Mike Vela of The Children’s Shelter in San Antonio, Emily Shaw of I&O Communications, Patrick Quinn of Reagan National Advertising and Qmunication Management, and Katie Mullins Cook of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau all agreed that internships are a necessity if students want a career in advertising or public relations.
All of the panelists had internships while in college, and some even turned an internship into a full-time job after graduation. “If you want a job, you have to have an internship,” said Shaw.
Internships give students the opportunity to see if they are a fit for that type of career. Also, internships allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience. “Make sure you’ll like the job,” said Vela. “Get experience during school.”
The alumni also urged to be persistent. There are so many applicants in this field, so sometimes employers do not even look at all of the resumes they have. Patrick Quinn sent his resume in five times before he got an interview at his first employer, GSD&M Idea City.
“Stalk businesses you want to get into,” said Quinn. “Keep following up after you send your resume and after you interview. Stay in their mind.”
Courtesy is also important to remember. Katie Mullins Cook said she was interviewing a potential intern who proceeded to point out the flaws of the company’s website, which Cook designed. “Research the company but don’t criticize it,” she said.
“Be candid, open and honest,” said Shaw. “Have a small conversation with them.”
The talk shifted to the economy as moderator Dr. Bruce Smith asked the panelists how they see the job market in the near future. “It’s going to be tough,” said Shaw. “I interview students all the time, but I don’t have a job for them.”
However, most of the panelists seemed to agree that Austin’s job market will not be as affected as the rest of the nation. They reiterated the importance of setting yourself apart from other applicants by internships. As Quinn said, “Rise to the top of the heap.”
For more information: Texas State Mass Communication Internships Page
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