6 Tips for Graduating Interns

These past seven months with Come Recommended have been amazing. It’s definitely hard to bid my farewell to this internship, which has taught me many skills and enabled me to connect with a talented team. I have gathered a few tips for interns who like me are bidding farewell to their internships.

1. Ask for a recommendation – While your tasks are still fresh in your intern supervisor’s mind, make sure you request a written letter of recommendation. Use common sense before you ask. Did you perform above standards or were you continually having to be reminded of your role within the organization?
2. Leave on great terms – Please don’t burn any bridges. So not cool. You never know when your professional paths may meet again, so keep a positive and professional demeanor. If need be, be the bigger person!
3. Stay connected – Continue to foster relationships with your intern teammates and your supervisor through the digital space. Maintain a professional rapport and check-in to see what your teammates are up to.
4. Send tailored thank you notes – A must do! Please send a timely and tailored note to the key individuals who have helped you along the way. Genuine notes are refreshing and are great to receive! Be real and authentic in your notes.
5. Record all the facts - While the internship is still fresh in your mind, make sure your record any exceptional performances or awards you received. Were you recognized by your intern supervisor for something special? Did you make a measurable impact with one of your projects? What transferrable skills did you acquire or apply in this internship that can be applied in your future job? Make sure you jot down the answers to all these questions because they will come handy in your next interview when the interviewee asks you what you took out of this internship.
6. Get excited – You’re done! You’ve worked hard with your internship, and now it’s time to reap the benefits. You’re ready to apply your knowledge, skills and great attitude into the real world. Make sure you go out there with a positive attitude and a fresh outlook. Don’t be afraid to face challenges or to learn new skills.

That’s all folks! That is it from me, your corporate relations intern (2009) and editorial content intern (2010).

I have had a wonderful time connecting with you incredible readers! Thank you to those who have engaged themselves with Inside CR by retweeting posts, posting comments and more.

Also, thank you Heather Huhman and the entire Come Recommended team. You guys have been amazing to work with, and I could not have asked for a better team. Wish you all much success in your future endeavors.

Good luck everyone and my best,

Sunaina

Twitter: SunainaTweets

5 Tips for the Class of 2010

It’s incredibly hard to believe that in two weeks I will have completed my graduate studies. This year at Georgetown University has taught me so much, and I’m grateful to many people.  If any readers are looking to receive their master’s in public relations/corporate communications, I would highly recommend exploring the Masters in Professional Studies program.

I know there are many readers who will be graduating this May and here are some tips I’d like to offer you.

1. Stay Connected:

Keep in touch with people who you admire. This can include other students, professors or career counselors. The point is to surround yourself with smart and trusted advisors who like you and want to see you succeed. Remember to foster a two-way relationship, though.

2. Express Gratitude:

It is important to express gratitude and show appreciation. There is a multitude of industry professionals I admire from the MPS program (Kathy Baird, Don Neal, Mark Story, Mike Long, Garrett Graff, Cheryl Haas, Sheri Winston, Allison Barber, Angela Mills, Jennifer Gilman, Shayna Englin and Frank Walter), who have given me new insights from their experiences.   I am so grateful to them!

3. Create Your Portfolio:

Your portfolio is an extension of you. Collect your best pieces to demonstrate your talent. Also consider creating a digital portfolio to enhance your online presence.

4. Enhance Your Online Presence:

I’ve touched on this subject before. Take ownership of your brand! You are what is presented of you online, so please manage the content that is being distributed. Make sure you set up Google alerts to track the times your name pops up in search engines, so that you can actively monitor your presence on the Web.

5. Give Back:

In my opinion, one of the most rewarding feelings in life is to help others. The feeling is amazing, regardless of the magnitude of the task. Trust me on the simple laws of karma. The more you genuinely give the more comfortable in your own skin you will feel.  Try it out! Help a friend with something you’re great at or volunteer with your soon-to-be alma mater.

Good luck to the graduating class of 2010!

My Thoughts on Unpaid Internships

There has certainly been a lot of coverage recently regarding the law banning unpaid internships. While I agree that employers who abuse interns with 40+ hour weeks is absolutely insane, I do think some unpaid internships still provide educational, real-life experiences. In addition, many nonprofits and small businesses that have educational internship programs may have to kill their long-standing internship programs due to this government crack-down. Marc Hausman’s blog post pretty much sums up my thoughts on this issue. Please take a read.

In the midst of all the coverage regarding this issue, I have created the following list of valuable skills and qualities that have learned while being on this wonderful, unpaid internship.

• Opportunity to engage with different personalities: The workplace will certainly have all sorts of personalities and internships are a great way to get a sneak peak of them.

• Improving my writing: I have been given writing assignments that range in versatility from creative content to strategic public relations. Basically, each assignment has encouraged me to think and exercise my public relations writing skills, which I will enviably need in the professional world.

• Improving my strategic thinking skills: Interning at Come Recommended has given me vast opportunities to encourage strategic thinking. Heather encourages brainstorming sessions, team meetings and both individual and team projects, which all promote me to think on my feet!

• Exercising creativity: One thing I love about my internship here are the individual and team projects. Heather gives us a lot of independence and room for creative thinking, which is wonderful practice for what employers will expect of me.

• Practicing teamwork: At Come Recommended, I am currently working on a leadership project with my teammate Tyrone Gayle. Through Skype meetings, teleconferences, and e-mail correspondences, both Tyrone and I are exercising teamwork through a virtual internship. Being able to work in a team is a quality every employer seeks in their candidates. I’m glad this internship promotes strengthening ties with team members.

Overall, this is the second semester that I have been interning with Heather. This is not a paid internship and maybe some people will look down upon that. However, I have much respect for the quality of work that is assigned to me, and I take my internship very seriously. I’m sticking around a second semester because this internship provides me with value and not mundane tasks like fetching coffee. I am a passionate believer of working hard and reaping the benefits of that, and I am confident that along with my ambition and hard work, this extraordinary internship program will open many doors for me in the future.

5 Things I’ve Learned About the Job Search Process

1. You better do your research.

With digital technology at our fingertips, there is simply no excuse to not research a company or individual. This means immersing yourself in blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn profiles, and alerts from outlets like Google News to be informed and educated. My professor, Don Neal, always told our class that preparation is the key to success and feeling confident.

2. Ask great questions and listen before you sell.

Everyone appreciates an active listen, especially a prospective employee. Make sure you ask smart and meaningful questions in order to determine and understand the needs of the organization. Only then must you start “selling” the unique skills you can offer to the organization.  Remember, using a “one size fits all” will not work for every employer!

3. Be open to new opportunities.

I have a list of my target agencies where I’d loved to work, but I also keep an open mind for smaller boutique PR firms where I could also contribute my skills and knowledge.  Keep your options open and don’t limit your choices.

4. You must use your time strategically.

Digital technology and social networking tools definitely make it easier to connect with prominent folks in your industry. However, keep in mind that at the end of the day people hire people, and it’s important to spend your time and energy connecting in-person with these individuals. I’m not a fan of simply exchanging business cards, but I am a fan of building relationships with people and learning from key individuals who like you and are willing to help.

5. It’s a proactive process and we are in the driver’s seat.

We are in control of this crazy ride and the harder (and smarter) we work, the closer we will be to our dream jobs. It’s important to understand this concept that we control this search process and that enjoying this journey is a must!

Tags: Don Neal

3 Networking Tips from Brian Batchelder

A few weekends ago, a group of fellow Georgetown graduates and myself had the opportunity to attend Brian Batchelder’s extraordinary networking seminar, held at our Clarendon campus.

Brian Batchelder is a career coach who specializes in teaching his clients proactive networking strategies and tactics. At our seminar, Brian engaged us by discussing the importance of using our time strategically during our job search process. He even advised us to, “never apply to another job posting again!”

I found Brian’s networking strategies to be extremely beneficial. The following are just a snapshot of a few the many helpful strategies and tactics that Brian presented during the seminar:

1. Talk in terms of the company’s interest:

Brian effectively explained that it is never about the candidate, but rather, what that candidate has to offer to a prospective employer. He suggests candidates must listen first, and diagnose what is missing in the mix. Based on the company’s needs, candidates should put a mosaic together of transferable skills around the needs of the employer and to further.

“Creating a value proposition of the skills that the candidate has to offer based off these company needs eliminates the guess-work of hiring managers.” Brian explained that it critical that employers do not have to the do guess-work and that candidates make their valuable skills and assets apparent, tailored, and enticing.

2. Show them, don’t just tell them:

I loved this suggestion. Brian stressed the importance of “demonstrating how much you want the job by taking action.” This includes leveraging digital technology to actively demonstrate to your contacts the depth of knowledge you possess regarding the issues that interest your contacts.  Remember, it’s not about you!

3. Determination and commitment:

Brian reminded our class that the job search can be a daunting process so we need to enjoy it by believing in the process, and by not sweating the small stuff. Also, we must enjoy meeting new people and genuinely delivering value to them.

He asked our class the following question:

“Would you really want to be applying to a bazillion jobs online or would you rather have coffee or lunch with professions in industry to cultivate professional relationships?”

Good point, Brian.

Overall, Brian was an extraordinary speaker and I definitely encourage my readers to visit Brian’s blog for more of his smart insights!

Tags: brian batchelder

3 Reasons My Internship Rocks

For those of you without at least two internships under your belt before graduation, I would definitely recommend starting one ASAP. Being in the PR and communications field, it was important for me to intern in the industry prior to graduation. For those that think internships take too much time, I would suggest considering virtual internships that integrate between classes, part-time work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other college-life activities.

I have had the opportunity to work for Heather and the CR team for two semesters — first as a corporate relations intern and now as an editorial content intern. There are many reasons why I love my internship, but I present to you the top three.

1. Independent projects to spruce up my skills.

My assignments are constantly changing, and they help create a dynamic internship. Most of my assignments involve written communications, but I have had the opportunity to use critical thinking skills and strategic application in past assignments. I get immediate feedback, which enables me to learn and strengthen my skills. This practice with independent projects is great experience for my future career in public relations.

2. Networking opportunities.

Although the only person I have met IRL is Heather, the entire team is a great bunch. We all help each other out and collective strive for CR’s mission. I know that when I leave this internship, I will have made professional contacts and I will have the opportunity to continue to connect with my team through social media platforms.

3. Virtual flexibility.

This is probably one my favorite aspects of this internship. This absolutely flexibility of it is amazing! Being able to virtually connect with my team and Heather is simply incredible. Some would question the effectiveness of virtual internships, but I argue that for busy people like myself (full-time graduate student with a full-time job), this is the way to fit time in for gaining experience and broadening skills. Social media platforms make the internship entertaining and successful.

So there you have it! My reasons for loving what I do. For those of you looking to add an internship under your belt with a credible organization, I would strongly recommend contacting Heather for information on the latest internship or job opportunities with CR.

Are You a Positive Person?

This past week I had dinner with a close friend who recently landed his dream job with a Fortune 500 company after several months of being in the job market. Although I consider myself up to par with career advice and I am constantly immersing myself in tips for the job search, I must admit he provided some simple insights help during our conversation. I’d like to share that bit of advice with the Come Recommended community and other job seekers:

Stay motivated and don’t give up.

That’s it. Can you believe how simple yet deep that is? I can’t express how helpful this small tip meant to me.

As many Generation Y job candidates know, the job search process is challenging. However, we must not view it as daunting process. As strange as this may sound to some, we must actually enjoy going out to meet new people (networking). We must enjoy discussing our skills, knowledge, future goals and value-added strengths that will be beneficial to future employers. More importantly, we must be ourselves and authentic. We must not succumb to the distress of being on the job hunt for what seems like eons, but rather we must keep at it. That is what differentiates the ones who succeed and find their dream jobs versus the ones who complain and whine about their “bad luck.”

Some activities I take part in for staying positive include taking a break from it all to engage in healthy activities like Bollywood dance and Bikram yoga classes.  Also, I have a strong support system and I recommend the CR community find their own, too, because these individuals will be the ones to constantly uplift your spirits. They certainly do for me!

Lastly, I know my strengths and I embrace them. I am happy about where I am in life and the various accomplishments that I have achieved. It is healthy to remind yourself of the blessings and to regularly count your blessings and be thankful for all that you have achieved. This will counter any negativity you may be feeling and will encourage you to keep on working hard towards your goals with 100 percent dedication.

Sure, the job market is tough, and sure competition is quite high, but never ever lose faith in your goals. Afterall, you are the driver in this job search and you control this grand expedition.

Don’t Be Afraid to Specialize

I recently read an excellent book by Seth Godin titled, “Purple Cow.” After reading it, I thought the strategies Godin describes could definitely be applied to job seekers. Godin explains that it is important to become so niche to the organization that you cannot be replaced. Now all I want to do is become a purple cow.

I am interested in healthcare and hoping to utilize my sector knowledge in conjunction with my public relations training at Georgetown to give value to one of my target organizations. Many people have told me it is important to be an integrated communications professional and keep my skill set broad, because for junior-level professional is it important to be able to move around within the organization. Other mentors have told me to find my own niche and specialize in that area in order to be an expert in that sector.

In my research, I have found that working for a small office will allow me to become a “jack of all trades,” while larger offices will require that I am more specialized with niche sectors in mind. Either way, I think it is important for all job seekers to keep in mind that it is important to mold your transferable skills and sector knowledge around your prospective or current target organizations. I found this concept of molding skills around an organization very interesting. For example, I have sector knowledge, language skills, and banking experience — and it’s all about how I package this for my prospective employers.

Remember to Engage Your Job References

I recently read a very interesting article regarding references, and two thoughts immediately struck me:

1) Why is this step of finding the right reference(s) often overlooked by job candidates?
2) Why are we forgetting our manners when seeking help?

References may influence your placement within the company or even compensation:

Candidates spend hours attending networking events, revamping their resumes, personalizing their cover letters and yet such a crucial aspect of the job search process is so often overlooked. Why? References have insights on your work ethic, professional conduct and academic abilities. These people can strongly influence your future position within a company.

Not only is it mandatory to have strong professional references, but many mentors have also encouraged me to know what these references would say when called by an employer. It is no longer enough to have consent from someone that they will be your reference. It is now crucial that candidates ask smart and proactive questions to discover what in fact these references would say about them! Worst nightmare for a job-seeker: choosing the wrong reference!

But, don’t forget your manners:

Once you have found the perfect reference, remember to remember your manners. A simple gesture can mean so much. I think job seekers are so engaged in the entire search process that they sometimes forget their manners. So, this is just a reminder from a fellow job seeker to another to always demonstrate gratitude for the career help and advice that you receive. Whether you receive advice from a friend, family member, employer, professor or mentor, it is still important to say “thanks.”

This step is crucial to differentiate yourself in the mind of that individual. Plus, they will probably be more willing to continue helping you in the future if you remember your manners. I know our generation is immersed in the Internet age, where digital and mobile technologies allow us to stay connected at fast rates, but forgetting to say courtesies such as “please” and “thank you” are simply non-negotiable.

That being said, I am so thankful for my professors, friends and family, current and past employers, and careers mentors who continue to inspire me and provide me with guidance and valuable insight.

Tags: mentors, references

The Secrets of Time Management

Hi, readers!

I’m back with my first blog post of the New Year, and I’m delighted to be back on board with the Come Recommended. This spring, I will be working as the editorial content intern, and I will have the opportunity to do a lot more reading and writing for CR.

But first, I have a serious question for you – our readers:

How many times have you looked at that daunting whiteboard with unchecked tasks to complete and thought to yourself, “Why aren’t there more hours in the day?”

I know I have been guilty of doing this many times! Thus, I have compiled a list of tips to improve your time management skills.

Let’s get started:

1. Set up a timer to keep yourself on track: Timing each task is  a great way to stick to your schedule, and avoid getting off course. According to Pierre Khawand’s guest blog post on Life After College, the benefits include a heightened awareness of time and the a sense of purpose with the task at hand.
2. Designate times for your social network: According to an article written by BNet’s Richard Young, it is imperative that we prioritize our time and use of social networks. Information overload surrounds us in the form of e-mail and social networks, and burns-up our brain cells, leaving us lethargic to complete our top-priority tasks. I’m certainly not encouraging disengaging yourself from your social networks. I’m simply encouraging you to use your time and energy more usefully by allotting short and scheduled periods integrated within your schedule to devote to your social networks. And use your timer for  those periods too!
3. Seize your most energetic time of the day: Last Fall, we had a great intern Caroline who discussed how she would seize her mornings to create a schedule for that entire day because mornings were when she was most alert and energetic. I am definitely a morning person, as well, so I stick by this tip daily and it works wonders. Sure — waking up early is a pain but I find so much can be accomplished in those early hours. Discover your most energetic time of the day, and seize it. Thanks, Caroline, for that tip!
4. Create realistic mini goals and long-term goals for yourself: It’s important to prioritize the tasks that need to be completed and those that can be accomplished over a span of a time. Do not stress yourself out by overestimating yourself, your time or your other priorities.
5. Stay optimistic  – it’s not the end of the world: We all fall off tasks here and there because, afterall, we are human. Do not succumb to disappointment or a feeling of failure. Stay optimistic and follow these simple tips. Do not let your tasks overrun you! Take a grip of your tasks because you are the boss and you control your time.

Good luck, readers!