10 New Semester Resolutions Every PR Major Should Make

By Hanna Moore

It’s the middle of January, which means you have probably already broken many of the new year’s resolutions you promised yourself you would keep.

Don’t beat yourself up about it! Now is the perfect time to create some “New Semester Resolutions” to help your spring semester go smoothly. Here are some resolutions every PR majors should make this semester… and actually try to keep.

1. Buy a planner and actually use it for more than a week.
What better way to feel more organized and better about your life than buying a new planner? Unfortunately, as cute as your new planner is, it won’t do you any good unless you actually use it. Writing down your class schedule, work schedule, assignments, events and creating to-do lists can help you prioritize what you need to work on so you don’t miss assignments, and it leaves you enough time to get everything done.
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2. Get involved…
If you find yourself with some extra down time, now would be a great opportunity to join a new organization, gain volunteer experience, find an on-campus job or join student media. If you need ideas, here are 19 ways you can gain real-life experience on campus.

3. … But don’t get too involved
Even though it can seem tempting to join everything you can, and it can be hard to say no when people ask you to take on more work, it’s important not to stretch yourself too thin. Even though it is important to fill your resume with relevant experience, don’t forget to make time for yourself to do your schoolwork, hang out with friends and relax.

4. Write, write, write!
If you ask any PR pro the number one skill they look for in an internship or entry-level hire, there is a 99 percent chance they will tell you it’s writing. While you will gain great writing experience in your classes, writing outside of your classes can help you develop your own style. Consider joining a publication where you can write about your interests or start your own blog. (If you’re looking for someplace to start, PRSSA Kent is always looking for people to write blogs!).
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5. Read more than just social media
As PR students, we can be found scrolling through social media in our spare time to keep up with current events and to see what our friends are up to. Aside from textbooks and required reading, when was the last time you finished a book you read for fun? Picking up a book you have been wanting to read for awhile, or buying a magazine or newspaper subscription, is a great way to unplug for a few hours and learn about something you’re interested in.

6. Find your passion
We are so lucky to be studying a major with such a broad career field and vast majority of opportunities. Everybody could use some good PR these days, and aside from working in-house or for an agency, you can pursue a career in public affairs, entertainment, sports, non-profit or even global communications. College is a great time to start figuring out what area of PR you are interested in and start gaining relevant experience tailored to it.

7. Land a summer internship or full-time job
The best way to determine what you are (and are not) interested in is by interning. Don’t be afraid to apply for your dream internship or first job, no matter how lofty it may seem. Being proactive and applying early to positions can help you find an internship or job you are passionate about.

8. Don't forget to sleep
As simple as it sounds, when planning out your day, don’t forget to make time to get a good night’s sleep. We all have to pull an all-nighter at some point, but making a point to actually rest is important to help your physical and mental health.

9. Try not to buy Starbucks every day.
Even though Starbucks is *right* next to Franklin Hall, and it can be tempting to stop and pick up a latte on the way to class every day, your bank account will thank you if you take a few days off. Try making coffee at home a few days per week to save time and money without giving up your caffeine craving.

10. Actually try to exercise
If I had to speculate, I would say exercising more is probably the most popular resolution that people break. It can seem like such a pain to try to go to the gym and work out, but exercising can help improve your health and your mood. Even if you don’t have time to go to the gym, walking to class and around campus can help you burn some calories, even when you’re busy.
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What are your resolutions for this semester? Let us know in the comments!

Hanna Moore is a senior public relations major and is PRSSA Kent’s web and social media manager. Contact her at hmoore16@kent.edu.