Work Life

Have you been enjoying a restful summer, lounging at the pool, a la “The Graduate,” replenishing your energy for the job search after securing a communications degree? Or are you in the trenches, navigating the water cooler and the ‘delights’ of a 7 a.m. commute at your first post-college gig? The great news is that you graduated—an accomplishment, for sure. But what’s next? And where do you start?

There is a proverb that says, “Failure is the mother of success.” And we, as business professionals, know this to be true. So why do we only discuss our triumphs? In this PRNEWS series, in partnership with the Institute for Public Relations, some of the most successful leaders in the industry will share the lessons they have learned from failure.

We rarely cover live events in this publication. PRNEWS senior content manager Sophie Maerowitz gave us a reason to make an exception. She attended a PRSA session featuring former Hearst executive Joanna Coles, who offered so many interesting tips and tactics that we had to share them with you. Here are some gems from the sharp yet blunt mind of Coles.

“How many of you have ever felt stuck at some point in your career?” That was how Joanna Coles began her talk at PRSA’s conference earlier today. As someone with an impressive and long-running career at the helm of some of the biggest media properties in the world, Coles has a deep well of wisdom to draw upon for PR pros. Women and men have parts to play in closing the gender gap in PR, she said.

We’ve all been there: You need to achieve terrific results but your client just doesn’t have a big budget. Can you reap a six-figure return on a four-figure investment, or less? If this is what you’re aiming for, here are five things you need to keep in mind.

An interview showcases the possible potential of a candidate in other ways, allowing them to think on their feet through conversation and analysis. We spoke to some experts and landed on three questions to always ask in a public relations job interview. They may appear simple, but every candidate may handle these questions differently, providing more insight into what kind of employee they would be.

It’s no secret finding and retaining top public relations talent is one of the biggest challenges for agencies and corporate PR departments. It’s okay to breathe a sigh of relief after landing a plum prospect, but don’t fool yourself: hiring is a big and painstaking step, but it is only the first in many steps for the company and the employee to realize mutual satisfaction and value, and build a long-term relationship.

A career in PR can be wonderful. But it’s also regularly associated with high levels of stress, which can lead to mental health problems. A modest proposal urges PR leaders to provide a supportive culture and resources to employees to recognize and treat mental health issues.

What should you be charging clients for your work? There is no definitive answer, but either coming in too low or too high can cost you.

Working on electronics systems in Navy aircraft can seem a world away from the PR pro’s daily existence. Yet at least one PR pro believes the regimented life of a Navy recruit is good preparation for a career in communications. This post is our way of saying thanks to the men and women of the armed services during Military Appreciation Month.