Networking at Marquette

Within the Public Relations industry, there is an obvious undertone of competitiveness that illustrates the importance getting an ‘upper hand.’ This ‘upper hand’ can be defined by a single word: networking. Networking is making various contacts throughout the industry that can be utilized in a number of different ways—for example, instead of simply sending out a resume, a person can utilize their networks to get an interview with a potential employer.

The value of networks is exemplified everyday as more people are seeking careers within the Public Relations industry. As the value of networking rises, more people are beginning to understand the worth of this PR tactic—including Marquette University. Marquette recognizes the magnitude of making contacts, and because of this recognition, they offer a mentor program to help students network and, at the same time, get a feel for what the industry is all about.

The Diederich College of Communication mentor program enables students to meet people involved in various aspects of the PR industry, and then pairs students with a mentor who is involved in an area of PR corresponding with the students’ field of interest. The student and the mentor will then meet and discuss what the each person is seeking out of the newly founded relationship. One of the main gains that students seek out of this relationship is employing the mentor as a network. The student can meet other people through their own mentor, as well as meet other mentors involved within the program at the University.

I have recently become an active member in this mentor program sponsored by Marquette University. I plan on meeting with my mentor for the first time within the next week, and although I am in the early stages, I can already see the potential benefit that this program has to provide. This program can enhance not only my resume, but also my skills, and I am very excited to begin!

The mentor program is just an example of how a person can begin to network in the competitive world of Public Relations. Whether you are involved in the program or not, I believe creating relationships with people in the industry is extremely important, and individuals should start networking as early as possible to create the biggest ‘upper hand’ for themselves.

"THEE" New Way to Communicate

Twitter. Nowadays, it seems as if you can't go through a day or even an hour without somebody mentioning this new way of communication. From who people are "following" or what people are "tweeting" about, twitter is a useful new sensation that is sure to stick around.

Ever since I began to tweet, I found that my means of communication has become faster and more efficient. I can get in touch with people by a simple click of a button. I can ask quick questions to a broad public instead of e-mailing a question to just one person. I can voice my opinion and share different information that I find interesting or important with others.

My horizons have also been broadened through my use of twitter, and it has been easier for me to network. Through twitter, I have found people and companies that I am now following that list different public relations internships that I can apply for. I have also been able to find out information about the field of public relations through others' tweets and posts.

Overall, I have found twitter to be a very effective and beneficial tool. I believe that the more I use and learn about twitter, the more useful of a tool it will become. The world of communications is changing with the technological advancements, it is our duty to keep up!