Guest Post by Monica Earle

Monica Earle is a recent graduate of the University of North Florida where she majored in Communication, following the public relations track. She is the immediate past president of UNF’s PRSSA chapter and an alumna of Kappa Alpha Theta women’s fraternity. She is hoping to find a job that can combine her passions for public relations, social media, travel and fashion.

She did what most of us would do in college. She joined PRSSA, worked with student government and in leadership for her fraternity. All these things were fun but they also helped prepare her for her first job. A few months out of school and she’s still looking for that first dream job. I asked her to reflect on what she might suggest others do differently than she did.

What do you wish you had done differently in college? 

I wish I had taken more graphic design and multimedia courses. These skills really set you apart from the students who only learn the basics of writing and editing. The more things you can do for an employer, the more valuable you become.

If you could have one do-over in college what would it be?

I would go back in time and make myself attend more classes my freshman year. The classes were easy enough to get A’s but due to my laziness at the time I received B’s.

I also wish I had taken better advantage of my school’s Career Services office.

Most schools offer resume and interview workshops. In my very first real job interview, I think I sold myself short by not being as confident as I truly am.

I was intimidated by working in my dream environment and forgot I was there to sell myself as a future employee. If I had gone through interview workshops on campus, I might have had a better interview.

What is your dream job?

Well, I learned through my internships that a more corporate culture is not the right fit for me. Ideally, I would have a job working in a public relations and/or event planning position in the hospitality, tourism or fashion industry, either for in-house or at an agency.

How do you set yourself apart from the other UNF/Florida public relations graduates?

Staying current on best practices, current trends and hot topics in the field is important so I spend about 30 minutes every morning reading through affluent blogs and news. I’m also volunteering with my local PRSA chapter and staying busy through freelance writing work. My website, online portfolio and blog  are constantly updated and revised. Having a fresh, crisp page that appears when employers “Google” my name is vital to my job search. I also keep active LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ accounts to maintain my online presence.

Can you talk about your daily routine of looking for a job?

Basically, I check local job boards through the various public relations and communications societies every morning. In the evening, after I get home from my part-time job I look through LinkedIn and national PRSA job listings.

How do you stay upbeat?

Truthfully, job hunting can be very demoralizing. I consider myself lucky if I get any response from a company; even if that response is that I’m not the “right fit.” Fortunately, I have very wonderful friends who encourage me, and incredible mentors who have been sending me leads on potential employment opportunities.

Have you changed how you network/look for a job since graduation?

After sending my resume to about 50+ online postings and getting no responses, I realized that people typically hire people they know or are referred to. In order to get in front of potential employers, I’ve broadened my network by attending almost every networking event I can afford. While I’m already involved with the local PRSA chapter,  I plan on attending some upcoming American Marketing Association , International Association of Business Communicators, and Social Media Club events.

Are you looking for an energetic, ready-to-jump-in employee? Contact Monica and help her out. New graduates — what would you add to the list? Employers — anything she’s missing?