By: Claire Eastburn
Whether or not your undergrad degree was in PR and regardless of if you’ve had relevant internships or job experience before, starting out your first semester in the SPR program unquestionably brings a list of stressors. What to expect, what classes to take, what kind of internship to look for—the list of “what” is endless.
As a way to help you out as you start grad school at Annenberg, TriSight Communications has come up with a list of 10 tips to start your semester off right.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and give input in class
Regardless of if you’re naturally shy or aren’t used to learning environments where students speak up, hearing from your fellow classmates is part of what makes the SPR program so great. If that isn’t enough to get you to speak up, just consider how unbelievably awkward it is when nobody volunteers an answer…
2. Pick your professors’ brains
They’re professors for a reason— they want to help you! Even if you aren’t taking a class taught by a specific professor but are interested in what they’ve done, shoot them an email and ask to meet over coffee.
3. Don’t limit yourself to only taking classes from full-time faculty
The adjunct professors are just as helpful! Most students were only taught by full-time faculty during undergrad, but it’s time to branch out. Not only do the adjuncts bring insights from work to the classroom, but they can also be just as helpful with any questions you have about your career path and/or current internship or job.
4. It’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do
The more classes you take, the more people you talk to and the more internships you take will all help you make your mind up over time. You have access to so many people at Annenberg who would love to help you out. Use school as an opportunity to explore areas of PR that normally wouldn’t be your top priority. You never know, you may find yourself entirely surprised.
5. The type of PR you came in thinking you wanted to do might just change after the first semester
Don’t let it cause a panic attack. You have two years to help you decide. And even if you do go into the type of PR you always imagined you would, that doesn’t mean your area of PR wont change in the future.
6. Just because you’re studying PR in Los Angeles doesn’t mean you’ll end up working in entertainment
There are so many areas you can end up working in— corporate, public affairs, healthcare, travel, food… The range of interests that PR dabbles into is practically endless—don’t think for a second that the “industry” is your only option.
7. Try to experience as many social events while you’re at USC
Between tailgates, guest speakers and different clubs, the list of activities you can attend includes something for everyone. Also, try not to limit the people you meet to only SPR students. As great as we all are, try to meet other students at Annenberg as well as the rest of USC. Friends in other programs can help you gain an outside perspective that can really help you out on different projects. And really, what’s more perfect than hanging out with a bunch of fun people and calling it networking?
8. Explore ALL of USC, not just Annenberg
USC’s campus is quite large and full of great places to study, eat and relax. Don’t limit yourself to one building.
9. It wasn’t a mistake that you got into USC
Countless students question themselves at the start of their first semester for no reason. You getting into the SPR program at USC was NOT a mistake. You earned it. Don’t let the unwarranted doubts ruin a great experience.
*Special thanks to Danielle Schufreider, Emily Savastano, JR Ramsey, Taryn Goscinski, Vanessa Atler and Veronica Licha-Lopez.