Photo Courtesy of Steve Aderton As graduation draws closer by the day, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the transition from being a student to a professional. Having the ability to utilize the skills you learn is vital, and approaching a post-graduate program from a PR perspective can be extremely beneficial for your career. The degree you graduate with is not just something to put on your resume. It is a personal toolbox that you can use to help navigate the profe

Photo Courtesy of Pexels Students of public relations are constantly reminded of the distinctions that separate PR from marketing. Where PR is audience-driven and focused on building relationships, marketing is purely sales-driven and focused on product promotion. However, in today’s professional landscape, the lines between the two are increasingly blurred, especially as influencer marketing surges to the forefront of organizational priorities.  PR graduates heading into the

Photo Courtesy of Cottonbro Studio on Pexels Judging Brands Based On Design First impressions are visual. While scanning store aisles, you quickly form opinions on brands based on how they look. When choosing between two products with the same function and price, design becomes the deciding factor for purchase. Design is more than aesthetic; it directly shapes how people feel, trust, and engage with a brand. Elements such as logos, colors, and fonts give a brand personality b

Photo Courtesy of Fauxels on Pexels Conferences are often treated as one-off events: a few days of panels, free swag, and LinkedIn connections that quietly fade away. But conferences offer much more than just that, and for college students and young professionals, the people they meet can be a fundamental catalyst in reaching career goals. When approached intentionally, conferences expand your professional network and even open doors to internships or full-time roles. The dif

Photo Courtesy of Startup Stock on Pexels By: Sarisha Thakur When people think of public relations, they often picture press releases, social media campaigns, or someone pitching a story to a journalist. But behind every well-executed PR campaign lies a carefully crafted plan, and that planning process starts with a brainstorm.  So, how do you take a wide assortment of creative ideas and turn them into a campaign that delivers real results?  That is where the G.O.S.T. model c

By: Elle Roper Photo courtesy of Fauxels on Pexels The power of Public Relations can help businesses immensely. Whether a business is just starting out and needs the extra help to raise awareness or if a business needs help expanding its target audience a PR team is there to help. Here is a list of how PR can help elevate businesses.  Building Relationships With Local Businesses Public relations offers businesses the chance to grow relationships with other local businesses. P

By: Joey Buscareno Photo coutesy of Yan Krukau on Pexels ound different on paper, but they have many of the same goals. Both are about getting people to buy in and trust what the brand is saying. Whether it’s a product or a story, you’re building trust and trying to make your message stick.  It’s All About People Working in sales forces you to talk to all kinds of people. You figure out fast how to keep a conversation going, when to listen, and how to read what someone actual

By: Alli donnelly Photo Courtesy of Airam Dato on Pexels For Gen Z, the hiring process has gone digital in a way no generation before us has experienced. We’ve grown up online, and our digital presence has become part of how we get hired. While platforms like Instagram or TikTok help shape personal identity, LinkedIn has become the most important space for building a professional one. It’s no longer just a résumé site; it’s where opportunities start and networks form. Why Lin

BY: Adam Tabet Photo Courtesy of Ready Made on Pexels Just as it would feel weird feeding a carrot to this “horse” and “bunny,” why do we so easily choose companies that merely portray they are “sustainable” or “ethically” sourced? Large, elaborate, and expensive public relations and marketing campaigns are often started by companies to share how responsible and sustainable their business practices and products are. Many consumers fall victim to greenwashing, or as I like to

by: Kristen Sansone Photo Courtesy of James Madison University How does public relations impact the consumer engagement, customer trust, and brand loyalty of early-stage entrepreneurial ventures? This research question combines the two fields I am most passionate about: public relations and entrepreneurship. As a public relations concentration and an entrepreneurship minor, I often see overlap between the two fields.  With the rise of entrepreneurship and social media in this

Photo Courtesy of James Madison University Networking is one of the most important things a college student can do to help their post-graduation life. Building relationships with alumni, professors, or fellow students helps shape your career path in ways that simply taking classes can’t.  Career opportunities One of the main benefits of networking is career opportunities. You may receive offers for internships, jobs, and future collaborations. Employers look for candidates wh

by: brea DellaFave Photo Curtesy of Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels Most likely, if you’re a JMU student, you’re on at least one social media platform. From TikTok doomscrolling and Instagram memes to LinkedIn networking, social media is an integral part of college life. However, what you can post can follow you far beyond the Quad. That’s why learning how to manage your digital presence is a critical skill for not only your time at JMU, but also your post-grad career.  Your social

By: Colton Roberson Photo Curtesy of James Madison University After the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 meant everyone needed to keep their distance, the world has seen a rise in remote work. The ability to work from home instead of in person has been revolutionized by conference call platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, allowing employees to remain connected without needing to be in the same building or even the same city.  The concept of working from home, commonly referre

By: Audrey Ridder Courtesy of Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels When people hear the words PR and Advertising, they often assume it is the same thing. Both involve getting people’s attention and shaping their perceptions. While they both serve similar goals, the way they achieve these goals is very different.  So what’s the difference? Advertising is paid. Think of it in terms of billboards, commercials, or even social media ads. A brand pays for a space to deliver a message directly

By: Kimberly Figueroa Photo Courtesy of Bluestone Communications Finding My Place  As a first-generation student concluding her senior year at James Madison University, I can confidently say that one of the most rewarding learning opportunities I’ve experienced has been joining Bluestone Communications - JMU's on-campus student-run public relations firm. Throughout this semester, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work hands-on with real local Harrisonburg clients. My tea

By: Mckenna thornsbury Photo Courtesy of James Madison University Is doing an out-of-state internship really that much better for your resume? During an alumni call my sophomore year, the alumni emphasized how excellent an internship outside of your hometown looks on your future resume. However, after completing both an in person internship out of my home state and a virtual internship, there are pros and cons to both experiences.  Virtual Internship Starting with a virtual i

Photo Courtesy of James Madison University Public relations is a team sport. PR focuses on creating and maintaining relationships between...

By:emily douglas Photo Courtesy of Kaboompics on Pexels When students think about public relations, most think of press releases,...

BY: Natalie vitak Photo Coutesy of Jonathan Robles on Pexels As we live in a digital age, companies have adapted and directed their...

BY: Demi Seligman Photo Courtesy of James Madison Univeristy Internships As college students, we’re constantly told that internships are...