12 Tips for Making the Most of Pro-Am Day

The Minnesota PRSA Pro-Am Day is fast approaching (tomorrow, to be exact) and it’s a great opportunity for “Ams” (amateurs/students) to spend a day with “Pros” (professionals), and to job shadow, network and learn more about the PR industry. It’s also a great opportunity for professionals to meet some of the wonderful up-and-coming PR talent!

For students, Pro-Am Day can be a bit nerve-racking – especially if you haven’t had a job shadow opportunity or informational interview before. Rest assured, there are a few things you can do to ensure you have an enjoyable – and worthwhile – Pro-Am Day.

Generated by the RMPR team, here are 12 tips to help students make the most out of Pro-Am Day:

1. First and foremost, be on time. Map your route before you leave your house, or, better yet, drive the route a day or two beforehand. If you get lost, be sure you have your Pro’s phone number on hand so you can update them on your delayed arrival.
2. Be knowledgeable about the organization you’re visiting, as well as the Pro you’re meeting. What clients do they work with? Are they up for any industry awards? Have they made any big announcements recently? Visit the company’s website, do a Google search and look at your Pro’s connections on LinkedIn. You may be surprised to learn about valuable connections or similarities you already share.
3. Have set goals you want to achieve during this Pro-Am Day opportunity. Do you want to learn more about a specific area of public relations? Meet a certain expert at the company? Learn about internship or job opportunities?
4. Come prepared with specific questions to ask. This is your opportunity to show curiosity, demonstrate that you’ve done your research about the field, and learn the daily workings of a job.
5. Dress professionally, even though it’s Friday. You don’t need to dress up for an interview, but do dress “business casual.” The way you present yourself speaks volumes!
6. Remember that time is money. Your Pro is taking time out of their busy day to meet with you, so take this opportunity seriously.
7. Ask for candid feedback on your resume (don’t forget to bring one!) and then follow up with an updated copy for the Pro once you make some of the recommended tweaks.
8. There’s a chance that you will not be the only student at your organization for Pro-Am Day. If this is the case, make a point to get to know and stay in touch with the other students you meet – someday soon they will have jobs and work connections, and can help you get your foot in the door.
9. Offer to roll up your sleeves and help your Pro with something – whether it’s a project they’re currently working on, or projects that they may need short-term help with down the road.
10. Ask the Pro if he or she can provide any additional contacts or resources helpful for gaining additional job shadowing or career-related information.
11. Send a thank-you note to your Pro. Better yet, send a thank-you email immediately, then follow up with a personalized thank-you note that mentions specific things that you found particularly interesting or helpful. You can also send a thank-you Tweet if your Pro is active on Twitter. It’s a great way to recognize them publically amongst their peers.
12. Keep in touch with the professionals you meet on Pro-Am Day. This is about establishing long-term relationships, not just a one-time visit. To keep in touch, follow your Pro on Twitter, connect on LinkedIn, and send a “touch base” email every now and again. Your Pro will enjoy hearing from you as you continue your journey through school and into the “real world”.

Equipped with these tips, you should be well on your way to a great Pro-Am Day!

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