On April 10, we celebrated our first anniversary with a top-notch panel discussion on what to expect if you leave journalism and move into public relations.
JIT board member Lisa Bolivar organized an experienced panel.
John Ristow, who was once a reporter for the Detroit News, now manages media relations for the Broward Teachers Union. He had some great advice for journalists who are repackaging their resumes for work outside of media:
“Look for that niche that you can bring to specific employers,” whether it’s from the beats you covered as a journalist, or from your personal passions outside of work.
During the interview, employers will be asking themselves, “Can they relate to our constituency?”
Draw upon life experience, family history, volunteer experience — whatever you can offer to show you share their mission.
Diane Tomasic, who is communications manager for House of Hope in Martin County, FL, said she’s managed to hold on to that feel-good kick that journalism used to give her by doing communications work for a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of low-wage workers.
It’s a small operation, and she likes that, because it means she gets to put all of her skills to work.
“I am the web department, the print department, the copy editor and the videographer,” Tomasic said. “There is a recognition from a lot of non-profits that journalists have a lot of the skill sets that they need.”
She encouraged journalists who are worried about their future to start to volunteer in fields that hold interest to them.
“You can leverage your volunteer activities into a new job,” Tomasic said.
Linda Hamburger, a PR professional, college instructor and PR association executive, emphasized the importance of networking, staying flexible and keeping expectations realistic. Public relations is a glamor field, not a high-wage field, she cautioned.
The seminar wrapped-up with a serious look at resume writing and interviewing prep from human resources professional Nicki Schoonover.
Her advice? Start by taking inventory.
List your “hard” skills such as the software you know, as well as your abilities, and quantify them wherever possible.
Next list your “soft” skills, such as how you perform on deadline, under pressure, in team settings, etc.
Finally, tally your accomplishment, and again, quantify everything you can.
For your own growth, take a moment to write down gaps in your education or abilities. Be honest. These may offer you a clear path to courses you need to take, readings you need to do.
If you’re leaving journalism, whether by choice or by necessity, “make the decision and don’t look back. You are tasked with reinventing yourselves,” she said.
“Getting a job is a job. Develop a job search plan. Especially if you are unemployed, get yourself a schedule, keep a list, be organized.”
