Millennials: Are you Ready for the Workplace?

By Sana Haque, intern at PRLab

As an average millennial, you’re probably used to hearing the usual stereotypes against your generation. “Lazy and entitled,” “jobless” and “spoiled” are some of the common criticisms that come your way. There is a need to fight these harsh stereotypes and find your own place as you come up against the more experienced Gen-Xers at work. Currently, Gen-Y constitutes the largest generation in the United States, and is the fuel and fodder for many modern-day digital and online PR and marketing strategies.

But how does this generation, now entering the industry, make its mark? How do young employees and entrepreneurs gain a voice of influence at the workplace? Here are three tips to remember as you pave your path into the PR field:

1. Know your strengths

Millennials, by virtue of being the largest racially-diverse group of “global citizens,” born smack in the middle of the pre-internet phenomenon and the digital era, are more adaptable and mobile than most. They can act tech-savvy and create a viral marketing campaign online as soon as they can engage with traditional PR media. They know digi-speak, and can engage seamlessly with individuals around the globe. Being constantly plugged in to the outside world means they are also always connected to the latest trends, trendsetters and hot topics, which is a powerful tool to harness in PR and marketing.

This generation is as capable of playing the innovative entrepreneur as it is of being the enthusiastic team player. Use those skills to your advantage and present them as such; there are still many PR agencies that lack these talents and are eager to take them on and advance their strategies and tactics. In this case, you are their leverage. Don’t say it, but make sure they know it.

2. Be curious

In this day and age, you have access to endless sources of information. This includes the people around you with a wealth of experience and skills in their back-pockets. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether or not they seem foolish in your head. Not everything can be found online, and regardless of how “irrelevant” traditional PR methods may appear, they are the building blocks behind today’s thriving digital PR. It also means keeping up-to-date with the events around you that may influence trends in the near future. If you don’t believe that, just look up “Harambe the Gorilla” or “Nasty Woman.”

It’s important to step out of your comfort zone and expand your skill-set. Gen-Y is multi-talented and driven. If you don’t catch up, very soon you’ll be left behind. Blogger Cara Pritulsky recommends learning how to use tools such as Google Analytics to track results, Tweetdeck to monitor keywords and Canva for easy graphic designing. At this point, all it takes is a desire to know for you to obtain the right skills that will cement your present and future as a powerful up-and-comer in the PR industry.

3. Take charge

 As you enter the industry, it is important to listen and take in what is going on around you. However, it is even more important that you have an impact and a name in the workplace. Don’t be “that guy” or “that girl.” Take control of how you choose to be presented by being proactive in the business. Do your research, identify the latest trends, develop new ideas and don’t be afraid to share them before influential leaders. You know how they say “dress to impress”? Well, in this case just think of yourself as a package-deal out to win the hearts of those above you. Ask connoisseurs and sages in the field for their expert advice. Take the lead in requesting the press for information and/or coverage. Provide them with value or incentive upfront so that they are more interested in working with you. This can include offering meaningful connections and sponsorships where need be.

And remember to maintain these ties, as you can bet they’ll come handy one way or the other in the future. Whether you want to get your foot in the door for a promotion, or a lead interview with a respected news agency, it’s important that you stay in touch with the relevant parties involved. Build meaningful, trusting relations and see how far you’ll go.

Naturally, there are plenty of other factors to remember when advancing into the world of PR. Trust your instincts, and be ready for anything. But with these tactics at hand, you’re already a step ahead of everyone else!