I've recently reflected on the first few pieces of information I learned when I entered Newhouse. The first thing that came to mind from what I remember was you can be a storyteller in anything you do.
Three years later after listening to top industry leaders and professionals this evening share the same advice more and more thoughts generated in my head about storytelling in public relations and in any job. This was the first HR Roundtable Event of the semester at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Tonight, professionals gathered around to share their advice and personal stories of working in the industry and how to get hired. From what I’ve learned since the first day at Newhouse is that storytelling is key in anything you do. It truly applies to everything.
As the job hunt comes closer and closer, Celina Green, Human Resources Manager at Spectrum Reach, shared that when hiring she often is looking for authentic people to work with. Green believes having skills in a corporate communications industry is truly essential. According to Mindy Gikas, Principal at MSG Consulting Group, having strong communication skills, presentation skills and emotional intelligence makes for a great candidate to be hired.
Whether it is inside the classroom or out, the topic of interviews surrounds us college students and how to to be as prepared as possible. Paola Santiago, Associate at H+KS, gave her advice on how to end an interview. She believes at the end, the possible candidate should always asking what the next steps are at the end as it truly shows curiosity. From Amy Onori's perspective, Talent Director at M Booth, she shared her thoughts on what makes a candidate stand out. "Being different comes with writing a handwritten note, it goes so far." According to Donna Renalla, President of ABW Solutions, women specifically are in so many top positions right now and that was truly inspiring and comforting to hear.
I find as a college student the question “what are you passionate about” comes up more often than not. This question could be stressful. Renella shared with the audience, “don’t get discouraged from your passion, just figure out where to find it.”
A topic that came up in the round table discussion was how to not lose yourself in work and stay true to yourself in personal life and work-life. Gikas shared that she needs to always reprioritize and keep her focus. She believes everyone is different and "you have to figure out what works best for you." Santiago said "it’s difficult for PR people to have a good work-life balance but a person in the field just has to figure out their limits." For Green, work life and personal life is a challenge. She shared it all comes down to “how to say no.”
Growing up in New York, there are countless opportunities there I can confidently call myself a New York City girl. I have had the privilege to work there for my past 2 internships. Renalla discussed that “if you're going to work in communications, work in New York. It’s where things happen. You owe it to yourself to be there.” I have a big passion for the film and entertainment industry. This past summer I interned at Universal Pictures on their publicity team in New York City. The fact that I was able to get experience in the entertainment industry while in New York was amazing. Listening to the speakers discuss the opportunities in New York it made me even more confident that is where I want to be.
The nine women tonight who work for 8 different organizations brought a ton of awareness. I learned it is vital to constantly to keep a fresh perspective which brings so much diversity. Across the board, all speakers made it clear that the best thing one can do is to come in an interview and no matter what, always be yourself!
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