Mastering LinkedIn & Resumes: Key Takeaways from PRSSA Kent’s Student Workshop

Kylee Coles and Gavin Zivoder

PRSSA Kent hosted an engaging Resume and LinkedIn workshop in Franklin Hall, offering students valuable advice on how to stand out in the public relations and communications field. The event featured three professional guest speakers: Carrie Kandes, Director of Internal Communications at Westfield; Jill Rebuck, Senior Project Manager of Corporate Communications at The Davey Tree Expert Company; and Whitney Randolph, Senior Project Manager of Corporate Communications at The Davey Tree Expert Company. 

The workshop provided valuable insights on how students can stand out when applying for internships, refine their resumes and optimize their LinkedIn presence. Here are some key takeaways:

Personal Branding through LinkedIn

• Engage actively on LinkedIn beyond just scrolling. Comment on posts, share insights and interact with industry professionals to build connections.
• Utilize LinkedIn as a digital portfolio by showcasing projects, articles and accomplishments. Even if they are not work related, what you do in and outside of the classroom helps individuals grow their arsenals.
  
  
  

Tailoring Your Resume

• Keep your resume concise! One page is great, but make it two if it truly shows off what you bring to the table.
• Research each company before applying and tailor your resume to include relevant keywords and experiences that align with the job description.
• Focus on measurable achievements rather than generic job duties to showcase your impact. This can be class work or extracurricular accomplishments.
  
  
  

Networking as a Tool for Career Growth

• Begin networking early by reaching out to professionals in your field, attending industry events, and staying active on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
• Build genuine relationships by engaging with content that inspires you and contributing to conversations in your industry.
• Follow up with contacts after networking events to maintain relationships and stay on their radar for future opportunities.
  
  
  

“Get engaged [on LinkedIn] beyond scrolling through your feed because that, ultimately, is how you create connections with people. It really does help with your network, especially as you are building it,” Westfield Director of Internal Communications Carrie Kandes said. 

Students walked away with actionable takeaways to help them get ahead early in their careers. The interactive session provided personalized feedback, with professionals offering one-on-one advice, answering questions and reviewing students' resumes and LinkedIn profiles to ensure they present themselves effectively in the public relations field.

As PRSSA Kent continues to provide career-developing opportunities, sessions like this serve as a stepping stone for students looking to stand out.

To view our upcoming events, visit the calendar on the homepage of our website! 

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