Find your passion and run with it.
Deciding to major in communication, with a focus in public relations, was the best decision I have ever made. Starting in grade school, I always had a desire to write about what I am truly passionate about. Don’t get me wrong, I can write about topics that don’t necessarily fancy me, but it may take a little more time and effort.
I started journaling and really getting into writing all the way back in Fourth grade. To this day, I still have a poem I wrote on 9/11. It’s really interesting to see how far my writing has come, but also to see how much I was aware of at such a young age. Thank God for moms and their motherly instincts to hoard all of our grade school craftings, right?
I love the idea of being able to freely voice my thoughts and opinions, knowing there are other people out there, reading what I write, who can relate to how I feel and can further form a connection and understanding of who I really am. This is the exact reason behind why I started my blog.
I cross-post my blogs on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and most importantly, LinkedIn. The most recent social media channel I have toyed around with is Google+. I have a little over 300 connections on LinkedIn, so sharing my blog with that particular audience has opened many doors for me. Multiple recruiters have read my blog and in return reached out to express their interest in helping me find a job upon graduation. It’s always nice to have your work recognized and appreciated!
Along with my ability to think creatively, my passion to write has led me to the pursuit of a career in digital marketing and hopefully one day, advertising. I believe writing is a key ingredient in the success of any strong digital marketing strategy. Being able to form relevant and trend-worthy content is vital in any industry. I would like to become more familiar with SEO (search engine optimization) and general analytics, so that I can stand out in this field. When you think about it, advertising is really nothing more than good writing. In today’s digital age, the most important characteristic of effective advertising is simple, yet engaging content.
I am constantly following people in the field of digital marketing and advertising on Twitter, some more influential than others. The groups of people I follow are very diverse. I follow Madeline Haller, Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan, who tweets about humorous everyday events that probably every 20-something year old girl in America can relate to. I follow Matt Bellassai, Senior Editor at Buzzfeed. He represents everything I would love to be. He makes hilarious wine-related videos, tweets whatever is on his mind and worships Beyonce (because who doesn’t). I follow Lauren Berger from Intern Queen, because she is an inspirational person and is very engaging with her followers. I also follow a lot of companies and agencies, because I like to stay up to date with the current happenings and events. Some examples of this are HootSuite, Buffer, Buzzfeed, The Archer Group, Neff Associates, Brownstone PR, 1 Trick Pony, Masterminds and Philly Ad Club.
Ideally, a year from now, I see myself working in a modern day Philly-based advertising agency, but who knows what the future has in store for me! A word of advice for all of you reading this – Never settle for anything less than what you’re passionate about… Just a little something my parents have always instilled in me (thanks mom and dad).
“Life is short. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.”
January 29, 2016 at 8:55 pm
Seems like you’re definitely headed in the right direction throughout the journey to your goals! I’m still amazed by the resume on the beer bottle you made, haha. But you’re doing great and I hope you continue to achieve your goals and work towards your dream!
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January 29, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Thank you so much!
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January 31, 2016 at 5:25 pm
Hi Paula. I really enjoyed reading your blog. I too write not only to express my thoughts, but also to reach out to others of how I feel in order to establish a strong connection and understanding, which is another reason why I choose to be a Communication major as well. I also think it is fascinating how you have so many connections on LinkedIn, because social networking is certainly a relevant key to success and to engage with people with your similar interests. No doubt, networking is of essence in today’s world. I wish you all the best of luck when you graduate, and hope you achieve all of your dreams! 🙂
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February 1, 2016 at 2:00 am
Hey Paula! I loved this blog. I can really relate to your passion and drive, and I can get a good sense of your personality through this post, which is an excellent talent. I love the title of your blog, “Do it with passion or not at all.” I really think that this is how all students should feel about their careers. If you’re not passionate about what you do, then why would anyone else be passionate or excited about hiring you? When in this field, you really need to be able to show case not just what you know, buy who you are and why you do what you do better than the rest and I can see from this post that this is exactly what you set out to do! Good luck with your goals!
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February 1, 2016 at 2:02 am
Thanks Raquel!
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February 1, 2016 at 2:31 am
Hi Paula! I really enjoyed reading this blog entry. You seem incredibly dedicated and focused, and I am sure you will be successful in your future! Best of luck!
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February 1, 2016 at 2:32 am
Thanks Lauren!
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February 1, 2016 at 2:55 am
Paula,
It’s actually pretty funny because when I was younger my parents would always put the same idea into my head that “You should never settle.” I truthfully idol you for all you are moving towards and the passion you have for PR, marketing etc. I have recently become hopefully what is close to as motivated as you. With your very legitimate blog, LinkedIn and all else I would have no worries whatsoever in terms of gaining all the dream jobs you’d like for if I were you!
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February 1, 2016 at 2:56 am
Thanks Jake!
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February 1, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Enjoyed reading your blog Paula. Check out this article that gives you a pretty comparison between PR and Advertising! Keep sharing good content!
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