With the one year anniversary of the COVID-19-induced global lockdown approaching, now is a good time to reflect on where we all were last year. For me, a member of the Class of 2020, I was a senior in college, midway through my final semester, preparing for my first real job search.

Nothing could have prepared me for the job market I was about to enter. Read more…

Tags: Advice, Careers, Graduate, Hiring, HR, Job Hunt, Job Search, LinkedIn, Marketing, Networking, PR, Strategy

At its core, Fintech, Emerging Tech, and Financial Services Public Relations and integrated communications is about helping your organization be noticed, understood, and sought after. However, in the absence of online visibility, it’s impossible to generate leads, win business, or impress shareholders. So, how do we go about improving exposure? Enter the Google Search Engine Results Page (SERP). We believe that SERP domination equals digital success. Read more…

Tags: communications, Digital Marketing, Emerging Tech, Fintech, Marketing, PR, Public Relations, Search Engine Results Page, SEO, SERP

The goal—to discover how the world of public relations is changing from the perspective of the professionals working in it.

Public Relations: The Changing Global Landscape looks at predictions about the future of public relations and digital marketing as reflected in industry surveys and the press. And provides an understanding of the quickly changing nature of these industries, as well as insight into developments on the horizon.

Click here to purchase the Digital eBook

Tags: Book, Digital Marketing, eBook, Education, Marketing, PR, Public Relations, Published

I’m not a professional recruiter or careers adviser, but here is some free advice for graduates looking to enter the workforce when applying for jobs:

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Tags: Advice, Graduate, Hiring, Job Search, Networking, Resume, Workforce

Learn how to stay creative at home with these key tips:

At first, staying home seemed like a novelty. The lack of commuting felt refreshing until you realized everyone was home, everyday… just…like…you. It’s easy to get caught up in the anxiety but maintaining good habits, taking tech breaks, and moving slightly more than just across the room, will help you survive the quarantine.

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Tags: Business Tips, Coronavirus, COVID19, creativity, Infographic, Marketing, Remote, WFH, Work From Home

Which professional has the better chance of getting a job? An LGBTQ female graduate, a 30-year old African-American, or a 55 year-old caucasian male?

The answer may not be so easy. I asked a male African-American friend with decades of experience in the financial markets for his opinion. It caused him to pause and think. “If you’ve got mileage, you’re not getting a job,” he said eventually. Read more…

Tags: Civil Rights, Corporate Culture, Discrimination, Equality, LGBT History Month, LGBTQ

As women’s history month winds down in the US, UK, Australia and elsewhere around the world, it’s a good time to reflect on the diversity efforts in your organization. Many companies will take advantage of the broader, even popular, recognition of the month to put in place activities, events, presentations and communications to highlight the accomplishments of women in their organization. Many take it a step further and host programs for girls, encouraging the next generation to dream as big as they wish and find early professional support. Read more…

Tags: Corporate Culture, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, Equality, Gender Balance, International Women’s Day, IWD

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

If you’re fortunate enough to work for an employer that genuinely encourages your professional and academic growth – take advantage of it! The business world is constantly evolving as new technologies and industries disrupt the workforce. In order to survive and thrive professionally, it’s vital to continue learning and expanding your capabilities. Taking classes to learn a new skill, obtain a certificate, or even earn a higher degree will make you more valuable to your employer and clients. According to a research study by the U.S. Department of Education, two-thirds of job openings will require postsecondary education or training by 2020.

With encouragement and support from the entire Paragon team, I recently began a 24-month MBA program at Montclair State University. As the new semester begins, I would like to share some tips to successfully balance graduate school and working full-time. Read more…

Tags: Business Development, Graduate School, Higher Education, MBA, Montclair State University, tips, Training

Everyone has that one song they can’t skip. The type of track that you can play on repeat and never get sick of listening to. As a hip-hop enthusiast, I have quite a few, but each one has something timeless that keeps me invested. Pitching clients to reporters is a bit like writing a song. Think about the four components of a hip-hop song: an intro, a hook, verses, and a beat.

Here’s how the basic structure of a song can make for a perfect pitch:

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Tags: Content, Hip hop, Journalism, Music, Pitch, PR, Public Relations

It would be incredibly difficult to find someone who has never played at least one video game in their life. The stereotypical view is that video games are made only for male teenagers and children – but this couldn’t be further from reality.

According to the Entertainment Software Association, in 2017 the average age of a gamer in the US was 35 – and 41% were female. This data is a clear indication that the industry is creating games that appeal to people from all walks of life. The gaming industry is now being increasingly used as a marketing channel. It’s no surprise that the sector is booming – in the US alone, the market was worth around $18.4bn (Statista, 2017), which provides an idea of the vast opportunities for marketing.

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Tags: Digital, Fortnite, Gaming, influencers, Innovation, Marketing, Strategy, Twitch, Video Games