Did you know that Lauren Fernandez is one of my favorite bloggers? She won the PR Reader’s Choice “Up & Coming” blog, so, clearly, I’m not alone in counting myself among the LAF fans. Lauren keeps a laser-like focus on challenging her readers — starting thought-provoking discussions, making young professionals think through their views, and providing a welcoming environment where anyone can ask a question and receive valuable advice (like today, the discussion centered on taking online networking offlinel).
If I were still in college, I’d read Lauren’s blog all the time. It’s seriously an incredible resource for young professionals (and even those just young at heart!).
Along those same lines, I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes this afternoon in the #prstudchat. (Just so we’re all on the same page: Stud is short for student … not a hot guy on the beach!) This monthly Twitter conversation brings together professionals, educators and students. Valerie Simon and Dierdre Breakenridge lead the charge here, again providing a forum where students can bounce questions off professionals and receive real-world advice.
I was recently asked to speak to the Central Michigan University PRSSA chapter, and as a former PRSSA chapter president, I’m delighted! As I pondered what I could discuss, I realized that these students face a totally different world than I did coming out of college. It’s almost overwhelming to think about how much information is at their disposal. And, that’s when it hit me: I want to help them focus on can’t-miss, must-see resources. I have some thoughts of my own, but I want to hear your suggestions. What are the best tools, chats, blogs, books or networks for students? Where can they interact and share ideas with professionals?
Photo credit: powerbooktrance