As much as we don’t want to think about leaving Marist, for some of us the “real world” is starting to feel as if it is just around the corner. For recent 2015 Marist graduate Julianna Sheridan, the daunting real world is her new reality. While at Marist she was heavily involved in the communication department and served on the executive board of the Marist Public Relations Student Society of America. Even now as a budding public relations professional, Julianna took some time out of her busy day to share some of her personal career advice with Marist students.
HC: What did you major in at Marist?
JS: I majored in Communications with concentrations in Public Relations and Journalism. I also minored in Fashion Merchandising.
HC: What is your current job?
JS: I am currently an Account Coordinator for Matter Communications, a mid-sized public relations agency in Newburyport, MA. Ironically the CEO and Founder is a Marist grad!
HC: What led you to find this job right after graduating?
JS: I felt very restless leading up to and following graduation. I took about a month to relax and catch my breath, but then I kicked my search into high gear. I was eager to enter the “real-world” and start my career.
HC: Did you feel as though your major and/or other involvement at Marist prepared you for your job?
JS: Yes, without a doubt! I would not be in my position if it was not for the experience I gained while at Marist. Between club involvement with PRSSA and The Circle and hands-on internships, I was able to build a professional skill set. Also, the upper-level courses in the communications department did a great job of giving me applicable skills that I use every day.
HC: What is a typical day like for you?
JS: Oh gosh, everyone says there is no typical day in PR and they are right! My mornings are usually filled with catching up on email from the night before, following up with reporters and pitching media opportunities, or client admin and social media. In the afternoon I am in meetings, either internally for strategy sessions or on calls with clients. I find these the most helpful because you get action items and tasks that you can then work on for the rest of the day or week. All I can say is keep a checklist of all the things you want to get done that day and prioritize them. At the same time you also have to be flexible because a client emergency or something more pressing might come up that will throw your whole schedule off!
HC: What is one thing you wish you knew about transitioning into the “real world”?
JS: Look for jobs in the places that are right for you, not the ones that you feel pressured to work in. You don’t have to limit your job search to major cities, especially in communications. My agency has an amazing culture, great co-workers, and was awarded one of the best places to work and it’s more than an hour north of Boston. There’s a lot to be said for the companies that are on the fringe of big cities! New York City is great, but there are a lot of other amazing cities and towns to look at when you are starting your job search.
HC: What do you like to do in your free time?
JS: I just moved into my own apartment, so I have been spending my free time exploring the new area. I also love to read and watch Netflix in my down time. I’m less than an hour outside of Boston, so I plan on hopping on the train to explore the city in the upcoming weekends.
HC: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Her Campus readers?
JS: Take advantage of every opportunity Marist offers. The clubs and organizations, internships, speakers and conferences will all help come time for graduation. If you’re looking for more advice or information on PR or post-grad life feel free to reach out to me at Julianna.sheridan3@gmail.com.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Julianna! We can’t wait to hear what else you accomplish as you continue to conquer the “real world” like a true Marist alumna.