What up-and-coming PR pros are looking for from mentors

Aspiring PR pros often search for ways to build their résumés, become standout students and land that perfect internship during college or employment following graduation. The most important thing for a student to do is find a mentor they can trust and rely on.

According to Forbes, 76% of people think mentors are important, but only 37% of them have one. Before entering the workforce, it is essential to find a trusted professional who wants to help you grow and succeed.

For public relations students, mentors can provide insight into what is to come, helping them to make such decisions as whether they would be happier at an agency or in-house, if grad school is right for them, and whether they should work for a few years before pursuing secondary education, among others.

The greatest challenge when it comes to mentorship for students is actually finding a mentor, as it can be a great leap of faith to reach out and create courageous connections. One way to do this is through PRSA’s Mentor Connect program, which helps PRSA and PRSSA members form mentoring relationships with each other.