“A degree is not enough.” explained Dr. Ruth Lariscy, a Grady College faculty member, this afternoon to a beginner Advertising and Public Relations class.
“If you walk into an interview and show them a degree and an impressive GPA, they are going to look at you and say, “What else?” explained Lariscy, who holds a Ph.D. in political communication. “Join creative consultants, join PRSSA, volunteer to do free PR work for companies in Athens; just get all the experience you can get” was Dr. Lariscy’s advice to current students.
“Nine times out of ten, we hear back from companies that they want Grady” Lariscy said of her feedback from companies looking to hire. Students from Grady come better prepared as a whole, said Lariscy, because of their experience and communication skills.
Students seem to worry that they do not have enough experience or work to market themselves for a good internship or job but students do not realize that they have done more than they realize. She explained. Students can use classroom projects to land good jobs and internships.
“I had a student come tell me that he got a great paid internship over the summer solely based on experience from an independent project in my class.” She explained. “Save your projects”, was her advice to students.
When asked what areas current students need to focus on more, Dr Lariscy explained that Grady graduates are known for great writing and communication skills but New Media is taking over and needs to be an important focus for students now. “If you compare a senior to a freshman in their ability to use social media, the difference is huge.” Dr. Lariscy said. She stressed students familiarizing themselves with social media. Things like keeping an updated blog should be a priority she explained.
“College is great, college is fun but if you want a career in Public Relations, the time to start thinking about it is now” said Dr. Lariscy.
“If you walk into an interview and show them a degree and an impressive GPA, they are going to look at you and say, “What else?” explained Lariscy, who holds a Ph.D. in political communication. “Join creative consultants, join PRSSA, volunteer to do free PR work for companies in Athens; just get all the experience you can get” was Dr. Lariscy’s advice to current students.
“Nine times out of ten, we hear back from companies that they want Grady” Lariscy said of her feedback from companies looking to hire. Students from Grady come better prepared as a whole, said Lariscy, because of their experience and communication skills.
Students seem to worry that they do not have enough experience or work to market themselves for a good internship or job but students do not realize that they have done more than they realize. She explained. Students can use classroom projects to land good jobs and internships.
“I had a student come tell me that he got a great paid internship over the summer solely based on experience from an independent project in my class.” She explained. “Save your projects”, was her advice to students.
When asked what areas current students need to focus on more, Dr Lariscy explained that Grady graduates are known for great writing and communication skills but New Media is taking over and needs to be an important focus for students now. “If you compare a senior to a freshman in their ability to use social media, the difference is huge.” Dr. Lariscy said. She stressed students familiarizing themselves with social media. Things like keeping an updated blog should be a priority she explained.
“College is great, college is fun but if you want a career in Public Relations, the time to start thinking about it is now” said Dr. Lariscy.
