Finding Success as a New Grad

Jun 17

Congratulations, new grad! It has been a long haul, but you’ve finally made it to the end of your degree or diploma in public relations, communications, marketing, or another related discipline. But you may be asking yourself, “What now?”

The working world can be a harsh place, and the prospect of trying to be successful in your field can feel daunting. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with a few tips for finding success in the world of PR and communications.

Looking for a Job

The rumours are true…finding a job can be a challenge! With recruiters and hiring managers inundated with hundreds of applications for each job posting, it’s no surprise that it can take a while for new grads to get hired. Aside from the tried and true tips for crafting a cover letter, finessing your resume, and being persistent, here’s what you can do to stand out.

Reach out to your connections

With any luck, you’ve built some great connections during your time in school, whether with your instructors, with industry professionals, or other people who may think you’re pretty cool and want to help you get your foot in the door. Networking isn’t schmoozing. It’s relationship building. Not everyone in your network will give you a job, and if you have an attitude of looking for a handout, everyone will be left feeling icky. Instead, approach people humbly. Ask for tips on building your resume, job hunting, or starting out in the field. Keep an open mind, and thank them for their time and for sharing their expertise.

2. Be open to trying new things

The world of communications is multi-faceted. You may have entered the field with a clear idea of what you want to do, or you may have no idea. Either way, that’s great! There is most likely some niche of the industry that you’ll love. Throughout your schooling, you probably gained some insight into what kinds of jobs will best use your favourite skills, so definitely apply for those. But don’t forget to reach outside of your comfort zone. That’s the beauty of communications: our skills transfer across disciplines, across industries, and allow us to specialize, generalize, and everything in between. Try looking up local companies in any industry that pique your interest. Everyone needs communicators, and maybe they’ll have a position that would be perfect for you.

3. Don’t stop creating

While you wait for replies to job applications and interviews, don’t just sit back and stress. Keep your creativity flowing with side projects that showcase and build on your skills. This will keep you game-ready and beef up your portfolio to help your future employer see how you can shine.

You’re Hired! Now what?

You’ve run the gauntlet and made it through rounds of applications and interviews, and now you’re settling in at your new job. Great work! Now you can start building on that accomplishment to continue finding success.

As a communicator, your job could entail any number of things. Many jobs in this industry expect us to be a jack of all trades, cramming everything into one job description, including strategic planning, social media content creation, internal and external communications, media relations, et cetera ad libidum. If that’s the case for you, you’ll have to be on the ball with your time management and be honest about your capacity.

Another thing to be honest about is your capability. Yes, you may be fresh from a degree, but real-world experience can be a challenge. You’ll need to try new things, do something out of the ordinary, and take a leap into the unknown. When that happens, don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification. Chances are, your new boss will value your willingness to learn over your ability to fake-it-til-you-make-it.

Keep the Success Flowing

Once you’re feeling more confident in your new job, don’t stop there. Be sure to keep learning and growing. Look for opportunities for professional development and networking, and continue levelling-up your skills. Join professional associations and other organizations dedicated to supporting communications and public relations professionals, such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS).

At any point in your journey, reach out to industry pros (like us!) for advice, tips, and resources. We are always happy to help new communicators along the way!