By: Whitney Gilliam (Agency Director)
3 ways PR turned me into an extrovert
I was always a shy child. My father was the pastor at our church and my mother was an elementary school teacher, so everyone knew who I was. I always had adults asking me questions as if we were friends but to me, they were strangers.
My timid personality stayed throughout high school, as I only opened up around my close friends. It wasn't until college that I knew I needed to venture out.
If you have ever spoken with a public relations professor, you know that networking is key in the business world. As an introvert, I'm going to tell you how you too can come out of your shell and gained some amazing social skills.
1) Network Network Network
Your professors were right when they said that networking is a huge part of public relations, but no one really explains what that means. Merriam-Webster defines networking as "the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts."
I don't know about you, but this concept is scary to me. I have never been overly fond of constantly meeting strangers and telling them about myself. But, with practice and consistency, it gets so much easier. Networking isn't always a formal event where you bring your best suit and a resume. It is as simple as going into your professor's office hours, staying after a meeting to ask questions, or joining organizations.
2) Go to events
As a college student, I get a multitude of emails promoting different school events. As an introvert, there is no chance I would ever go, but as a public relations student that is graduating soon, it is vital that I do. One of the best ways to secure a job after graduation is by making connections- which won't happen if you stay locked up in your room.
Now, in no way need to attend every event that the school has. However, going to the ones relevant to you is a good way to meet people with the same interests.
3) Join organizations
Events are a good way to practice your social skills, but joining organizations relevant to your major is a great way to make lasting connections. No matter what you're studying, there are multiple to choose from. This doesn't mean joining all of them. I had to learn through trial and error which organizations worked for me.
These clubs are a resume booster and provide real-world experience. My experience with RaiderComm has taught me so much and now I have a letter of recommendation from one of my professors.
Take away
So, how did doing these things help bring me out of my shell? I not only learned how to communicate, but I practiced it. I have seen the importance of conversation and reaped the benefits and now you can too! Practice makes perfect.
Get out there and start talking to people!
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