Successful networking can (and most likely will) lead to many opportunities in the PR world. Here are our top five tips on how to develop some key networking skills.

 

  1. Create a LinkedIn account

Follow companies that you’re interested in on LinkedIn and connect with fellow classmates, professors and professionals whom you may have a relationship with in order to build your online network. Don’t hesitate to connect with anyone who you meet at a career fair, had an informational interview with or just want to gain some insight from. Remember to keep your profile updated and include your personal website in your bio. Share your LinkedIn URL on social media platforms and resume so that people can connect with you in return.

  1. Follow professionals on social media

By following professionals that you know (or even don’t know), you can learn from their posts in order to generate your own. Having a strong and collective social media presence takes time and effort, so connecting with professionals is a great way to learn how to build your own brand.

  1. Promote your personal website and/or blog

Posting relevant content to your career goals will help attract professionals to your website and also allow them to get a sense of who you are. Promote your website on all of your social media platforms, and every time you publish a blog post make sure to let everyone know.

*Extra tip: Track the number of followers/page visits you get in order to gauge how successful your networking is.

  1. Schedule informational interviews

You’d be surprised at how willing most people are to share their advice, experiences and knowledge about the working world. Reach out to friends, alumni and previous professors to see who they can connect you with in the public relations field. Informational interviews not only give you a sense of what that particular company is like, but it also gives you the opportunity to put your name out there. Professionals will appreciate your eagerness to learn and network, so don’t hold back.

  1. Become involved

There are numerous clubs and organizations to join on your own college campus. When you immerse yourself in these programs, such as AHPR, the opportunities that will pop up are endless. Current members can connect you to Duck alum all across the U.S., which will give you the chance to network with a variety of professionals.

 


 

Written by: Mary Yeager, AS and firm editor, Twitter: @_yeags_; Raleigh Cavey, AE, Twitter: @raleighcavey; Olivia Gonzales, AE