Here’s the bottom line you need to know now
I hate to tell you this (but I hope you already know):
Most entry-level PR jobs require a bachelor’s degree plus some experience — but today (especially with the rise of AI within our industry), it’s way more than internships and social media.
Welcome to:
the pr student
Hi, I’m Lindsey (or Linds). In 2008, I entered the PR job market during a recession. It took me nine months to land my first PR gig (without an internship), and I’ve spent the last 18 years building a career across agency work, freelancing, startups, and leadership roles. My focus is on emerging technology like robotics and quantum computing, and high-growth companies.
Personally, I’m a working parent, a founder, and now a student (again)—but more importantly, I’m someone who deeply believes PR can be a meaningful, sustainable, and prosperous career if you’re given the right guidance early on. Professionally, I’ve been on both sides of the hiring table. I’ve hired PR talent, trained junior team members, and watched what actually helps young professionals grow quickly. I’m also a proud ‘08 WSU Alum.
you need much more than education
The fact is, the education most early PR pros receive—typically a Bachelor’s degree—is great for learning how to “do” PR (best practices, philosophies, theories, and research). That’s table stakes in an interview. The bare minimum. This blog aims to help you secure your first PR job and grow quickly in your early career.
To be clear, The PR Student exists to bridge the gap between what’s taught in the classroom (or your internship) and practical tips for what gets you hired, promoted, and trusted in today’s PR industry. This blog is for students and early-career professionals who want to build real skills, navigate a competitive job market, and use modern tools (including AI) ethically, strategically, and responsibly.
what you’ll find here
The topics we’ll cover reflect the real conversations happening inside PR teams today, not just in classrooms. Too many students are graduating with strong theoretical knowledge, but little insight into how hiring decisions are made, how trust is built, or how tools like AI should (and should not) be used in professional settings. I created The PR Student to share the context and nuance I wish I’d had early in my career.
At The PR Student, I focus on:
- How to actually break into PR (resumes, internships, portfolios, interviews).
- What hiring managers look for, and what they quietly reject.
- How to use AI as a tool, not a crutch.
- Ethical decision-making in PR (especially early in your career).
- Real-world skills that don’t always make it into textbooks.
- Career longevity, boundaries, and mental health in a high-pressure industry.
Welcome to The PR Student — we’ll get started soon.
Interested in tips and tricks for “how to do” PR? Check out my Substack, Off The Record.
The PR Student 
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