8 answers
Ihesinachi
Student
Prestatyn, Wales, United Kingdom
1
Question
Asked
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What's the best way to get work experience during the pandemic?
I'm a 1st year politics and criminology student looking to get work experience in PR, media, communications or politics #communication #work
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8 answers
Kanika Mohan
Student
3
Answers
Michigan, Michigan
Updated
Kanika’s Answer
I suggest you going on LinkedIn and apply for remote jobs this summer!
Aaliyah Miller
Communications manager
5
Answers
Hartford, Connecticut
Updated
Aaliyah’s Answer
Amy is spot on. There are many opportunities to volunteer with nonprofit organizations. Even virtually. You should also check out you local/state government's website. I live in Connecticut and they have a web page dedicated to volunteering. While these opportunities may not be paid, it gives you experience you can put on your resume and it down the road it may lead to paid work.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Cortez Ervin
Digital Marketing
1
Answer
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Cortez’s Answer
Hi Ihesinachi,
Fortunately, work in the fields of PR, media, communication and politics can be done remotely. So even in a pandemic there will be work, however, right now businesses are uncertain of what the future will bring and are scaling back on hiring and other activities. This also means less revenue for government. The point I'm making is the work experience you are likely to gain now is likely to be unpaid -internship or volunteering.
In this environment I found it very beneficial when asking to be part of any team to have some sample(s) of your work. For example, if joining a PR team have some mock press releases. Media -maybe some data on the media owner's audience and how you can grow etc. It's easier/comforting to place someone in a job that they already demonstrated they can do well.
The other answers are absolutely correct and your network is very important. If you are under a stay-home-stay-safe order the best way to build that network is via online social networks (LinkedIN, Facebook, even schools typically have group/activities that allow for productive networks). My only word of caution is all experience is not equal. Take some time to narrow down exactly what you want to learn and that will guide you to the organization/team you want to join.
Narrow down exactly what you want to learn
Create some mocks to demonstrate your knowledge
Network virtually
Fortunately, work in the fields of PR, media, communication and politics can be done remotely. So even in a pandemic there will be work, however, right now businesses are uncertain of what the future will bring and are scaling back on hiring and other activities. This also means less revenue for government. The point I'm making is the work experience you are likely to gain now is likely to be unpaid -internship or volunteering.
In this environment I found it very beneficial when asking to be part of any team to have some sample(s) of your work. For example, if joining a PR team have some mock press releases. Media -maybe some data on the media owner's audience and how you can grow etc. It's easier/comforting to place someone in a job that they already demonstrated they can do well.
The other answers are absolutely correct and your network is very important. If you are under a stay-home-stay-safe order the best way to build that network is via online social networks (LinkedIN, Facebook, even schools typically have group/activities that allow for productive networks). My only word of caution is all experience is not equal. Take some time to narrow down exactly what you want to learn and that will guide you to the organization/team you want to join.
Cortez recommends the following next steps:
Jose Garcia
Singer
46
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jose’s Answer
A family member of mine ran for office a couple of years ago. He said that out of 5,000 people that could have voted less than 3,000 actually voted. This got me to thinking of what would I do to help resolve this disparity. I am creating lists of who are the elected officials in the area I live in including judges and School Board members to give out to the populace. He went on to say that in one community the people in the street that he spoke to told him, politicians only come around when they need a vote. Incidentally, it sounds as if this may be part of the reason why so many people don't vote. That comment got me to thinking of what would I do to end this conception of what some people have in their minds in terms of civics. I am working with area political/community leaders to begin to Have Town Meetings regularly not just during elections.
I meet children who need help with the skills of reading, writing, and logical thinking let alone all of the adults who could use the same help. There are people who are imprisoned who have no one to write them elderly who are alone, children in hospitals, soldiers stationed away, etc. There are so many people suffering mental and or emotional issues due to unresolved trauma that need help. Contact a church, talk to parents/schools, to community/political leaders, prisons, mental health/drug & alcohol facilities and present yourself. Consider, ask advice from your advisors and plan how you think you may be able to help. As far as what to do, you'd be surprised at how much people just appreciate being talked too i.e. just shown some compassion and attention.
I meet children who need help with the skills of reading, writing, and logical thinking let alone all of the adults who could use the same help. There are people who are imprisoned who have no one to write them elderly who are alone, children in hospitals, soldiers stationed away, etc. There are so many people suffering mental and or emotional issues due to unresolved trauma that need help. Contact a church, talk to parents/schools, to community/political leaders, prisons, mental health/drug & alcohol facilities and present yourself. Consider, ask advice from your advisors and plan how you think you may be able to help. As far as what to do, you'd be surprised at how much people just appreciate being talked too i.e. just shown some compassion and attention.
Elwira Jacob
Learning Lead
9
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Elwira’s Answer
Hi Ihesinachi,
During the pandemic internet and social media are becoming even more accessible and more powerful tool that we can use for a different purpose to achieve our personal goals.
My first advice would be to set up the LinkedIn account as that is a "must to do" starting point to make yourself exposed to the professional environment.
My suggestion would be that before you start building your network you need to work on your PERSONAL BRAND first. That will increase your chances to stand out from the crowd and build effective relations to achieve your goal of getting a job. Please refer to the golden circle introduced by Simon Senek and ask questions: WHY? HOW? WHAT? First of all ask yourself the below questions covering WHY part:
1. what is my purpose in life?
2. what am I passionate about my field?
3. why do I want to become journalist/ work in PR, media?
4. what is driving me?
Here are some ideas HOW and WHAT you can do:
1.Become an EXPERT:
- set up your media oriented LinkedIn channel where you can share your thoughts, ideas, re-share interesting articles with your comments/feedback/inputs etc.
- sign up for internship to build up your portfolio
- look for the volunteer virtual projects in your field and sign up
2. Become INFLUENCER & be creative- go out from your comfort zone and try something different:
- create your channel on YouTube and start broadcasting
- do your own podcasts on the subject you are interested in
3. Become an NETWORKER& virtual relation builder
- connect on LinkedIn with people, professionals from your field, show them what you are passionate about etc.
- follow people from your field on YouTube and LinkedIn- share your thoughts/ideas to connect with them and build relationship
Remember to be curious and bold whatever you are doing and learn all the time as only through learning we make things better and better. I would suggest to get some eLearning on Udemy (online learning platform) around soft skills like: effective communication, presentation skills etc.
Just to sum up, as you don't have any experience in your field yet nothing stops you from becoming for example a journalist through social media and master your skills. That will show your passion and definitely will increase your chances of getting the dream job in the future!
Just keep in mind that the best way to predict the future is to create it!
Good luck and let me know if that is helpful!
Open up LinkedIn account- build your professional network
Create the YouTube channel and start podcasts
Complete some elearnings on Udemy around soft skills which will help you to succeed in the media/communication business
Get invioved in online media/ PR related projects- volunteer
Look for internship- remote work
During the pandemic internet and social media are becoming even more accessible and more powerful tool that we can use for a different purpose to achieve our personal goals.
My first advice would be to set up the LinkedIn account as that is a "must to do" starting point to make yourself exposed to the professional environment.
My suggestion would be that before you start building your network you need to work on your PERSONAL BRAND first. That will increase your chances to stand out from the crowd and build effective relations to achieve your goal of getting a job. Please refer to the golden circle introduced by Simon Senek and ask questions: WHY? HOW? WHAT? First of all ask yourself the below questions covering WHY part:
1. what is my purpose in life?
2. what am I passionate about my field?
3. why do I want to become journalist/ work in PR, media?
4. what is driving me?
Here are some ideas HOW and WHAT you can do:
1.Become an EXPERT:
- set up your media oriented LinkedIn channel where you can share your thoughts, ideas, re-share interesting articles with your comments/feedback/inputs etc.
- sign up for internship to build up your portfolio
- look for the volunteer virtual projects in your field and sign up
2. Become INFLUENCER & be creative- go out from your comfort zone and try something different:
- create your channel on YouTube and start broadcasting
- do your own podcasts on the subject you are interested in
3. Become an NETWORKER& virtual relation builder
- connect on LinkedIn with people, professionals from your field, show them what you are passionate about etc.
- follow people from your field on YouTube and LinkedIn- share your thoughts/ideas to connect with them and build relationship
Remember to be curious and bold whatever you are doing and learn all the time as only through learning we make things better and better. I would suggest to get some eLearning on Udemy (online learning platform) around soft skills like: effective communication, presentation skills etc.
Just to sum up, as you don't have any experience in your field yet nothing stops you from becoming for example a journalist through social media and master your skills. That will show your passion and definitely will increase your chances of getting the dream job in the future!
Just keep in mind that the best way to predict the future is to create it!
Good luck and let me know if that is helpful!
Elwira recommends the following next steps:
Amy Vu
Mathematics Professor
8
Answers
Shreveport, Louisiana
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Start by researching nonprofits in your area that are related to your field of interest. Legal aid services, political organizations, and organizations with a focus on legislative change would be a good match for you. Find the web site and see if there is a job opening or volunteer opportunities available. If it's online, fill out the application.
Also, look for an email address on the site. Send an email introducing yourself, tell them what your interests are, and provide a list of your skills. End the email asking if they have any jobs or volunteer opportunities for you.
Also, look for an email address on the site. Send an email introducing yourself, tell them what your interests are, and provide a list of your skills. End the email asking if they have any jobs or volunteer opportunities for you.
Carson McGill
Kids Assistant Manager
12
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Carson’s Answer
This is such a great question and it's so important to do independent studies during a time like this to keep your education active. During a time like this I would focus on personal growth and developing skills on my own, as opposed to gaining hands on work experience. I would research political parties that you support locally and reach out to volunteer with them, start writing your own opinion pieces about specific campaigns, propose strategies to the campaigns, and really develop your own voice within writing. With PR and communication, sometimes it's more impressive to see content that you've provided organizations or pieces you've written as opposed to something on a resume.
Research local campaigns that you support.
Reach out to possibliy volunteer, but provide them with your opinions and strategic ideas to show substance.
Write opinion pieces or produce social media content to help develop your portfolio.
Carson recommends the following next steps:
James Newbery
Retail sales - training - leadership
40
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
James’s Answer
Social media is a great way to connect with other like minded people who have similar interests as you. Linkedin is a great platform for that to happen. I would also connect with organisations and see if there is any opportunities todo work remotely. Good luck! :)