No Pay? No Problem

By Bennie Sham, Internship Program Lead (@beesham)

In our current economic situation, many are finding it difficult to get a paying job. It's a very competitive time right now, especially between recent grads and recently laid-off workers.

The Boston Globe reported earlier today that recent grads are, once again, applying to internships to gain more experience and get their feet in the door.

While some are turning to internships, others are working pro bono. FoxBusiness reports how one marketing grad offered up his services, free-of-charge.

We all know it's difficult to work for free but when there are no other options, there is no way out of it (unless you decide to wait until the economy gets better). Good things do come out of unpaid opportunities -- experience and contacts. What better way up the ladder?

What’s Your Web View?

By Suzanne McGee, Internship Program Director(@mcgeepr)

Before the explosion of social media, your potential employer had several ways to learn about you: the interview, resume and work references. It was a relatively simple way to get information about your past performance to determine how you would fit in the new environment.

But, with the advent of MySpace and Facebook, along with blogs and Twitter, most college students have another reference: the online world. What does yours look like? Have you Googled yourself? What do you see? What happens if a potential employer pokes around?

FAST COMPANY’s Kit Eaton takes a look at a new CareerBuilder survey. Take a moment to read through her piece, “If You're Applying for a Job, Censor Your Facebook Page.” The survey finds that 45% of potential employers are checking social networks to see if they can learn more about you. What will they see?

Now is the time to make sure you are using your privacy settings to keep your private life private. All of these networks offer ways to control access to photos, walls, status updates, etc. Use them to ensure that your image is one you want to present to employers.

Summer Wrap-up

By Meghan O'Hara, Internship Program Coordinator (@meghan_ohara)

It is hard to believe that another class of interns have already completed their time at Fusion. We are always impressed with the amount of responsibilities that they are able to take on during their short time with the agency. While they begin their internship with training sessions, by the time they leave they have become an integral part of their respective team. Our interns leave Fusion ready to begin their career in public relations as an account coordinator already knowing how to:

• Develop media and analyst lists and briefing documents
  
• Research relevant trade show and award opportunities
• Reach out to editors to discuss editorial calendar opportunities
• Compile coverage and PR activity reports

Our interns also have the opportunity to develop their creative writing skills with helping to draft pitches, press releases and contributing to this blog. We are currently recruiting our new class of interns for the fall semester. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Fusion team, please send us your cover letter and resume.

How Is Your Internship Search Going?

By Suzanne McGee, Internship Program Director (@mcgeepr)

Are you still looking for a fall internship? What was or is your plan to find one?

Yesterday’s New York Times ran an article entitled, “Unpaid Work, but They Pay for Privilege.” Reporter Gerry Shih looks at how some students are hiring services like University of Dreams to find an internship for the summer. While Fusion has hosted some great interns from this service, you can also look for your own spots if you are willing to put some effort into it. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Start With What You Want To Do – Not Where You Want to Intern: Sure, there are Web sites that specialize in internships – your college probably has one with lots of listings. Yes, many people want to intern at MTV or M&M/Mars, but what experience are you looking to gain? Sometimes just having a cool brand name on your resume isn’t enough. Think through what you want to learn and then let that determine what companies you select. This will help you better target your search and may even lead you to some companies that you might not have found.

• What Are Your Resources? There are numerous spots where you can check out people’s opinions on who offers the best program or what companies are noteworthy. But, check out local newspapers (print & online) and as well as local blogs. Many BizJournals like the Boston Business Journal or the Dallas Business Journal publish all sorts of industry Top 10 lists that include everything from law offices to construction companies to PR firms. This is another way to find companies you haven’t heard of, but that may be a great fit for you.

• Network, Network, Network: Ask your friends, parents or professors if they are aware of anyone looking for interns. Many businesses contact department heads at colleges to notify them of openings. Your parents or their friends may be aware of programs at their offices. Is there a professional in your neighborhood, church or area of government that you admire? Go talk to them to find out what they are doing and for whom. (This is how I got my first job!) People are always willing to help others in their internship or job search.

These are a couple of ways to expand your search. Do you have an experience that you’d like to share? Let us know. How did you find your internship? Have any tips to for fellow searches? Share ‘em here!

When in Recession, Create a Personalized Media Community

By Samantha Evans, Intern (@samevans24)

Apparently, the Marines agree with the title of my blog post from last week. They truly believe there is much more to life than Twitter. The Marines have eliminated social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, from their network, describing the outlets as a safety hazard.

Mark Walsh, the author of the MediaPost.com article You've Gone Too Far, Twitter, questions the Marines’ decision by asking, “If the Marines are training future leaders, what better place to find followers than Twitter?” I second Walsh’s notion. Almost every time I watch TV or go see a movie, I come across a commercial promoting the many benefits of joining the Army, Navy or Marines. A social media outlet like Twitter, equipped with continuous updates, could be the perfect interactive place for a person to learn more after viewing the commercial.

On the completely opposite side of the spectrum (they are not even in the same spectrum) is Lane Bryant, a plus size women’s clothing store. Lane Bryant has been feeling the struggle of the economic times like everyone else and wants to find a better way to get closer to their customers and maybe (if they are really lucky) even boost sales. In an attempt to do so, Lane Bryant recently created a social media Web site entitled “Inside Curve.”

“The company, already active on both Facebook and Twitter, says the new site will allow for more interaction, with members able to access “up-to-the-minute insight on style, trends and behind-the-scenes features,” describes Sarah Mahoney in her article Lane Bryant Launches Plus-Sized Social Community.

Lane Bryant is not only accepting the social media phenomenon, but using it to better their company. They hope to not only promote sales of their clothing, but that “Inside Curve” will serve as a place to inform customers about promotions and sales and bring on new customers. Mark Walsh’s article explains that even the Department of Defense, “embraces social media as a recruiting and outreach tool.” Clearly the Marines could learn a thing or two from the Department of Defense and Lane Bryant.

I say: when in recession (unfortunately not Rome), take advantage of established social media outlets or make a Web site of your own! The possibilities are endless.