JOBS IN PR… THE YOUNG & THE HUNGRY
I had lunch today with a group of junior employees, preceded by a meeting with a star former intern looking for advice on his career quest (he lamented, “Could there ever be a harder time?”). Contrary to public opinion, I think now could be the ideal time for young people to succeed. Certainly, they are in a better spot than older people who are struggling. Young people have energy and can go and do endlessly. Now is the time to use that edge. There’s less pressure at home, no pre-conceived notion of how to do things, and hopefully not as much debt (or bad mortgage). If it truly is a new economic world, young people have the best opportunities to succeed in it. Albeit untraditional opportunities, but opportunities nonetheless.
I had the chance today to attend a class with my Rabbi, who spoke of people taking vacations to deal with the pressure during times like these. As he said, now more than ever isn’t the time to take vacations. Will the pressure and problems be solved after vacation? No. In reality, the problems and pressure will be twice as bad upon your return. Now is the time to work twice as hard. Vacations will only compound the problems.
Similarly, as an entrepreneur, I understand that there is no such thing as a business idea that is 100% right. People doubting you at times is a healthy thing. There will always be some opposition, because one who has no enemies has never done anything. It’s not easy to succeed, or everyone would be successful. Right now, it’s more important than ever before to keep your head down, focus, work hard and refuse to give in. Do better and don’t accept failure.
Here at 5WPR, we have actually hired a new full-time recruiter simply to pursue employees who are willing and able at times such as these to do the extraordinary. Have a client you need serviced properly, but your agency’s falling apart? Call me… Have a small agency but can no longer pay the bills? Are you someone who can get a media hit an hour? We firmly believe these people exist, and we are actively seeking them out.
This isn’t the time to make short-term mistakes, which harm one’s long term success. Short-term solutions with a long term vision are the way to victory.
Ronn Torossian
Tags: PR Careers, PR Jobs
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 am
Just wanted to say…
I am currently working on a research portfolio on 5WPR for a MCA class at CUNY City, and I must say.. I find your blog possibly the most honest and informative amongst the other blogs I have stumbled upon.
Thank you.
Hope to cross paths with you, someday..
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
As a college student, less than three months away from graduation, it is difficult not to think about the current job market without breaking out in a cold sweat.
Initially.
Throughout my job hunt, I have tried to substitute panic the positive outlook you describe. I’ve convinced myself that while companies may not be knocking down my door with “We Want You” signs, the opportunities are indeed out there.
Now is the time to find more creative means of employment searches, traditional techniques just won’t cut it. Young prospectives must dig deep to find personal qualities persuasive enough to land a job. We seem to be at an advantage because most companies are looking for well-rounded employees with the ability to undertake various responsibilities (not those pigeon-holed in specialized fields or titles) After this process, I am confident that my professional skills will be much sharper and stronger. These past few months have been much like training for my future job- Once I secure one, I’m certain I will hit the ground running.