Graduation season has come and gone. Many recent college graduates are now coming down from the excitement and asking, “What’s next?”

After years of coursework, group projects, internships, and feedback from professors, students leave campuses with academic knowledge, friendships, independence, and hands-on experiences. They graduate with the building blocks for a professional career, but many are unsure how to assemble them (especially in today’s unpredictable job market). 

Every year, about a month or so after graduation, my students often reach out and ask me how to land their first job.  Below are a few tips for new graduates hungry for their first foray into the world of communications:

Develop a Cross-Disciplinary Skill Set

In today’s communications landscape, roles are increasingly interdisciplinary, often blending traditional storytelling with technology and design. This shouldn’t be viewed as a barrier. Rather, this shift is a powerful opportunity. For example, students with strong writing or storytelling skills can greatly enhance their value by developing visual design capabilities – whether through learning tools like Canva, earning a certificate in visual storytelling, or exploring platforms used in content creation and editing. Where disciplines once simply supported one another, they now actively intersect and overlap. Think about Thanksgiving dinner: doesn’t adding the mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, and turkey together just make your meal better? The same mentality applies here: these skills are delicious on their own, but better when melded. Further, those interested in social media roles should also understand analytics, platform-specific strategies, and campaign optimization. The goal is to enhance professional versatility and adaptability.

Leverage Alumni Connections

Alumni networks are a valuable, but sometimes underutilized, resource. Through platforms like LinkedIn, as well as university career centers and student engagement offices, graduates can identify alumni working in relevant industries or roles that appeal to their aspirations. It’s important for students to engage with alumni on social media or connect with offices on their campuses to plug into professional networks. You’d be surprised how many people want to “pay it forward.”  These connections can open doors to informational interviews, mentorship, and valuable, real-world advice. Alumni also often share practical strategies for how new graduates can translate their university experiences into compelling application materials. 

At Lasell University, the “Connected Learning” philosophy emphasizes real-world experiences integrated throughout the curriculum. This approach provides students with concrete examples of professional readiness that can be highlighted in résumés or cover letters – especially in response to prospective employers’ questions about preparedness for industry challenges. Not every school does this, but it’s embedded in the university culture. I’m proud to report that it does give our students a leg up. Every college graduate needs to consider their alma mater’s cultural emphases that enrich their understanding of the world.

Apply the STAR Method, Practice, and Film it!

While some graduates may feel they lack professional experience, most have participated in clubs, internships, group projects, or campus leadership opportunities that provide meaningful stories to share with prospective employers.

The STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—is an effective framework for articulating those stories during interviews:

STAR METHOD:

• Situation – Provide context or background.
• Task – Explain the specific challenge or responsibility.
• Action – Describe the steps taken to address it.
• Result – Share the outcome and any measurable impact.

For example, a student who led a campus organization and increased membership by X amount over X years (don’t forget to share measurable results), or who managed competing priorities during a busy academic term, can use this method to demonstrate leadership, project management, and adaptability.

Practicing responses on camera and seeking feedback from mentors or peers can help sharpen delivery for phone or video interviews—skills that remain essential in the modern hiring process.

In essence, job hunting is overwhelming, especially when entry-level postings attract hundreds of applicants. It’s important to remember that a graduate’s first job is often a stepping stone in a longer career journey. By leveraging learned skills, professional networks, and rich university experiences, new graduates can navigate the transition from student to communications professional with greater confidence and purpose.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

This blog was written by Kristina Markos, PR Club Board Member