5 Things I Learned While Applying for the Daniel J. Edelman/PRSSA Award
Yesterday I finally sent in my application for the Daniel J. Edelman/PRSSA Award. I’m nervous and excited.
The award is for “PRSSA student members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership ability, a commitment to a career in the field and have contributed substantially to PRSSA.”
Here are five things I learned from the application process:
1. Don’t wait until the last minute to print things. I did…and then there was a storm back home and we lost power (therefore I had no printer). And my printer at my apartment was out of color ink. And the university labs were closed. So I ended up paying for printing.
2. Ask for reference letters as soon as you decide to apply. This helped my former internship supervisor and professor to have plenty of time to write the letters.
3. Just start writing. I spent at least 15 minutes staring at a blank screen when I started my cover letter. Then I just started typing. You can always delete and edit, so just get your basic ideas out on paper so you can develop them.
4. Research the company. I spent a lot of time on Edelman’s Web site so I could tailor the cover letter.
5. Be confident! There were a few times when I wondered if I even had a chance at this award. I met many amazing people at the 2008 PRSSA National Conference and I know the competition is fierce. But reviewing my portfolio and talking with friends, I realized I have a lot of great pieces and good experience. So don’t doubt yourself and send in the application!
Learn it. Live it. Love it.
Good for you Rachel.
With all of the involvement you’ve posted about here, I’m sure you have a great shot at it. Your #5 point is very valid - sometimes we sell ourselves short and are fearful of applying (I felt like that for my Masters) but it never hurts to try and you never know what will happen!
Good luck and happy new year!
-Kerri
Kerri - Thanks! I feel like I have a pretty good shot because I’ve been so involved at my university and online. But, like you said, sometimes I sell myself short. I may have felt uncertain at times, but it feels great to know I pushed myself to go through the process.
Thanks! Have a happy new year!
[...] As some of you may know, I entered the Daniel J. Edelman/PRSSA Award for Outstanding Public Relation Students competition last December. [...]