In February, (2/25) I got to join forces with Social Media/PR Guru’s Jessica Hasson, Jeremy Pepper and Serena Erlich for a panel on using social media as a Public Relations/PR tool at Pepperdine’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

So then I thought, If I were 18 and enrolled at a University or City College today what would I do?

Use Twitter to expand my network:

I thought that most college students had a facebook page and by the show of hands at the PRSSA that was true but the Twitter numbers were far less. As a college student this is a great, easy and fast way to reach out to “thought leaders”, social media people, or whoever is an expert in the field you’d like to catapult into. The funny thing is – I do this now. If I were in college – I’d have such a jump on others in my graduating class, and others as I’m applying for my first major job.

Caveat – be careful how open you’re broadcasting. Just because you have a thought doesn’t mean you should tell everyone, like this woman.How to Tweet Yourself out of a Job

You’ve Got More Time Than You Think

Most college students don’t feel like they have a lot of time – sadly neither does anyone else. The truth is life doesn’t slow down after college – it speeds up. If it were me, I’d be sponging up all that I could form those around me and news sources. I’d be checking The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and topics I enjoy (technology, movies, music). (Quick Note: this continues after school, I’ve never stopped)

Network, Network, Network

Playing well with others is an absolute must. As a college student you’re surrounded by future captains of industry, do your best to get to know those around you. That means hearing what moves people to action and how their passion plays out. Join a civic club or a organization on campus – then I’d look to see how my skill set works into that organization and find my niche. This is done through trial and error.

Set up your Accounts

There are a few sandboxes you need to make sure that you’re represented in. I’d set up a Twitter account, Linked In profile, friend feed, YouTube and one of several social media outlets: Facebook, Virb.com, and/or Myspace. You may not use all of these accounts seamlessly but it’s important to have a presence. Next, make sure your name is the same across the web. Ex: The easiest is your actual name but if your name is John Smith (you’ve got a tougher time) choose something that is quasi professional. (I still laugh when I get an email address like Butterflies_And_Unicorns@hotmail.com from someone) This is very helpful when an employer searches for you in Google and THEY WILL! Make their life (and yours) easier, besides it’s brownie points.

Start Something

As an entrepreneur, I’m a big fan of starting something new. It gives insight, sharpens your skill set and causes me to appreciate people who have a totally different skill set than my own. Each new challenge has it’s own set of problems. With each of them you can outspend your competition or outthink them. As a poor college student, there’s only one option and it’s the better one.

Volunteer

Especially as a PR student – nonprofits are in need of you more than they know. The reality is that just because you show up to a non profit and tell them you’d like to help, they may say not need what you’re offering. Be tenacious and try a few places, especially if your into social media – send an email or start a facebook fanpage. Be creative.

Try New Things

After you’ve started something, risk it. Failure is part of the equation and a fantastic teacher. However, to fail correctly means learning. In my own life, I’ve risked big and lost big money and spent years paying it off. The losing required me to alter my thought process, attitudes and plenty of time to strategize. After one extremely big loss a successful friend of mine told me, “Dan, it’s only a mistake if you don’t learn from it.” Strategies for success can work through failure.

Stay Humble, Hungry and Smart

I’ve met more than a few people who come out of school and have a sense of entitlement. In today’s market, there is no room for this attitude. Learn this lesson early and solve a lot of your headaches later on.

Read this (e)Book

Hugh MacLeod in his eBook – How to Be Creative. Listening to his advice will save a lot of headaches and help keep the main thing – the main thing.
Download it here

It was a great time to interact with bright minds at Pepperdine University, a lot of really great questions on how the web moves. A Big Thank You to Dr. Emily Kinsky for the invite.