Comments on: Advice for Job Seekers http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/ Marcom - Marketing Communications :: PR/Marcom Pros Mentoring Students Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:38:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: Emily Anne http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-10327 Emily Anne Sat, 31 Mar 2007 20:22:58 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-10327 This is a question for both Josh and John: Paying the dues to organizations can be viewed as commitment to the craft as well as putting in face time, but I am curious about your feelings toward the new PRSA president, William Murray, never having membership until now? Do you think it shows that he is unqualified or that he was a work horse too busy to find the time to make meetings? This is a question for both Josh and John:
Paying the dues to organizations can be viewed as commitment to the craft as well as putting in face time, but I am curious about your feelings toward the new PRSA president, William Murray, never having membership until now?
Do you think it shows that he is unqualified or that he was a work horse too busy to find the time to make meetings?

]]> By: Kristina Wilburn http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-7274 Kristina Wilburn Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:16:39 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-7274 That is great advice. Working in public relations necessitates being involved in pr organizations and networking. I work part time at an ad agency as an intern; they will not hire any student not in the pr council at Auburn. Being involved is very important and may often cost job opportunities. That is great advice. Working in public relations necessitates being involved in pr organizations and networking. I work part time at an ad agency as an intern; they will not hire any student not in the pr council at Auburn. Being involved is very important and may often cost job opportunities.

]]> By: Stephanie http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-6472 Stephanie Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:29:06 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-6472 As Rachel S stated, as students about to enter the job market, we are looking for whatever we can get when it comes to jobs. Many of us will not be able to hand pick companies that belong to certain professional affiliations. After we become established in our careers, we may have this luxury. As for right now, anything that pays is what I will be looking for. Of course, if it came down to deciding between two potential employers, characteristics such as membership in professional organizations might be what tips the balance for my decision. I think that membership in these professional organizations and societies can be helpful, but only if they are truly based on the quality of work and service that the company provides. Simply paying the dues and getting the name recognition would not qualify as something I would look for in a company. As Rachel S stated, as students about to enter the job market, we are looking for whatever we can get when it comes to jobs. Many of us will not be able to hand pick companies that belong to certain professional affiliations. After we become established in our careers, we may have this luxury. As for right now, anything that pays is what I will be looking for. Of course, if it came down to deciding between two potential employers, characteristics such as membership in professional organizations might be what tips the balance for my decision.
I think that membership in these professional organizations and societies can be helpful, but only if they are truly based on the quality of work and service that the company provides. Simply paying the dues and getting the name recognition would not qualify as something I would look for in a company.

]]> By: Rachel S http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-5923 Rachel S Tue, 10 Oct 2006 20:47:01 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-5923 Albeit this is a VERY OLD post, the concepts still apply. I am a graduating senior and have only been to one job fair and it was not hosted by one company in particular. It was hosted by Auburn University. I have also joined the Tiger Recruiting Link which is riddled with companies looking to hire graduates of Auburn University, so I guess you could say that Auburn is promoting these companies as places to work. However, I would never look at a company and think, they don't belong to PRSA, they must not be a reputable company. As a graduating senior I am sad to say I am grabbing what I can and flattered anytime I get a call to do an interview. I certainly do not think they don't belong to PRSA (or whatever the organization is) I don't want to be apart of them. I can see how that may change once you get into the business world, but for now I am thankful for whatever comes my way! Albeit this is a VERY OLD post, the concepts still apply. I am a graduating senior and have only been to one job fair and it was not hosted by one company in particular. It was hosted by Auburn University. I have also joined the Tiger Recruiting Link which is riddled with companies looking to hire graduates of Auburn University, so I guess you could say that Auburn is promoting these companies as places to work. However, I would never look at a company and think, they don’t belong to PRSA, they must not be a reputable company. As a graduating senior I am sad to say I am grabbing what I can and flattered anytime I get a call to do an interview. I certainly do not think they don’t belong to PRSA (or whatever the organization is) I don’t want to be apart of them. I can see how that may change once you get into the business world, but for now I am thankful for whatever comes my way!

]]> By: Meredith http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-3284 Meredith Tue, 20 Jun 2006 02:40:28 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-3284 I think this statement might be slightly over-the-top. Is it possible that there are certain employers who are unable to show at ALL FPRA gatherings? Should a student make the assumption that since a company is not in attendance that therefore that company is a waste of time? So much of society today is all about "zero-tolerance." Sorry, one chance and you're out. That's it, it's over, finito. Maybe I'm too much of a baby for the real world but it seems that if an employer is willing to take a chance on me, than I might need to extend to them that same courtesy. And not jumping to conclusions is the first way to accomplish such. I think this statement might be slightly over-the-top. Is it possible that there are certain employers who are unable to show at ALL FPRA gatherings? Should a student make the assumption that since a company is not in attendance that therefore that company is a waste of time?
So much of society today is all about “zero-tolerance.” Sorry, one chance and you’re out. That’s it, it’s over, finito. Maybe I’m too much of a baby for the real world but it seems that if an employer is willing to take a chance on me, than I might need to extend to them that same courtesy. And not jumping to conclusions is the first way to accomplish such.

]]> By: Tuan http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2702 Tuan Tue, 23 May 2006 23:47:50 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2702 When looking at employers I do not believe that the organizations they belong to are the only merit to judge them upon. Membership in an organization seems like fluff sometimes as John Wagner mentioned. Some people join things just because it makes them look better. Being able to qualify for receiving awards always looks nice to have but seems superficial. I believe the firms work should receive most of the inspection when looking into for a job. Then after seeing what they have accomplished you should be able to look at the staff and see if it a good environment for yourself. Organizations would be my third option to look at because it does deserve some merit. The organizations can help you network within your profession too. Just saying there are more things to look at than just organizational affiliations. When looking at employers I do not believe that the organizations they belong to are the only merit to judge them upon. Membership in an organization seems like fluff sometimes as John Wagner mentioned. Some people join things just because it makes them look better. Being able to qualify for receiving awards always looks nice to have but seems superficial. I believe the firms work should receive most of the inspection when looking into for a job. Then after seeing what they have accomplished you should be able to look at the staff and see if it a good environment for yourself. Organizations would be my third option to look at because it does deserve some merit. The organizations can help you network within your profession too. Just saying there are more things to look at than just organizational affiliations.

]]> By: LC http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2466 LC Mon, 01 May 2006 19:41:57 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2466 I am more inclined to look at volunteer work and pro bono work than professional memberships to meausre the company. However, they are both a good way to see if the message you get from the company matches their actions. One of Lee Hopkins' recent posts talks about internal communication. This is a seemingly insignificant thing, but good communications can foster employee loyalty. I think this is the same way. If you feel that your employer wants to invest in your eduation by joining a professional organization, it inspires loyalty. Is it the best measure? No. Is it the only measure? No. But it can say a lot about a company. I am more inclined to look at volunteer work and pro bono work than professional memberships to meausre the company. However, they are both a good way to see if the message you get from the company matches their actions.

One of Lee Hopkins’ recent posts talks about internal communication. This is a seemingly insignificant thing, but good communications can foster employee loyalty. I think this is the same way. If you feel that your employer wants to invest in your eduation by joining a professional organization, it inspires loyalty. Is it the best measure? No. Is it the only measure? No. But it can say a lot about a company.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2445 Sarah Sun, 30 Apr 2006 17:45:35 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2445 I think that it's important for organizations to be affiliated with professional associations like PRSA, but it doesn't mean that the organization is a bad place to work if they lack this affiliation. I also attended the "Real World" conference that PRSA sponsored. In my opinion, the organizations that were represented at this conference are more credible than other PR organizations. I also think that this holds true for students involved in professional organizations at Auburn University. At Auburn, I was the president of the Auburn University Public Relations Council of Alabama. My boss told me that she only hires Auburn students that are affiliated with AUPRCA because there is no reason PR students should not be affiliated with this organization. I think that all PR majors should be in this organization because it gives students real world experience and it also links students to professionals who are great contacts for networking. It's also free. Profesional associations like PRSA are obviously not free. I think that employers should pay for any employee who wants to be in PRSA. They should encourage membership to build the credibility of their organization and keep their employers active. However, some organizations don't have a budget that allows this. Therefore, I think that although professional affiliations are important, it doesn't mean an organization without this affiliation is a bad place to work. There are other factors that need to be considered. I think that it’s important for organizations to be affiliated with professional associations like PRSA, but it doesn’t mean that the organization is a bad place to work if they lack this affiliation.

I also attended the “Real World” conference that PRSA sponsored. In my opinion, the organizations that were represented at this conference are more credible than other PR organizations.

I also think that this holds true for students involved in professional organizations at Auburn University. At Auburn, I was the president of the Auburn University Public Relations Council of Alabama. My boss told me that she only hires Auburn students that are affiliated with AUPRCA because there is no reason PR students should not be affiliated with this organization. I think that all PR majors should be in this organization because it gives students real world experience and it also links students to professionals who are great contacts for networking. It’s also free.

Profesional associations like PRSA are obviously not free. I think that employers should pay for any employee who wants to be in PRSA. They should encourage membership to build the credibility of their organization and keep their employers active. However, some organizations don’t have a budget that allows this. Therefore, I think that although professional affiliations are important, it doesn’t mean an organization without this affiliation is a bad place to work. There are other factors that need to be considered.

]]> By: Courtney http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2263 Courtney Mon, 24 Apr 2006 21:59:58 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2263 The benefits of membership to these organizations are reasons that job seekers might have for taking special note of the companies involved. Working at a company that recognizes the benefits of membership shows that the company has an eye for collaboration amongst professionals, keeping up with new trends, and a healthy focus on the profession as a whole. Conversation and exchange of ideas and practices make our profession move forward, and forward moving is what companies should be striving for. Another positive for being represented at these conferences is that the companies are interested in helping students. Monica gained much from the conference she attended and helping new professionals shows social responsibility on the part of the company. Granted, some of these organizations cannot claim these ideals as their purpose and that is why solely basing your opinions on this fact might be a bit pre-mature. Many of the professional organizations are all talk and no action. Choice of the organization is important as well. The benefits of membership to these organizations are reasons that job seekers might have for taking special note of the companies involved. Working at a company that recognizes the benefits of membership shows that the company has an eye for collaboration amongst professionals, keeping up with new trends, and a healthy focus on the profession as a whole. Conversation and exchange of ideas and practices make our profession move forward, and forward moving is what companies should be striving for.

Another positive for being represented at these conferences is that the companies are interested in helping students. Monica gained much from the conference she attended and helping new professionals shows social responsibility on the part of the company.

Granted, some of these organizations cannot claim these ideals as their purpose and that is why solely basing your opinions on this fact might be a bit pre-mature. Many of the professional organizations are all talk and no action. Choice of the organization is important as well.

]]> By: Monica Tuerk http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2241 Monica Tuerk Sun, 23 Apr 2006 19:30:30 +0000 http://www.marcomblog.com/2006/04/12/advice-for-job-seekers/#comment-2241 I am having a hard time choosing whether I agree or disagree with your and Bob O'Malley's stance on the FPRA, or any association for that matter, and that only those companies represented by the FPRA are the only good companies to work for. I think that the PRSA association does many great things for new or experienced PR professionals. For instance, a few months ago, I attended the PRSA's "Real World" conference which was held for graduating seniors. This event allowed for us to attend seminars talking about the different aspects of PR, while also allowing us to network and build our contact lists. I also have used their Georgia chapter's website to look for job opportunities in the Atlanta area. However, there are many smaller agencies around the country that do great work and would make a great place to work for, but are not recognized by PRSA or any affiliating chapters. I interned with a small agency last summer, and gained a tremendous amount of experience. I think there are pros and cons to any job, but I don't think that the FPRA or any other chapters are the final say so in where one should work. I am having a hard time choosing whether I agree or disagree with your and Bob O’Malley’s stance on the FPRA, or any association for that matter, and that only those companies represented by the FPRA are the only good companies to work for.

I think that the PRSA association does many great things for new or experienced PR professionals. For instance, a few months ago, I attended the PRSA’s “Real World” conference which was held for graduating seniors. This event allowed for us to attend seminars talking about the different aspects of PR, while also allowing us to network and build our contact lists. I also have used their Georgia chapter’s website to look for job opportunities in the Atlanta area.

However, there are many smaller agencies around the country that do great work and would make a great place to work for, but are not recognized by PRSA or any affiliating chapters. I interned with a small agency last summer, and gained a tremendous amount of experience. I think there are pros and cons to any job, but I don’t think that the FPRA or any other chapters are the final say so in where one should work.

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