Lately I’ve met with quite a few people who want to talk to me about how I got into PR and how I landed a position at marketing agency Bailey Gardiner. Flattered that so many people want my job…I mean Bailey Gardiner is a pretty cool place to work. Outside networking and job hunting 2.0, I share with you, aspiring publicists, a few practices that worked for me:

•  Do your research. Learn about the PR/marketing industry, the agency for which you want to work and its clients, and get familiar with other agencies in the area.

• Read and watch everything. As PR professionals, we spend a good chunk of the day talking with media. So, we need to know what’s happening in the news. For me, this includes watching everything from Good Morning San Diego on KUSI and Good Morning America to Extra TV and E! News, and reading anything I can get my hands and eyeballs on from blogs, the New York Times and USA Today to Us Weekly and InStyle.

• Find an internship or schedule an informational interview. An internship is the easiest way to test the waters and see if public relations is the right industry for you. I had two PR internships before landing a full time position, and I’m grateful for those experiences. If there aren’t internship opportunities available, see if you can schedule an informational interview at an agency you’re interested in.

• Maintain your professional connections. I’ve kept in touch with marketing professors, past colleagues and former bosses. Whether it’s a friendly e-mail or lunch date, find a way to stay connected.

Anyone else have tips? Good luck, job hunters!