I spent WAY too much time on Facebook this summer, but I could justify it by calling it research. Many Facebook posts have links to other sites, and they’re a valuable source of information. I found great articles about public relations, mass communication, internships, social media and other topics we talk about on the third floor. And I discovered blogs that are charming, funny, informative and insightful. And full of good advice.

Lisa Earle McLeod is a business strategist and writer, and her blog is called How Smart People Can Get Better At Everything. One post was called “7 Ways to Have a Great Life.” Some of the seven are really relevant to incoming students.
• Get enough sleep. Pulling all-nighters might sound cool, until you do them. It’s better to get a good night’s sleep than to cram in information you won’t remember.
• Say yes with enthusiasm. Loyola is a great place to say “yes.” We have so many opportunities to get involved and to make a difference.
• Recognize your own power. Your future is NOW! You have the power to make your college years positively memorable (or positively rotten). Embrace the chance to be part of what makes Loyola unique and why you chose to come here.

Flack Me, the PR Professionals’ Blog, is a part of TalentZoo.com, which says it’s a “resource on the web for jobs and industry updates in advertising, new media, marketing, and technology.” Their stable of bloggers includes Desiree Simone, a former student of mine (full disclosure) who recently posted “A Successful PR Pro is a Jack-of-All-Trades.” She swears the content came from me, and I’m happy to take credit! Her tips are targeted to young PR professionals, but some can be applied to any new endeavor (like starting college).
• Shadow a professional. Many pros are happy to let you tag along for a day, ask questions and find out more about this profession you’ve chosen.
• Take a class. Sure, you’re taking CLASSES, but there are other, noncredit classes that will add to your skill set. Or try seminars/webinars that allow you to focus on a particular topic. Try a “Lunch and Learn,” a type of mini-seminar or lecture that lets you learn something new over your lunch break. (Loyola offers a huge variety of events and meetings during the lunch window. Get involved!)
• Become a volunteer. It’s a great learning experience, and you can live up to the Jesuit mission of being men and women for others.

The School of Mass Communication offers a plethora of opportunities to follow the advice of these bloggers. To stay informed, make sure you’re our friend on Facebook (Loyno School of Mass Communication), follow us on Twitter (loyno_masscomm), and check out our website. Welcome to the SMC!