by Morgan James
Morgan James was a skilled member of Belmont’s 2019-2020 Bateman competition team, Belmont University’s 2020 homecoming queen and a 2020 graduate! The PR at Belmont blog interviewed her about post-grad life and what she’s learned through her role in recruiting and talent acquisition.
What was your mentality like when you graduated from Belmont and were transitioning into the workforce?
I was so thankful for the time I had at Belmont and really grateful for all of the people that poured into me, believed in me and gave me opportunities throughout my four years. I was also sad to leave because I had such a positive experience and built a supportive and encouraging community at Belmont! I was nervous and unsure of what the future held for me and was trying to figure out what my next step looked like. Also, with COVID-19 hitting us at the time of graduation that provided for even more uncertainty. I was applying for jobs, trying to make connections amidst the pandemic and often felt discouraged. Along with the fear and nerves, I was excited at the chance to dive into my next step, understand the professional world, make new connections and discover new passions.
How did opportunities like the Bateman Case Study Competition help you prepare for your first post-graduate job?
The Bateman Competition prepared me so well for post grad life. I think it was one of, if not the most impactful, courses/experiences I took at Belmont. Bateman provided an opportunity to work on a team, take the reins on a project and make it our own. I think in most courses you receive a project that is well outlined/drawn out for you and you work with a group for a few weeks to complete it. Bateman was different. We were placed on a team for a year, and were driving the campaign from start to finish with the oversight of Dr. K and a professional advisor. This was an invaluable, collaborative experience that helped me enter the workforce with more confidence. I felt, and still feel so proud of what we accomplished!
What’s the biggest thing you think PR students should know about the job search and talent recruiting process?
The job search can be a hard process and is a full time job. It can be frustrating getting declines/no responses, but being persistent and resilient can lead to great prospects. Updating your linkedin and providing descriptions along with your roles/internships makes your experiences easily accessible to employers. If you have a portfolio website or somewhere you are showcasing your work, create a video introducing yourself that represents who you are. This is a great way to showcase your skills and personality to an employer – especially in the virtual world! Be consistent, keep track of the jobs you apply for and follow up on your applications. If you have an interview, make sure to reach out to the hiring manager you spoke with to thank them for their time. This helps you stay visible throughout the interview process. I think there is a healthy balance between being too forward and being persistent. Staying top of mind to an employer is a MUST and helpful to differentiate yourself!
Why has working in recruiting been a good fit for you, and would you recommend anyone else with a PR degree to take a similar path?
I actually didn’t think I would end up in recruiting and wasn’t specifically seeking out roles in recruiting/talent acquisition. I think it has been a great fit for me to continue to build on my emotional intelligence, allow me to create relationships with several different types of people, gain understanding and knowledge of different types of roles and develop my business acumen. I also think my company specifically has embraced me as I start this new chapter of my life. They have been so eager to share, help, guide and trust me. There have already been many opportunities to dive in and learn. I would recommend a role in the talent acquisition space to anyone who enjoys people and relationships. It is highly people focused and for someone who is energized by conversation and connection, this could be a great way to utilize these skills and apply them in a unique way. I have found a lot of joy in the field and would recommend it. This has been a great way to dip my toes into several areas such as marketing, business development, design, recruiting and gain a variety of knowledge in my first role!
Midwesterner by birth, Morgan spent most of her early life in Franklin, TN and graduated with a Public Relations, Marketing and Design Communications degree from Belmont University. Morgan thrives in situations where she can celebrate others and help them succeed. Lover of nature, cooking, good food, and fun fashion – on a perfect day you might find her skiing or snowboarding, traveling somewhere new, or finding a quirky clothing store and a great off the radar Thai restaurant!