

The industry is continuing to create an overflow of people in this profession. The future of PR will only increase job competition. If you thought it was bad now, just wait 25 years. More people are taking notice to this career, and more people want in. It will be a rough playing field for everyone.

Before we know it, PR 2.0 will blossom into PR 3.0. It will continue to develop with or without our understanding of it. The future of PR is within us all. But, other generations are naturally becoming smarter thanks to technological advancements. This means, we cannot get stuck in past generational trends. We need to keep up-to-date with everything…literally.

So, before PR 2.0 passes you by, engage yourself in social media, the news, new PR trends and technology. Spend more time learning and less time watching television. In this industry only the best will survive.

PR will always be advancing, will you?

In the days of trend setters and social media, business adaptation is the key to success. If a public relations or business professional wants to keep a successful future in mind, the professionals will need to make a strong investment in social media.

The struggle with social media is that not everyone understands it’s potential. Many people think it is too difficult to learn, and these people will give up before giving it a fair chance. However, what these people don’t understand is that by not adapting to the new business trends they could potentially miss out on future opportunities for success.

Social media is the answer to many companies’ prayers. It provides constant connection, feedback and opportunities for businesses and publics to connect. Thousands of companies and business owners have caught on to the importance of utilizing social media, but there are still thousands of companies that don’t understand its purpose.

When social media is used properly it will attract new and current publics. It is a tool to connect audiences to information and other people who share similar interests. Brian Solis, author of Putting the Publics Back into Public Relations said, “We cannot stress enough that these conversations (social media) are taking place with or without you, so ignoring them just eliminates you from the conversation and the radar screens of your customers.”

If you do not adapt to social changes your company may fail to succeed. Your company is being talked about through social trends whether you utilize social media or not. Why not use it to help create positive discussion?

Too many people still refuse to adapt to the change.  Far too often companies become stuck in their own ways, and forget to stay on top of the new trends in social technology. To succeeded today, there is no time to step away from social media.

Many people assume it is too difficult to learn and they walk away from all social media tactics. This can hurt a business because the rise of competition is so high. If your number one competitor is reaching out to its audience(s) through social media, and your company is not, your company will likely lose customers and this can threaten its success.

I believe every professional should experience social media. For along time, I didn’t understand the importance of Twitter. I thought it was dumb, and I couldn’t see the gift it had to offer professionals across the globe. The only way I was able to understand its importance was by adapting to the change and trying to understand it. After I dove in, I realized how great Twitter really was. I researched Twitter and asked questions. Before I knew it I was fascinated with the program as I still am today.

I love engaging in social media because it gives me the opportunity to speak out and communicate with others. I can use it in so many ways to help benefit my career.

Tara’s Tips on Social Media Adaptation for the business:

1. Try social media. If it is used properly it should help your business grow.
2. Understand your publics. Not every target audience is best suited for social media. If your target public is a younger demographic stick to social media. If the demographic is older stick to traditional forms of media.
3. Research social media and its trends. Many social media sites offer more tools than noted at first glance. Take a look at blogs, help pages and books for more information on how to reach your target audiences.
4. Talk to a PR professional and listen to their advice. PR professionals usually understand how social media can benefit or hurt your company. They are there to help you and your organization grow.
5. If your company is not sure how to get started with social media, hire a social media intern. Interns are a great way of getting extra help and better understanding social media. Students are one of the largest populations utilizing social trends, and they are very knowledgeable. Plus, they want the experience, and they will usually work for free!

Over all, Social media adaptation is the tool to your business success, but it does take a lot of time and knowledge to develop the audiences you are searching for. Be patient, and take the time to experience different trends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone has to learn somehow. The best way to learn is by taking the plunge even when you don’t think you have the time. If you make the time, it will pay off in the end.

For more information, take a look at a list of books that will help lead you to social media success.

Putting The Publics Back In Public Relations

The Social Media Bible

Twitter Power

The Facebook Era

Facebook The Missing Manual

The Twitter Book

Grown Up Digital

As I sit back in class listening to a lecture on American history, I start to think about mankind and where we, as a species, have come from. As humans, we have evolved and advanced in so many ways. We have changed, we have grown and we have created a beautiful world that is filled with opportunity. As I envision this world hundreds of years ago, I begin to think about the things in life that have stayed constant over time.  One thing that sticks straight out in my mind is communication. Communication is something humans have always needed, and it has always been used and wanted, but there has always been issues in proper utilization.

Before the invention of computers, television, radio, newspapers, telephones and even typewriters there was a world of people who communicated strictly through language. They used hieroglyphics and body movement to reach out to one another. These people didn’t have the ease of communicating like we do today.

Nowadays, somewhere along the lines of traditional media the audience has been forgotten. These publics have been left without a voice, and they have been waiting for the opportunity to speak out. With the arrival of social media, their time has finally come. Now, as more technology advances it is easier to participate in two-way communication. But, sometimes PR practitioners forget the purpose of two-way communication, and they don’t fully utilize the gift of social media.

With the rise of twitter and other social media outlets we can send messages to anyone, anywhere at any time. As public relations specialists, we are stepping foot into a media world full of opportunity. We cannot forget the benefits of reaching out to our publics and fellow business associates. We have the opportunity to utilize communication to its full potential, and yet thousands of media professionals ignore the tools that can lead us to better places.

Brian Solis, author of Putting the Publics Back in Public Relations, talks about social media and how people should use it to reach target audiences. He digs deep into new communication tactics, and the reasons why we need to rekindle our relationships with our publics. In his topic on marketing and PR he brings up the point that we need to “socialize to survive.” This meaning, we need to get out there and talk with people to build relationships. In his book, Solis discusses surviving through socializing and why it is important. He said “It’s the ability to identify meaningful conversations, comprehend them, determine those valuable enough to participate, and then feed that collective insight back into the organization for positive change.”

In a new social community, with millions of opportunities to reach out to people, we need to branch out and build relationships. These relationships are not strictly between clients and audiences, but also between businesses to businesses. “The goal is to connect brands, and the people representing them, to new groups of important people in the places where they discover and share new content and, in turn, interact with each other,” Solis said in chapter 14 titled The New “Marketing” Rules.

In a world where people need to unite together to succeed, people are finding differences to pull themselves apart. Media professionals need to put any differences aside and work together to utilize every tool that may benefit their main goal. One part of the new marketing rules is getting to know your target audience and realizing that they are people. These people need to be properly communicated to, and they need to have the opportunity to communicate back. These people are important, we all are, and we need to better understand them to better utilize proper two-way communication.