January 25, 2012
Nyhus Public Affairs Career Advice for Students
Ahead of hosting a Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA) agency tour on Jan. 27, I asked Nyhus account executives, “If you could share one piece of advice with a student who wants to go into public relations or public affairs, what would it be?” If you’re wondering why I chose account executives, it’s because they have a lot of responsibility and success stories but have all started their current careers within the past decade.
I’ve split the post into a two-part series: Last Friday’s focused on public relations, and this one on public affairs. Here’s what account executives who specialize in public affairs had to say:
“Get involved in your community! Public affairs is a lot about who you know and who knows you. Step away from your desk and volunteer for a local organization, join a community association, or attend events relevant to your areas of personal and professional interest. As your network grows, so too will your career.”
“The terms PR and public affairs are broad—but you need a specific strength within the industry. Make sure you spend time identifying a niche or specific sector or company you really like and see what the communications opportunities are—this way you contribute your skills and enjoy what you do. Take it further by doing informational interviews and using your professors and alumni for connections. This business is all about networking. Grow that connection between the people you know and the work you love and you’ll find your place in public affairs.”
“Public affairs is about advocating on behalf of clients regarding public policy that affects them. Find a policy issue that personally interests you and learn all you can about it. Whether it’s energy, the environment, healthcare, urban planning, international trade, education, national security or another topic, read news, blogs and books on that policy and talk with smart people about it.
Get so informed about your policy that you can speak about it with confidence and cogency. That way, you will not only have a working knowledge of one important issue, but you’ll know how to achieve a comparable level of knowledge on any issue. That demonstrated ability to learn is what employers and clients want to have working for them.”