It is unfortunate but true that the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is very relevant in public relations, especially in the West Midlands area of the United Kingdom. If you are interested in a career in public relations but do not know anybody in this field of work, you may find it a lot harder to find a job with a PR Birmingham based agency than someone who is well connected.
It is unfortunate but true that the phrase “It’s not what you know,
it’s who you know” is very relevant in public relations, especially in the West Midlands area of the United Kingdom.
If you are interested in a career in public relations but do not know anybody in this field of work, you may find it a lot harder to find a job with a PR Birmingham based agency than someone who is well connected.
However, there are things that you can do to make sure that you are not in this position for much longer. And all these things can be summed up with one word; networking.
Networking is a term used when aspiring professionals go out of their way to meet people who could potentially help influence their careers in the future. Networking is very common amongst college and university students and every PR Birmingham based agency would expect up and coming professionals to partake in this type of exercise.
No matter your personal disposition, whether you are shy, busy or averse to small talk, you need to start networking immediately. To land that plum PR Birmingham based agency job you need to get yourself noticed. And networking is something that you will find yourself doing throughout your professional working life.
When embarking on a career in public relations the easiest way to network is by taking up an internship, whether you choose to do that over the summer or during your college or university academic year. Unfortunately, most internship’s are unpaid; but it is certain that a PR Birmingham located agency would look favourably on this type of work and the experience that you gain will stand you in good stead in the future. Most colleges and universities will help you find a suitable internship and you may get help financially as well.
A report published in 2011 by a well known online recruitment agency found that a third of people interviewed became employed in their chosen profession through networking. So to get picked up by a PR Birmingham based agency you stand a much better chance by getting out there and being noticed.
I have listed some points below that will help you make an impression on the people that matter the most when it comes to employment in the public relations marketplace.
Join the 33 % with Successful Networking
Confidence – You have something unique to offer the PR Birmingham based agency. Don’t become overwhelmed by the networking process; don’t just tell people what assets you have, show them. If you can demonstrate your specific skill set in a working environment then that should be all the networking you require.
Break Down the Barriers – Don’t limit your networking to the people inside your place of work; get to know the people that they know as well. Take the bull by the horns and widen the circle of people within the PR Birmingham industry that know of your presence and skills, the more people that know you, the more opportunities will come your way.
Online Social Networking – There are certain social networking sites that are geared up specifically for the employment industry. Connect with as many people as possible and stay in touch with everyone you have ever dealt with professionally. Maintain an active presence and regularly update your status, you never know who may be online with a dream PR Birmingham based role suited just for you.
Stay Focused at Work – Although networking is important, you should always make sure that you remain focused on the work in hand and complete every task to the best of your ability. If you excel in your job and maintain a high level of visibility regarding networking then I am in no doubt that you will soon become a very valued professional within the PR Birmingham agency scene which will lead to a successful and prosperous career.
Meet and Greet - Make a priority of attending all corporate events and conferences; get yourself noticed by meeting fellow professionals at seminars and exhibitions, pass out your business cards and make sure people know what you are all about. Opportunities will soon come your way.
It’s Good to Talk – Be yourself at all times when dealing with fellow employees, don’t try and sell yourself. Be natural and allow your colleagues to discover the real you.
