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As an executive recruiting firm, we do not work with entry-level candidates. You must have at
least two years of experience to qualify for any of the positions we are filling. The good news is,
we have some tried and true advice that can help you land your first job:
to entering the advertising, public relations or marketing field. Agencies
cannot risk taking on an employee who has never worked in an office environment or dealt with clients.
Even if an internship position is unpaid, it will give you valuable experience and a leg up on other entry-level
candidates who only went to class or worked at fast-food outlets. Squeezing in a few hours a week to work
as an intern will give you exposure and experience.
. Attend local chapter meetings of such as Public Relations Society of America,
American Advertising Federation, Ad Club, Sales & Marketing Executives, International Association of
Business Communicators, or The Association for Women in Communications. Many colleges have
student chapters of these organizations. Here you can pick up valuable insights, and meet professionals in
the field.
. When you attend professional association meetings and events, . Do not cling to your
fellow students. Introduce yourself to as many professionals as possible. Sit at a table where you will
meet new people. Be friendly, ask questions and show enthusiasm for the industry. Do not take your
resume to these gatherings. Instead, have printed with your contact information,
major and date of graduation. Do not present your card first. Ask if you may have a business card of
the person you are talking with, offer your card, and then follow up with a note or phone call. Again,
do not ask for a job. . Everyone likes to be seen as an expert. Referrals to jobs will then
come more easily.
. To gain experience and portfolio materials, or work on a marketing or public relations
committee for a local charity or non-profit. These groups often do not have the budget or staff to do all
the communication-related projects they would like. Not only will you gain while
doing something good for your community, you will meet influential businesspeople that volunteer or
sit on the group's board of directors or committees.
. Whether you are doing an internship, volunteering or networking, be sure to present yourself in the
best light possible. Too often, students think that what they do before they enter the work world
"doesn't count." A bad impression made during an internship, or a faux pas in front of professionals at a
networking event can haunt you and prevent you from getting that first job. Fulfill your ,
do work, and anytime you are in front of professionals. The advertising and
public relations industry, though seemingly large, is a very close-knit community. Make sure you're
doing the best PR for yourself at all times.
Fristoe & Carleton. Your best connection.
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