Liam O’Mahony, MBA, APR

www.twitter.com/LiamTOMahonywww.liamomahony.wordpress.com

Conference Etiquette & EfficienciesReview program / agenda thoroughly well in advance;

make your primary session selections the night before.Split up to maximize educational value among your

group. Do not attend the same sessions where possible; you can socialize in between and at end of day.

If a session’s content is not compelling or helpful to your knowledge or speaker’s presentation is poor, leave quietly and explore other sessions.

Take any handouts or materials available in each session, whether you arrive late or leave early.

Keep a folder of all takeaways for your own future reference or sharing with peers who weren’t able to attend.

Information Gathering & MeetingsWhen meeting with PR practitioners from agencies or

organizations you are interested in, ask for a quick 15-minute information interview over the phone or 20-30 minutes in person.

Inquire about shadowing contacts or their colleagues in positions that interest you. In an hour, you can learn a lot.

At conferences, ask more senior attendees about trends and past conference experiences or tips.

Don’t ask about job opportunities; instead highlight recent projects or accomplishments or what makes you unique while still exercising humility.

Business Card FormattingWhen searching for job or in-between positions, consider yourself

a freelancer or entrepreneur.Create a title for yourself such as – Public Relations Practitioner,

Freelance Writer, Communications Specialist.Make concise professional business cards with succinct contact

information.Consider adding “PRSSA Member” or “Cronkite School Alumnus”Until you land first job, consider adding PRSA / ASU Cronkite

logos to show affiliation & accomplishments.Include LinkedIn profile link and any career-related publishing

site or blog that you maintain regularly.Only include Twitter handle if you use it completely for career

and industry-focused posts!

Resume Refinements & CategoriesCheck out various formats of mentors, instructors and

experienced PRSA professionals to get a feel for the most effective way to organize your education, work experience and credentials.

Include separate “bucket categories” for special events, published writing, associations, awards and software experience.

Include any volunteer work or philanthropic activities.Include any educational courses or certifications

outside of your college degree.As you progress in career, remove any non-PR jobs

(i.e. Starbucks barista, restaurant server, retail rep.)

Writing/Creative/PR Portfolio PreparationKeep any published writing samples in a folder and

make copies for your developing portfolio.Seek out freelance writing opportunities with

community newspapers and local magazines.Make PDFs, JPEGs, etc. for any articles, PR writing

samples or creative projects.Select your best 5-7 work samples for initial portfolio. Invest in a nice professional portfolio (Michael’s or

Office Depot - $10-$30 average).Back up all of your career files (resume, references,

cover letter, portfolio) on a flash drive and keep with you.

Consider a Wordpress or other publishing platform to host your professional profile and portfolio.

General Career & Networking TipsKeep a binder/folder with plastic sleeves for business

cardsAlways follow through or thank any contacts or mentors

that helped you or provided insights or counselSign up for free enewsletters (PRSA, IABC, magazines,

etc)Check web site for speakers/events that appeal to youAlways have paper and pen for events, luncheons,

speaking engagementsRead national and local business magazinesShare contacts, ideas & publications with peers,

coworkers Reciprocation is good KARMA!Be a versatile, organized project manager & generalistBe flexible, humble and embrace new roles and tasks

Job Prospecting - Avenues to ConsiderUniversity Sports Info or Marketing DepartmentShadow a mentor or colleague in a large

corporation, agency or sports team (ask to see press areas). Inquire about shadowing colleagues in other divisions, facilities, partner organizations to learn other skills.

Volunteer for PR at special events, races, fundraisers for non-profits, healthcare, etc.

When visiting hometown or other cities, seek information meetings with local PRSA, IABC members.

Check local association job bank.Read the Phoenix Business Journal every Friday

(get it at the library if you can’t order a subscription; or read general news online)

On the Job -> Professional DevelopmentSeek budget for professional memberships, industry

publication subscriptions, conference attendance opportunities.

Mentoring can be a 360-degree process – you may have software knowledge and industry trend information that your supervisors lack.

Consider evening classes (i.e. design, web, finance) or consider

grad school.Consider APR (PRSA) and ABC (IABC) professional

certifications after several years of experience.

Expand MarComm Discipline Knowledge

Project Management with other departments Web site content, design, functionalityAdvertising processes, vendor managementMarketing planning, strategies and softwareCustomer service procedures, training,

supervising

Versatile = Valuable -> Proven Asset