5 things new PR pros should learn

The transition from college student to career professional can be both intimidating and exciting. It’s a time when most professionals learn, stumble, and grow the most.

When I started as a public relations specialist at my current employer, I wanted to be the best—fast. However, personal growth takes time.

Here are five tips for jumpstarting your PR career:

1. Become a writing maestro.

Don’t underestimate the need for engaging, well-written content.

As a recent graduate, you are shaking off years of formal research papers and short blog posts. Those are great, valuable forms of writing—but now you’re going to take on countless case studies, press releases, ghost-written articles, Q&As and various other forms of content.

While no two types are the same, all high-quality PR content contains similarities. First, tell a story—and lose the jargon.

Second, practice patience. Someone once said, “If you don’t have time to do it right, how will you have time to do it over?” Take time to carefully proof your work and have someone else review it before submitting your final draft.