Advice for Applying to Capstone Agency
By Dana Berry
By Dana Berry
If you’re anything like me, you heard that Capstone Agency was the best student-run firm in the nation and then began nervously clicking on the application. “What makes me special? Am I really good enough to be involved with them?”
Spoiler alert: The answer is YES!
We all have it inside of us to be killer assets to Capstone Agency. Yet, we have the tendency to psych ourselves out. After all, how can you get your foot in the door if it just won’t budge? You keep trying — and I’m here to share some tips on just how to do that.
1. Any experience is a good experience.
Define public relations. Think about it for a minute...are you struggling? Join the club. As PR students, we need to change our mentality and realize that this is a good thing. If something is so hard to define, that’s because it entails A LOT. If you have even a tiny bit of experience in really anything, you can tie that to PR. Were you a camp counselor in high school? Great, you have leadership skills. Did you write an essay that got you a scholarship to college? You’re ahead of the game because writing is crucial. How about being a babysitter? You must surely know how to multitask. The list goes on. Don’t assume that because you’ve never had a “PR experience” that you aren’t qualified. You are your own worst enemy. Apply anyway.
2. Networking starts now.
Being a student doesn’t mean networking isn’t important. If you know someone in the agency who you’ve worked with in class, don’t be afraid to ask them to be a reference. If they can vouch for your abilities, it could really help you. I’ve offered to recommend a couple of different people before. So have most members! We’ve all been where you are, so don’t be afraid to chat up some current members. It’s like with a job — reaching out to people helps! I used to constantly think “I hope I’m not annoying them,” but that’s such a silly thought. People are happy to help. If someone asked you where to get coffee around campus, wouldn’t you want to help them? Capstone Agency is no different.
3. Don’t be afraid to be creative.
It’s easy to get into the habit of trying to stick to the status quo. Did that work for Troy and Gabriella? Nope — and it won’t work for you, either. You have to be willing to be different. This is PR...creativity is what we do! You can be the most experienced person on the planet, but you won’t get hired if you don’t make them remember you. The same applies to this. I’m not suggesting going with neon pink lettering, but let yourself experiment. You just have to find a way to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Good luck, and I hope to see you in the Tank!