A communication professor at Indiana University is telling students and recent graduates not to be dismayed by the recession when it comes to finding a job or internship in 2009.  Jim Parham, adjunct professor at the Ernie Pyle School of Journalism, says there are jobs and internships to be had, but it takes hard work to dig out the hidden opportunities.

“I’ve been blogging to college seniors and job seekers saying that while certain segments of the workforce are in jeopardy or sitting idle, good opportunities exist for those who make it a priority to land a good paying job,” Parham said.

Parham, chief operating officer for Indiana’s largest public relations firm, has compiled a list of recommendations that he calls the “D-list” that transcend tough times for students and graduates in communication.

Deepen your writing and communication skills.

Sharp people get the first shot at a job. Impressing someone with your skill set puts you ahead of the pack.

Do deep research on a potential employer.

Not just a cursory home page read of their Web site. Dig out the news, find some fresh content, and study.

Do talk to family, friends, professors, classmates.

Networking gives you the very best approach to learning of jobs and internships not widely disseminated.

Don’t rely on mass mailing resumes to addresses you found on the Internet.

Mailing resumes to “Whom it May Concern,” is a wasted effort. If you don’t work hard at getting to the right people, you won’t get an audience.

Develop a hard-hitting and attractive portfolio of your best work.

Even if it’s class assignments, you must show the employer the best you have.

Don’t rely on e-mail; pick up the phone and call.

You should know by now that e-mail has severe limitations for communicating. You can’t hear someone’s tone over e-mail, the enthusiasm or lack thereof.

Don’t just give up and decide to go to grad school.

Sure, graduate school is an option in tough times, but you need experience (and maybe some cash, too) and a first job or internship provides that.