Communications Career Tips for College Graduates + Why Curiosity Is a Must in PR
Jonathan Rhudy, APR and Michele Rhudy, APR, with Rhudy & Co. Strategic Communications.
With college graduation season in full swing and students looking to gain practical experience, Michele Rhudy, APR, and Jonathan Rhudy, APR, shared practical career insights over an hour-long career chat on Zoom in May.
Breaking into the communications business or industry is about being prepared, easy to work with, and, most importantly, curious. That’s the advice the owners of Richmond-based strategic communications firm Rhudy & Co. shared during an hour-long Zoom Q&A session with students and early-career professionals.
With 22 years running their own firm – and 61 years of combined experience – Michele and Jonathan shared actionable tips, straight talk and some real-world stories.
The two, who met during the summer of 1993 in a mobile marketing internship for the Virginia Lottery, shared seven key themes.
Communications is a human business, so remember, your mindset and your presence matter as much as your résumé.
There’s no one right path into the industry.
Skill-based hiring is the norm now, so show what you can do.
Your network is your secret weapon.
The best jobs are often off the radar, and entry-level jobs aren’t forever, but they are necessary.
Follow up, preparation, and professionalism can set you apart.
Details matter, so pay attention … to everything.
Michele, who started at Earle Palmer Brown (now Padilla) after graduating from the University of Virginia in 1994, shared:
“There are still and always will be great jobs for great people.”
“Curiosity and hustle … if you can demonstrate those two traits, you’re going to be set up for a comms career.”
“Never be afraid to ask somebody to connect or to get advice. Respect their time, but never feel bad about asking and never feel bad about following up.”
“There is an entry fee to the life you want to have, and there really aren’t any shortcuts to get there.”
“Don’t be the candidate who just shows up and wings it. Be the person who followed up, asked questions, and came prepared. That’s who stands out.”
“Build a portfolio. Bring it with you. Even if it’s school projects, that shows effort. Show, don’t just tell.” “Pay attention to grammar and clarity. That is not a ‘nice to have’ in this field. It’s expected.”
Jonathan, who started at Oscar Mayer as a Hotdogger after graduating from James Madison University in 1995, shared:
“Success comes from two things: working really hard and being easy to work with.” (quoting Conan O’Brien)
“Your career story matters. Being able to tell it in a clear, honest way is a skill, and it’s one that hiring managers pay attention to.”
“Attention to detail is paramount. That’s what makes a good communicator different from a decent one.”
“The ones who get remembered are the ones who come to interviews prepared and follow up. They send a note. They ask a smart question. They make you think differently.”
“Everyone wants to hire someone who makes their life easier, so do that.”
“Always ask, ‘is there anything I can do to be helpful?’ That phrase goes a long way in work and life.”
“Network with intention. Go to events where people in your target roles are speaking. Ask good questions. Follow up.”
“The best jobs typically are not advertised. You can absolutely make your own luck. My first job was driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. I got it by calling the 800 number on the back of a pack of hot dogs .”
Whether you're aiming for a job in corporate communications, a creative agency, a nonprofit or a government role, the fundamentals are the same: show hustle, stay humble and take initiative.
Follow Michele Rhudy, Jonathan Rhudy and Rhudy & Co. on LinkedIn to stay updated about future career chats.