Comments on: So You Want to Meet a Senior Executive?

By: Rodrigo van Kampen

Rodrigo van Kampen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:25:27 +0000

Great post!

I’m a soon-to-be grad journalism student, but an approach with a PR exec got me a nice job even before graduating!

I had a different approach. I made a blog about PR 2.0 in january, and after I got some good content, I started commenting on blogs of PR executives that I read long before decided to start that blog. (About their content, not mine!)

After some months talking through blogs, we exchanged e-mails, and I got invitations to his company’s events, and later a job offer!

So, I would just add that it’s nice to start getting in touch with genuine comments on exec’s blogs. You start a relationship adding some value. (And don’t necessarily asks for a bit of time.)

By: Scott Monty

Scott Monty — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:35:56 +0000

Bingo. You nailed it (or in GaryVee speak, “you CRUSHED it!”). Wanna book all of the requests I get for me?

By: Kelly Wrather

Kelly Wrather — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:44:29 +0000

Thanks for the great, informative post. As a PR student with a graduation date swiftly approaching in January, I found this post very pertinent. I think it is wise to remember that it is never too late to start networking and explore avenues to express interest. Thanks again and I’ll be sure to share!

By: Todd Defren

Todd Defren — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:47:49 +0000

Glad ya’ll enjoyed the post! Even you, snarky Owen!

By: Daryl Tay

Daryl Tay — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:39:58 +0000

Todd, great advice for a marketing/communications student just about to graduate. I’ve only just begun building my network on LinkedIn, and looks like there are many more opportunities to be developed there.

By: Owen

Owen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:34:51 +0000

“I am not the only company executive/business owner who’s eager to lend a hand, an ear, or an opinion. ” –

It’s also gotta stoke the ego just a little, hey Todd?

By: Dominic Garcia

Dominic Garcia — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:04:56 +0000

What a terrific post, Todd. I graduated a little more than a year ago and the informational interviews I had were a very rewarding experience. The people I met with gave me some practical insight into their chosen specialties and that really helped me decide on what direction to take my career.

I will admit it was intimidating when I was first reaching out, but they were very nice and I’m really happy I had the opportunity to meet them.

It’s great to hear about informational interviews from an executive point-of-view.

By: Brandon Chesnutt

Brandon Chesnutt — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:56:00 +0000

Great post.

When I was contemplating going back to school for my MBA after a year at an agency, I asked around to try and see what some my successful peers thought about the idea. Fortunately, because of some existing “I know so-and-so” connections, I was able to receive some honest “if I could do it over again” advice from a few seasoned executives who basically told me it would totally be worth the investment.

A year into grad school and I still think it was the best professional advice I’ve ever received.

By: Brandon Carlos

Brandon Carlos — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:47:35 +0000

This is great, Todd. As a recent grad myself, I can attest that you’re not the only exec willing to offer advice– but your type is not plentiful, either. The reality is that this is a busy business and finding time IS difficult. My favourite group of PR people to connect with are students because I understand the uncertainties of their position.
Your advice is sound. Get on Linked in and find a commonality between yourself and the exec (maybe you both love to run marathons?); throw all intimidation aside because speaking with PR execs is not only a great way to learn, it could lead to a friendship and/or job down the road!

By: Matt Dunn

Matt Dunn — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:40:43 +0000

What a great idea for a blog post, Todd. Thanks for sharing.

I actually did a project in college where we interviewed a person who held a high-level position we aspired to. I had the opportunity to speak with the communications director for Kansas City’s MLS team, the Wizards. It was a great opportunity and I learned so much about the path I’d need to take to get to that position.

I secured the interview via email and conducted it via phone.

After the interview, he proactively contacted me and offered me a summer internship. No money, but I got great experience as a sophomore in college.