While sitting at my desk in Sam Hall, I often think back to the steps I had to take to make it here today. What stands out is the opportunity I had to supplement my education at the University of Mississippi with the real-world experience I received at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
Rewind to the spring of 2012 when this journey began. I was sitting in Robin Street’s public relations case study class trying to figure out what I could do to enhance my attractiveness as a job candidate when I graduated in December of that year. I was never the best student, but I knew if given the opportunity I could apply what I learned in the classroom to the real world and really hone my PR skills.
The next week, I met the person who would give me an incredible opportunity to practice my PR skills over the next 12 months and land my first “big kid” job. After meeting Sara Burnett, I was given opportunity to intern with the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital marketing department. During that time, I was able to absorb the knowledge of seasoned professionals, while developing the skills I learned in the classroom at Ole Miss.
Fast forward to June 2013. I was offered the opportunity to interview for a position with University Communications. Thanks to the education I received at Ole Miss and the skills I obtained with working at Le Bonheur, I now work in Sam Hall everyday as a public relations assistant.
The point of this story is you should take every chance you get to learn from someone who has been where you are trying to go. Hopefully, one day you’ll be able to do the same thing for someone who is trying to get where you are now.