Throughout my time at DePaul University studying Public Relations and Advertising, I was fortunate to be taught by so many wonderful professors. As my time as an undergraduate was coming to an end, I was constantly communicating with these teachers to help me put my best foot forward when it came to editing my resumes, cover letters etc. I also turned to them for advice when it came to PR writing tests which I found myself facing as I was beginning to apply for jobs at various Chicago PR agencies. PR Writing tests are common in our industry when applying for Publicist jobs.
Earlier this month, a professor that had counseled me on one particularly large writing test for a job reached out to me to see if I would be interested in returning to DePaul University to serve as a panelist for a seminar for students on writing tests. I was thrilled to be asked, as I was glad to give back to my school and the professor who had helped me so much, not to mention being able to assist these juniors and seniors. Attending these seminars as a student was most valuable because they were honest, real, and led to some amazing networking opportunities. It’s more challenging than ever to secure positions at Chicago’s top PR, Marketing and Advertising firms so I was happy to share my tips and insight.
A day before the actual panel discussion which was held at DePaul’s loop campus, the professor asked us to think about these specific questions:
• What kinds of activities did you do in the writing tests: Write news releases?
• How long were the tests? Take-home or timed and in the office of the organization? Online?
• How important was the test to your being hired?
• How or what did you do to prepare for the test?
• Did your DePaul coursework help you?
• What did you wish you had known before you took the test?
• What advice would you give to students applying for jobs regarding writing tests?
I was joined by past classmates and friends of mine who also shared their experiences. We each were asked to discuss our time on campus and our current careers in PR and Social Media in Chicago and share what we do day-to-day. Of course, we were asked to discuss how much writing we do and what types of writing projects we do. Then, the floor was open to the students who were able to ask us any questions.
This experience felt really wonderful and productive. I was pleased to be perceived as a successful DePaul alumni member, and it was a great way to really to really talk about Heron Agency, one of the top PR firms in Chicago. I hope that the students left inspired and informed. I felt that it was a great way to reconnect with my DePaul network as well, and I was able to talk about what I love doing!
