Gen Y is facing one of its toughest obstacles yet during this recession, spitting in the eye of the parents who put stickers on the back of their cars for honor roll kids and told us “You can do whatever you think you can do.” Guess what? The jobs are few, and true entry level professionals are competing with those with years of experience because of lack of jobs. I talk to people everyday who lost their jobs, go on countless interviews and are just facing personal obstacles.
THAT is why I’m participating as a local #HAPPO champion for my area (Dallas/Ft.Worth – Houston – Austin) deep in the heart of Texas.What is #HAPPO? —> Help a PR Pro Out Day. On Friday, February 19, from 10 am to 2 pm CST professionals and agencies from across the country will donate their time and talents to help those who are currently unemployed connect with employers.
THAT is why I believe so passionately in this cause – to champion not only for my generation, but for those that have lost their jobs, or want to get back into a field and have ones they hate.
I’m also doing this for one of my two best friends, Traci Koller. She worked in New York City at both Fleishman-Hillard and Edelman, and when she left her Account Executive position, there weren’t many PR jobs. So she did what she had to do: worked as an office manager, and now works as an executive assistant. For someone extremely knowledgeable of both the social media and public relations space, she should have a public relations gig. Her high energy and intelligence is unique – plus she’s able to make anyone in a room feel comfortable instantly. She has great writing skills, an strategic, brand-savvy mind and a keen research-based thought process. And no, I’m not just doing this because we are bff. I don’t recommend just anyone.
So if you know of anything in the Texas area? Let me know for both her and everyone else looking. You can reach out to me by comments, e-mail (laurenafernandez at gmail) or by Twitter. Richie Escovedo is the other Texas champion, and he is also available at any time.
