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Quinn & Co. staffers Danielle Culmone (@Dculmone), Emily Franklin (@efranklin88) and I (@Kate212) joined a panel of communications professionals organized by the Communications Club and the Women in Communications Club at New York University last night. It was a great experience and kudos to both of these groups for giving students an opportunity to interact with working professionals!

Participating in events like this, I remember that no text book can prepare aspiring communicators for a career in PR, whether in-house or in an agency, crisis communications or special events. Experience is the key to growth and success. The group, a room full of women with one or two men (something we are used to in this business), got an idea of day-to-day activities, challenges, accomplishments and advice from the seven women on the panel, all from very different backgrounds. They asked about the growth of digital media and its impact on our jobs, and we talked about the challenges of working with journalists, bloggers, clients, and each other as the media is constantly evolving, and the definition of success changes.

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Our advice was to be flexible and learn about everything, not just PR, because our roles are constantly changing and growing. Check out this article from today’s Daily Dog. We emphasized the importance of internships, and taking initiative at those internships, networking, volunteering and getting in front of as many people as possible.  Most importantly, do the research at work and before interviews, and do it with enthusiasm.  Sometimes the key to success is doing the work that no one else wants to do.  Experience has taught me that lesson!

Thanks for having us @nyucommclub, and best of luck! We look forward to seeing where your careers take you!!

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