Recent UIUC grad and former Her Campus president, Emily Cleary, definitely didn’t hesitate when it came to plunging into the job market. Soon after graduation, she landed a full-time PR job and now is taking her talents to the next level. This week, Emily provides us with some insight on the dreaded post-college life and the transition from being a full-time student to a full-time worker.
HC: What was your transition like from college to a full time job?
Emily Cleary: It’s definitely a change. While the job search can be daunting, there’s so much to learn and explore. I graduated not knowing the exact direction I wanted to go in. With a degree in news-editorial journalism, I knew writing was a passion. Through my extracurricular activities (Her Campus!), however, I realized some new interests, like public relations and social media.
Following graduation, I decided to take a couple months off to enjoy some free time. I took a cross-country road trip, dove into my personal blog and just enjoyed some time to unwind after four years of non-stop work. When I started the job search, I applied to jobs of all sorts – journalism, social media, public relations, etc. I heard back from a boutique PR agency in Chicago who wanted to see me for an interview, and the next day, I was offered a fashion & hospitality brands internship. While working at the internship, I continued my job search and eventually came across Monika Dixon Public Relations. I emailed the CEO & Founder, Monika Dixon, directly, and heard back within two hours. She wanted to meet ASAP for an interview. A week later, she brought me on as her first intern and told me that after a month long period, if all was going well, she would hire me full time. Flash forward a month, and I was Monika’s first employee!
HC: How did your position at Her Campus help prepare you for your first job at Monika Dixon?
EC: The organization, leadership, communication, event planning, multi-tasking, collaboration and pitching skills that were necessary as the President & Campus Correspondent of Her Campus Illinois were directly related to my roles at MDPR. As the first employee, I wore MANY hats and was Monika’s right hand. The fact that I had hand in all parts of the Her Campus process was extremely beneficial when I took on a very similar role with MDPR. Additionally, the direct contact I had with sponsors, writers and collaborators fully prepared me for the constant client-facing responsibilities I held. The creative freedom and independence that came with the Her Campus role was also very similar to that of my position at MDPR.
HC: What did you like best about public relations and your role at Monika Dixon?
EC: Working in PR, you have the opportunity to meet, collaborate and work with some amazingly talented people, which I think is one thing I love most. There’s always an exciting partnership on the horizon. Also, the day-to-day schedule of someone that works in PR is never the same. You never know what the day will hold, which makes it thrilling. As far as my role as Social Media Director, I love connecting with a brand’s consumer and online community and establishing a relationship with them. It’s amazing to see them take on a personality of their own, and then to grow and adapt with them. The potential to connect with just about anyone via social media is mind-blowing. An effective collaboration can begin with just one tweet.
HC: What advice can you give to college students/recent grads looking for full-time jobs?
EC: The best advice I can give is to take every opportunity to meet with working professionals and pick their brains. Network like crazy and don’t be afraid to use the relationships you build along the way. You’d be surprised at how willing people are to help when they recognize passion and determination in a young person. Also, keep learning and never stop learning. Research, read and stay current on the trends and updates relative to the industry you’re interested in. Ask a lot of questions, and don’t be afraid to do so. You’ll never learn if you don’t ask questions.
HC: What advice can you give on transitioning from college to a full time job?
EC: I would just say be ready for some adjustments. It’s okay to be nervous, but be excited as well. There are so many possibilities ahead of you! Just know you will be brought outside your comfort zone, but it’s for the best. You will grow tremendously during your first year out of school. You really start to feel like an adult, and the “real world” that you heard about in college does in fact become very real. But with new responsibilities comes new and thrilling opportunities to enjoy all that life has to offer.