Getting Ready for the Real World

Presented by Kenneth Jedding, author, "Real Life Notes: Reflections and Strategies for Life after Graduation" By Courtney Ripple

"Stay with what makes you tick - do not go chasing the dollar sign," advised Kenneth Jedding at the beginning of his session on how to get ready for the real world of public relations. This was interesting information for PRSSA students who have grown up in an era where money is perceived as everything.

Jedding, author of "Real Life Notes: Reflections and Strategies for Life after Graduation," began by explaining how students' view of a career is skewed. Students tend to rush toward the jobs with money instead of finding a career doing what they like. As the gap between the rich and poor continues to expand, many feel the need to head into "money areas" such as real estate and finance. However, this field choice might take a person longer to reach their goals.

According to Jedding, money is energy, but the question everyone must ask themselves is "How excited am I about my job or career? Do I feel convinced about my decision'?"

eliminate the word "perfect" from your vocabulary. Trying to be perfect at anything only hurts you in the long run.
It is an illusion to think you can figure out exactly what you will do in life. An average person will go through three careers in his or her lifetime so trying to pick just one career for life is not worth the hassle.
For all relationships, we learn through trial and error. Do not go into life thinking you can perfect things in just one take.

When beginning your career at entry level, have faith that you are learning skills more than you think you are. Make sure you find a job that interests you. "One of the first ways to interest people in your project is to first become interested yourself," Jedding said.

Students can learn many important lessons from an entry-level job. For instance, they become more aware that the media is everywhere. An entry-level job is like Business 101 - students learn what they want, learn how things work and are exposed to different kinds of business. Another plus to these jobs is seeing how people really are - they can learn both the public and private face of a company.

Before landing that crucial first job, students need to look at empirical things, such as resumes and interviews, to see if they understand the concepts of the job or career they are looking for. Students must ask open questions after interviews like "What did I find out?" Also, remember that while in college, students are validated by grades and school. After graduation, they need to start validating themselves before heading out to get a job.

A job often involves struggle - both personal and professional. The bottom line is to remember that all things involve struggle and sacrifice. They all have work ethic in them, but it is the people who use it and are interested in it that get ahead. Sometimes this may mean changing their views, but in the end is well worth it.