When nothing goes according to plan...

It has been a while sine I have written on my favorite very first blog. I wanted to capture every step of my journey in the public relations industry. But because life always has a different plan for you, I had to take a little detour. At first the change of route was scary and quite frighting, however it was exciting. I had a plan to work in a public relations firm and to become an account executive, it seems like the universe had a different plan. After graduating I got the best call in my life saying that I passed my internship interview for one of the most biggest media houses.My first day of the internship was amazing,the training involved media skills that I will keep for a lifetime. All these years I thought I could take a picture but after the training I learnt a few photographic skills..

After gaining my digital skills I was placed in the commercial department where I learnt all about how the newspaper industry makes money. I discovered that Advertisements in the newspaper brings in a lot of revenue. Booking ads for the newspaper was not easy at all. I had to learn a system used for booking ads, I eventually understood how it all works because I'm a fast learner.

Just like any other good thing, my one year internship at Independent Media came to an end. When I look back I gained experience and moments that no one will ever be able to take away from me. Not only am I qualified Public Relations Practitioner but I consider myself a part-time Journalist too :-p When I look back, I see how far I've come and its only just the beginning for greater things to come...

The Beginning of the Internship-Hunt

I never thought looking for an internship would be so daunting! This makes me realize just how life is a jungle and that it is all about survival of the fittest. 

The other day I searched  "Public Relations" on Google and to my surprise I found over 20 institutions where one could study Public relations! I then had a mini heart attack because all these institutions have students just like me hunting for that 'amazinG' internship! Suddenly I realized that all those other institutions don't have ME, yep that's right Me aka Lindiwe Tshabalala Mshengu Donga LaMavuso . I am one of a kind, there is no other ME!! And of course there is no other YOU! So stop doubting yourself and have faith that if that internship was meant for you then it will automatically require YOU for it to be complete. No matter how many students apply for it, whats meant to be will be!

When you send your CV try to call so that you can double check if they received it. Beware however that some other people will be rude, the other day I called company X and my oh my was that lady rude! Now I could'v given up and say it's not for me or I could'v just called another company!Yes I chose to call another company. What you have to realize is that some people will listen to you and not respond and others will listen to you and respond! So you have to keep trying till you get that few that will listen and respond. 

Always seek help from your career guidance consultant at your institution. Don't just sit around and let the stress sink in, but talk to some one and release that fear. I tried not to make this post long because I know you could be editing your CV. So I want to leave you with an encouraging video till my next post!

5 tips to consider when studying Public Relations:

Life has no recipe just ingredients that help you along the way! Honestly, if you mentioned the word ‘PR’ to me back in high school, I would have not known what exactly ‘PR’ is even my own mother did not quite get this thing called ‘Public Relations’

My first tip to you is, know what you are studying and know where it is taking you! Don’t just go with the motions of completing assignments and cramming tests! Instead take the time to research and make your studies worthwhile.

Outspoken? Roaring personality? These personalities don’t matter in public relations because I am introvert and I've learnt a few tricks to come out of the box. So ideally it does not matter whether you are mousy or sociable because PR has you covered! It is possible to get tips on how to come out of the box so that proves my point that almost any personality can fit into the Public relations field. So on that note my second tip is, if you are loud, don’t be too loud and if you are quiet don’t be too quiet! Just be you!

Public relations is not just about studying’ relations in the public’ but it is much more than that. My third tip to you is, you have to be informed about what is going on in the world around you. Yes, current affairs might be boring but when you happen to be taking part in a “grown-up” conversation, knowing the latest news actually does come in handy. So the next time you think of switching to the music channel instead of BBC news…think twice.  

BBC anchors can dress up cool too

Studying public relations should not be considered boring, in fact it is fun! Always enjoy every moment of your studies in PR, this is not rocket science! We actually have cool assignments like media conferences or creating your own blog to express yourself! I think the secret to enjoying our studies is to look at the bright side of life. I do admit at times you might feel as if you can’t do this ‘PR’ thing but you must remind yourself that instead of stressing you can choose to relax and enjoy your assignments.

Lastly, finish what you started. Statistics show that students drop out before they even graduate, why would you want to be part of those numbers? Okay, some students drop out for valid reasons like not having funds to pay for their studies and others can’t imagine failure. You must not have an option to give up, but always try and try again! Always remember “Challenges make you more responsible. Life without struggle is a life without success. Don’t give up and learn not to quit.”

Summary:

• Understand what is PR
• Sharpen your personalty
• Stay informed
• Breathe in and breathe out
• Finish what you start!

What to say and what not to say on social media

Social media 50 years ago was none existent. As students we tend to forget the power of social media, not only is it useful when stalking your crush on Facebook but it can be your digital footprint that can never be removed. So, there are few tips I want to share with you when posting on social media.

We all lose our tempers at times but that does not give you the right to make use of vulgar language. At all times try to avoid using harmful language, there are roughly one million words in the English dictionary so try to express your steam constructively. You will sound smart by using effective English words instead of the same old vulgar!

No swearing

Secondly don’t include images of the crazy night you had and how sloshed you were!  There’s a huge difference between parties such as your grandma’s 80^th birthday and the parties where the cops raided the club.  I’m not saying don’t go out partying but be careful about what kind of images you post. A picture of you wearing some skimpy dress is not ideal either. Such photos go viral and may end up in the wrong hands.

A picture is worth a thousand words

As students we may not like something or some people but it does not give us a right to be irrational online. Freedom of speech is good but not when you talk negatively about the company you are planning to apply a job at . Do not degrade or disrespect other people online. Your digital foot print is there forever, you don’t want people thinking you’re a Meanie!

Be careful what you say!

The things you can say however are endless. Firstly you can post inspirational stuff; content that is worth reading! There is enough negative energy on social media, why not stand out and be the light! Posting positive things on your profile will draw more people to follow you. Who knows, you might end up being offered a job because someone somewhere saw how wise you are!

Be inspirational

Lastly, say who you are. Don’t try to pretend to be something you’re not. Your name is your brand so you have to make sure your reputation is good! For instance don’t claim to live in Sandton but you live in Alexandra. Be real, don’t underestimate or overestimate yourself. No one likes pretenders. However don’t disclose personal information, not all of us want to hear about your multiple girlfriends!

Always remember that your digital print is like a tattoo it won’t be easy to remove it. Always be wise before posting anything and you will enjoy social media!

Be you!

Interesting Facts about Social media