Before social media, I dreaded networking. I felt that there was something so unnatural about walking up to strangers whose careers I admired and drilling them with questions regarding their early beginnings and advice for young hopefuls. Due to this uncomfortable feeling, I grew concerned that I was missing out on opportunities to make connections that could potentially advance my career in unimaginable ways.

However, with the rise in popularity of platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, I have developed the ability to effortlessly engage with industry professionals. This is because the public relations executives that I admire have become more relatable and accessible than ever before. By following them on social media, I am able to grow familiar with who potential employers are as people. This humanizes them and takes much of the intimidation out of networking. Therefore, starting a conversation comes easy!

The hesitation that I used to feel regarding starting conversations about our industry with people that I looked up to disappeared with the ease of access that platforms like Twitter offer. I am able to show potential employers my personality without the pressure of an interview.

With social media having such a major influence on the field of public relations today, I have found that networking on these platforms is appreciated by employers in the communications industry. As said by social media influencer Mike O’Neil, “If you don’t start in the right spot, you are going to lose the game before you even get started.”