I started my internship at Fahlgren Mortine today. I learned how to use tools like Cision and Factiva. I also edited a media list and worked on researching editorials for a client. First days can be intimidating, so here are a few tips for your first day at a new internship. Nick Lucido also has a few reminders.

1. Be proactive about working from day one. If you’re not doing anything, review information about your clients, look through the manual or ask if there is anything you can do.

2. If you’re in a new city (or state, like I am), leave early in case you get lost or stuck in traffic. I actually drove to work before my first day so I would know the route and left very early in the morning to avoid the rush.

3. Ask questions. They expect that you won’t know what you’re doing. It is better to get things straight than to ask about simple things a month later.

4. Bring necessary information for HR. Sometimes they will need a copy of your social security card or your driver’s license.

5. Be excited. You’re an intern! You are one step closer to being a professional.

Rachel M. Esterline works as an account executive for Central Michigan Life, the nationally award-winning school newspaper at Central Michigan University. She is as an account executive for PR Central, CMU’s student-run public relations firm and as a public relations executive with the Student Government Association. Additionally, Rachel serves on the executive board of the Public Relations Student Society of America at CMU and has completed a seven-month internship with her university’s public relations and marketing department. Rachel will graduate in May 2010 with a degree in public relations with minors in journalism and communication.

Background

I joined PRSSA when I was a freshman. This year, I was on the executive board. There is no doubt in my mind that PRSSA and PR Central, the student-run firm, have given me priceless experience.

Opportunity for growth

As the semester has progressed, I faced a difficult decision. At first, I was sure that I wanted to run for executive board again and serve as PR Central president.

But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I wanted to freelance and pursue other professional avenues. I kept pushing that thought from my mind until I received two e-mails in one week that told me about two paid opportunities offering great experience.

Making the decision

The first thing I did was contact several mentors who have experience in varying areas of public relations. Two mentors told me that although PR Central and PRSSA are great experiences, there was more potential for me in freelancing and the other opportunities I had. Then, two other mentors told me to “follow my heart.”

I’m a very logical person, but my gut was telling me to take the tougher trail. Freelancing isn’t easy and the other two opportunities I was pursuing weren’t a sure shot.  With the support of my mentors, I made my decision to not be on the PRSSA executive board or in PR Central next year.

The results so far

Since making this decision, I’ve been offered the position of press secretary of the Student Government Association. As one mentor put it, this position will show a more diverse area of experiences. Additionally, I will expand my network to other majors and will get paid to do what I love.

I’ve also been offered a paid position as a manager for an upcoming corporate event. I still have the chance to be a leader because I will have the opportunity to hire about 15 other people to work with me.

One person in my network told me she has a few leads for me in terms of freelance work. I’ve also been given several great accounts for next year at Central Michigan Life.

Without a doubt, I am happy with the decision I made. I have enough leadership positions on my resume. And, like one of my mentors said, “Good leaders know when to let others lead.”

Rachel M. Esterline works as an account executive for Central Michigan Life, the nationally award-winning school newspaper at Central Michigan University. She is as an account executive for PR Central, CMU’s student-run public relations firm and as a public relations executive with the Student Government Association. Additionally, Rachel serves on the executive board of the Public Relations Student Society of America at CMU and has completed a seven-month internship with her university’s public relations and marketing department. Rachel will graduate in May 2010 with a degree in public relations with minors in journalism and communication.

A few weeks ago I talked on the phone with my mentor I was paired with through the Mentorship Connection. Kevin Saghy, an assistant account executive at Ketchum, graduated from Ohio Northern University. He  served as PRSSA national vice president of chapter development during his junior year and was national president his senior year.

Here are a few of the great points he made:

About Agency Life

Kevin said agencies have an exciting work atmosphere and provide an opportunity to work with really smart people and on a variety of accounts. The hardest thing, he said, is to balance time between several clients and manage deadlines.

Internships

Kevin suggested getting as many internships as you can get and have completed at least two by graduation. Agencies generally like to see some prior experience at an agency, but varied experience helps too.

Resumes

Kevin, who has had an inside look at Ketchum’s hiring processes, said relevance is important and experience trumps education. He suggested I organize my resume with relevance in mind; I had been unsure of whether or not I should list all of my experience (which would put my last internship towards the bottom), or sort it by professional and college experiences. By sorting these experiences, I was able to put my internship right up top.

My favorite thing he said about resumes: “It’s not a formula. You don’t need to listen to career services to get a job.”

Rachel M. Esterline works as an account executive for Central Michigan Life, the nationally award-winning school newspaper at Central Michigan University. She is as an account executive for PR Central, CMU’s student-run public relations firm and as a public relations executive with the Student Government Association. Additionally, Rachel serves on the executive board of the Public Relations Student Society of America at CMU and has completed a seven-month internship with her university’s public relations and marketing department. Rachel will graduate in May 2010 with a degree in public relations with minors in journalism and communication.

Constructive criticism can help you develop something good into something great.

Feel free to tell me, “You’re doing it all wrong!” Then, I can fix it.

But, how can you give and receive criticism without it being taken the wrong way? It’s not always easy.

A friend recently gave me a piece of criticism. After mulling it over, I could see her angle. I also could see several other angles coming into play.

I’ve been more aware of what I’ve been doing lately because of her criticism (which could be seen more as a piece of advice). PickTheBrain had a lot of great advice on taking criticism. I think one of the best points made was to ask what you can do better.

You can help others with constructive criticism.

I recently critiqued a resume and writing sample for a PRSSA member at another chapter. I enjoy helping others when I can. PickTheBrain also has advice on the art of giving criticism.

The best thing you can do when giving criticism is tell the person exactly how they can improve.

Don’t say: “You need to rework your resume.”
Say: “Your bullet points need work. I would suggest developing them into measurable accomplishments rather than just job duties.”

Don’t say: “This press release needs work.”
Say: “I think it would be better if you focused your lead on this aspect. Then lead into the next paragraph with more information.”

So don’t tell me I’m doing things wrong. Instead, tell me how I can improve.

Rachel M. Esterline works as an account executive for Central Michigan Life, the nationally award-winning school newspaper at Central Michigan University. She is as an account executive for PR Central, CMU’s student-run public relations firm and as a public relations executive with the Student Government Association. Additionally, Rachel serves on the executive board of the Public Relations Student Society of America at CMU and has completed a seven-month internship with her university’s public relations and marketing department. Rachel will graduate in May 2010 with a degree in public relations with minors in journalism and communication.