The Lede

Am I addicted to my phone?

2011-04-27T23:07:00.012-04:00

Well, it's definitely an understatement to say this post is long overdue. In my meager defense, I've been trying my hand at a bit of freelance photography in my spare time (you can check out my photo blog if you're so inclined).

But I've had a lot of ideas floating around since we last spoke. Heck, I'm quickly approaching my one year anniversary at Franco PR Group, and have tons to share about my transition from college student to the real world--but more on that later. This post is about technology dependence.

It all started about a month ago when I had a large event at work. You know, the kind you plan for months ahead of time and lose a bit of sleep over the night before--that kind of event. The big day finally came. I was the main point of contact for several people including ticket holders, transportation, bloggers, media, etc. Not joking, five minutes before things were scheduled to get started I looked down at my phone (as I do compulsively several times per hour) and noticed I had no cell service. Was I in a bad reception area? I walked outside, no signal. Tried to make a call, no luck. Frantically reset the phone, still no cigar.

To make a long story short, my service provider (who shall not be named in an effort to avoid taking this post off on a tangent) accidentally deactivated my SIM card when my mother got a new cell phone. You see, we share a plan because she gets a nice discount as an employee of this service provider. The very minute she upgraded her phone, my SIM card was accidentally deactivated. No warning, no undo--just a completely useless phone and nothing I could do about it until the store opened at 9 a.m. the next morning.

But the point of all this is isn't the error of the store representative who inadvertently sent my blood pressure through the roof. It's that the feeling of chaos, confusion and overall discombobulation I experienced during that 12 hour phoneless period was unlike anything I'd ever felt. I was completely frustrated, angry and could not accept the fact that nothing could be done until "tomorrow." Tomorrow wasn't soon enough, I needed it now. But did I really? No, in reality it wasn't a matter of life and death.

Fortunately, as PR professionals we're always taught to have backup plans and our team was able to make do just fine with my co-worker's functioning phone. But as a Gen-Yer, I practically grew up with cell phones. I sleep with it next to my bed. I check it dozens of times a day. The longest period of time I'm without my phone is the occasional time I'm at the gym (lol) or in a situation where I'm not able to answer. Being without my phone seriously felt like losing an arm--or my whiskers...Let me explain. My dad has OCD (not seriously, but kind of) and one time when I was young he trimmed my cat's whiskers to make them even. Little did he know those things serve a pretty important purpose in helping the animal do things like sense their environment and fit through small spaces. Our cat spent a week walking sideways and ended up lost behind the fridge more times than we could count. That's how I felt.

How we cope when technology takes a turn for the worst says a lot about us and where we are as a society. Sometimes we're so used to technological advances we forget it's still possible for things to be out of our control. We don't have answers to everything. We're so used to having things at our disposal that when they're not we sometimes don't know how to cope.

So is there something wrong with me? Or society? Am I an addict? Is technology dependence wrong or an "addiction" if it's the social norm?

Either way I have a new perspective on the topic of technology dependence--as well as a new respect for those customer service reps who have to be on the receiving end of a lot of people's frustration. I know there are greater problems in this world and greater challenges to face. I'm also working on that whole accepting when things are out of my control thing...

Students: Join Us at #140conf for Free

2010-09-08T22:21:00.006-04:00

Hopefully by now you've started to hear the buzz about #140conf Detroit. The recent fall weather in D-town has been a reminder that Oct. 20 is just around the corner, and things are definitely gearing up for what's sure to be a great event.

The conference schedule was released earlier this week, and as you can tell we've got an amazing lineup of speakers. We were really impressed by the number and quality of speaker proposals received, and ideally we'd include them all!

But the big news I've got is for all the students out there. The man behind #140conf, Jeff Pulver, has a tradition of providing students access to many of the events he's associated with. As such, he's offering FREE general admission tickets to the first 250 students who register.

As a recent graduate, I can definitely relate to being cash-strapped in college--but that's why this is such an amazing opportunity. Many conferences offer student discounts or rates, but oftentimes it still involves an out-of-pocket investment on the student's part. At #140conf, student tickets are 100 percent FREE.

Students will have a great opportunity to hear from both emerging and established professionals from a variety of industries. It's also a chance to meet some of the movers and shakers in Detroit and beyond--a big bonus for those of you looking for jobs or internships.

The tickets are first come, first served--so what are you waiting for? Visit http://detroit2010.140conf.com/students for all the details. And everyone else shouldn't delay either; the early bird discount ticket rate expires this Friday!

P.S. If you're sure you won't be able to join us for whatever reason, the event will be live streamed (details coming soon).

Mark Your Calendar For #140conf Detroit

2010-07-22T23:22:00.004-04:00

It isn't often you meet a guy like Jeff Pulver. Jeff is a lot of things, but he describes himself as a "technology anthropologist." Whether or not you know exactly what that means, I can tell you Jeff is one guy you should definitely get to know.

Jeff is the mastermind behind the 140 Characters Conference (#140conf), a conference dedicated to "Exploring the State of Now" and the impact real-time web has had on our world. After taking his conference to cities such as Los Angeles, NYC and even London, Jeff is bringing his #140conf to Detroit--and he says there's no better place on earth to do an event than right here in D-town.

The #140conf will come to The Fillmore in the heart of Detroit on October 20, and will feature brief talks from a variety of people across all industries who will share their stories about the social web. #140conf is not just about Twitter and is probably unlike any conference you've been to. The #140conf is about connecting with others, and about how real-time web impacts each and every one of us.

But don't be fooled, this conference is not just for Detroiters. We're inviting people from around the world to join us. And since its the first #140conf in the Midwest, we're definitely calling on our friends in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin and beyond to join in our efforts to make #140conf Detroit the best yet.

So mark your calendars for Oct. 20 because this is going to be big. We've got a lot of things in the works for #140conf Detroit including a pre-conference roadtrip, a day of community service and much much more. Stay tuned for more details, but in the meantime check out the #140conf Detroit website for more information. Also, if you've got an interesting story to share or know someone who does, we invite you to check out our speaking proposal form. Speaker submissions are due August 6.

And if you do have the pleasure of meeting Jeff Pulver, don't be surprised if he goes for a hug instead of a handshake--it's a genuine reflection of his passion for people.

Surviving the Real World

2010-06-13T21:05:00.006-04:00

Well, as of Friday afternoon, I officially survived my first full week as a full-time employee at Franco Public Relations Group. I would describe it as busy, overwhelming and somewhat hectic, but most of all I'd say it was amazing.

Although my first week consisted of a lot of administrative tasks that go along with starting a new job and learning the ropes, my favorite part was that I got to jump right into my work. My first day I was pitching producers of a major Detroit news station. My fourth day I coordinated an interview for a regional magazine that had been an evasive placement for a particular client in the past. I've been assigned to a number of diverse clients, each unique in their own ways, and I couldn't be happier.

Sure, getting used to waking up at 7 a.m. everyday and getting home after 6 p.m. has been an adjustment. Even though I was used to the schedule of a spoiled college student (my earliest class was 11 a.m.), I'm finding it easier to wake up each and every day. Last week, I even woke up before my alarm went off (eek!).

For those who are getting ready to make their own transitions into full-time ventures, here's a few pieces of advice:

1. Don't be afraid to jump right in. It's important to remember your employer picked you for a reason--because they have confidence in your abilities. Give your opinion when it's appropriate, demonstrate drive and effort, and show that you fit in as a valued member of the team. Sure, you need to respect principles of teamwork and the guidelines you're given for assignments, but always know that you're capable of doing the job you were brought there to do, so why waste any time getting started?

2. Take notes and ask questions. I felt like I was on information overload for my first few days. From getting caught up on client accounts to learning how to use the copy/fax machine, the amount of information you'll be getting might seem overwhelming and it's easy to get confused. That's why it's important to write everything down as you go through it, and ask for clarification when needed. Remember that everyone had to start somewhere, so most people will be more than willing to help you out because they've been there too.

3. Don't expect to adjust overnight. For most people, starting your first full-time job is going to be a major adjustment--and I don't just mean getting up early. There are things about your day that you'll need time to get used to, like where your workout fits in at or whether to pack your lunch the night before or morning of work. In my own case, a difficult adjustment has been being one of only a few friends who isn't enjoying a low-commitment summer. I know as time goes on, more and more of my friends will join me in the world of full-time employment, but for now I'll struggle with being teased for looking forward to "blue jean Fridays."

Do you remember starting your first full-time job? What other advice would you add?

Book Review: "Yes! You Can Land a Job"

2010-05-27T14:09:00.005-04:00

First off, let me admit--this post is long overdue. Last March I attended the Women & Leadership in the Workplace luncheon, an event put on by the Michigan Business & Professional Association. Although I was there in support of former Central Michigan University Interim President Kathy Wilbur (who was being recognized), I had the opportunity to meet several female leaders from a variety of industries and organizations.

One such woman I met was Therese Marie Boldt. Therese has made her success by being a professional career coach. She founded her own company, Meet Therese, and also serves as the Morning News Career Coach for Fox 2 Detroit. Therese was at the luncheon to promote her book and was kind enough to give me a free copy of it, being the eager job-seeking-soon-to-be-college-graduate that I was.

Therese's book, "Yes! You Can Land a Job (Even) in a Crummy Economy" was a very refreshing read. She provides a lot of valuable information and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is currently looking for work. At approximately 200 pages, it is a quick and easy read--especially since the chapters are broken up into sections of five to 10 pages each.

The book is designed to help the reader establish goals, values and a vision for his or her employment. There are tips on how to search for a job, how to market yourself, what to say during an interview, how to present yourself (in person and on paper) and much much more. I liked that the chapters were infused with personal anecdotes from Therese that gave real-world examples for me to relate to. Although I did find that some of the tips were things I already knew (from past professional development and career workshops), I still found the information to be valuable and applicable to my life.

And best of all, Therese speaks the truth. You really can land a job, even in this economy--even in Michigan. I (unknowingly) used many of the tips Therese talked about in my own job search, and am excited to be starting my first job at Franco Public Relations next week--just one month after graduating from college.

So if you're a recent college grad or even someone looking to make your next career move, I'd recommend picking up Therese's book. At $14.95, you can't go wrong.

You can follow Therese on Twitter at @ThereseMarie, or, visit her website at www.meettherese.com.

*I received a complimentary copy of Therese's book, "Yes! You Can Land a Job." The words and opinions contained in this post are my own.

Starting My Career

2010-04-23T09:42:00.011-04:00

With graduation just a few short weeks away, I've definitely been feeling the crunch. I can't believe my four years at Central Michigan University are coming to an end. I have to say the feeling is bittersweet. On one hand, I know I am going to miss CMU and all the friends and memories I've made. However, I am definitely ready to enter the next phase of my life and launch my career.

On that note, I am very excited to announce I will be joining the team at Franco Public Relations Group this June.

As a former Franco intern, I'm happy to have the chance to return to a wonderful place to work--and I'm not just saying that. Last year Franco was named one of the "Coolest Places to Work in Tough Times" by Crain's Detroit Business.

I would really like to thank every single person that helped me along the way. If you're reading this, there is a good chance I probably called, emailed, messaged, Tweeted or contacted you in some other way asking for advice. Words can't express how much I value the support and guidance I received from everyone. I'd love to thank you individually, but honestly there are just too many to name! I don't know what I would have done without such a strong support system.

I am very grateful to have such a wonderful opportunity lined up, and I have to admit it is a huge weight off my shoulders. As the last few weeks of my college career come to an end, I definitely have to say getting a job is the best graduation gift I could ask for!

Students: Going on Vacay? Don't Forget to Set Up Notifications

2010-03-05T10:16:00.008-05:00

I, like many college students, have the luxury of being able to take a (mostly) worry-free, week-long vacation this spring break. I'll be cruising through the Caribbean with my roommate and her family, hoping we don't come across any tidal waves.

But it's important to remember that many students have responsibilities, whether it be schoolwork, extra curricular activities, a job or something else. The times of being able to disappear from society for a few days are pretty much gone for most students, despite not having full-time jobs.

So it is important to give proper notification if you are going on spring break or will be out of touch for an extended period of time. Some ways to do this are:

Leave notification on your cell phone or main phone number's voicemail message. This way, anyone who tries to reach you will not think you are just ignoring their call.
Set up an automatic e-mail vacation responder. Most email servers have this capability, which will automatically reply to any emails you receive with a message you create.
Post the notification to your appropriate social networks.

For all of these options, remember to only give the basic/necessary information which is: you are on vacation, are unable to immediately respond and the date you will return. You don't want to give not-so-professional details about your spring break, such as "I'm going to Panama City Beach to get crazy for a week! See ya!!" Keep your messages professional and to the point.

The purpose of this is to ensure that anyone who tries to contact you while you are away is aware that you are out of touch. In our society of instant communication, any response that takes more than a day (or even a few hours) can leave some people scratching their heads. You don't want your contacts guessing about why you aren't responding, which can lead to assumptions and possibly some unfortunate outcomes.

Not all students will need to use all, or even any, of these tips, but as the old saying goes...it's always better to be safe than sorry.

What other pointers can you add?

HAPPO: #HireHernandez

2010-02-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and happy #HAPPO Day! For those of you who don't know, #HAPPO is a grassroots effort led by Arik Hanson and Valerie Simon that brings together job-seekers and employers in the PR industry. Basically, PR pros looking for jobs prepare creative blog posts that are shared via Twitter during #HAPPO, which is Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. EST. During this time, employers will also be sharing information on position openings, while others can Tweet their support along the way.

The following post is my pitch for #HAPPO, or Help a PR Pro Out Day. To track information about my job search, use Twitter hashtag #HireHernandez. You can connect with me on Twitter at @AngelaHernandez.

Quick Facts

Below are some quick highlights about me. For more details and information, please visit www.angelamhernandez.com.

Name:
Angela Marie Hernandez

Age:
21 ripe years of age

Current Location:
Mt. Pleasant, Mich. (willing to relocate)

Education:
Three short months away from a B.A.A. in Integrative Public Relations with a minor in Leadership Studies

GPA: 3.94/4.0

Public Relations Experience & Internships:

Why You Should Hire Me:

I have had a variety of internship experiences (agency, non-profit, tourism, higher education and more) and am ready for the next step in my career.
I would describe myself as highly motivated, driven and dedicated.
I have experience in writing, pitching, media relations, graphic design, media monitoring, media lists, media kits, research, social media, campaigns and much more.
Writing is my passion and I consider myself to be an AP Style/grammar Nazi.
I am always eager to learn and am not afraid of a challenge.
I'm ready to join your team!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and I hope we can connect. Please feel free to e-mail me at hernandez.angelamarie@gmail.com.

Pitching Tips From a Tribune Editor

2010-02-15T16:31:00.010-05:00

Over the weekend I attended a PRSSA regional activity at DePaul University in Chicago. The conference, "Get in the Loop Chi," featured agency tours, workshops, speakers and much more.

One of my favorite sessions from the conference was presented by Linda Bergstrom, lifestyle editor at The Chicago Tribune. The workshop, "Perfect Pitch: What You Need to Know About Media Relations," was both informative and entertaining.

I've been to pitching workshops before, but this one was unlike any other. Bergstrom started the workshop off by opening up her email inbox on the projector for all to see. A cloud of unopened email pitches from PR pros covered the screen. To amuse us, she read a few aloud.

Pitches starting with the generic, "Dear Editor" were abundant. Emails about upcoming concerts, art shows and other misguided information irrelevant to Bergstrom were not in short supply. One email seemed never-ending as it lacked any paragraph structure, and another clearly used exaggeration to make a client appear more sophisticated.

Bergstrom even brought along a stack of snail mail and gave each audience member a piece. While a small few were actually relevant, most was spam or addressed to the wrong person. One mailing actually included Bergstrom's title from upwards of 15 years ago.

Bergstrom, whose session mirrored lessons from the Bad Pitch Blog, did offer some advice to the budding PR pros in the audience. While some of her tips may seem obvious, you'd be surprised at how often editors like Bergstrom encounter them.

1. Have an attention-grabbing subject line. Your subject line should give a basic overview of what can be expected in the email without being too lengthy. If it doesn't sound interesting from the subject line, chances are the journalist is going to delete it. To save on words and allow for more detail, Bergstrom suggests leaving "Media Alert" out of the subject line as she believes the nature of the email is already implied.

2. Always include contact information and make it easy to find. Don't make a journalist search for your phone number. Contact information should be clearly provided at either the top or the bottom of a pitch every time, not buried somewhere in the story or included somewhere else.

3. Don't simply ask, "Did you get my email?" Most journalists get more pitches in a day than they can count. If you do a follow-up call, don't just ask them if they got your email--that question will only irritate the reporter and most likely will result in a dial tone on your end. Instead, say your name, organization and a quick overview of what the email was about before asking if they are interested in more information.

4. Know the editor's timeline. For pre-event coverage, Bergstrom suggests sending information six weeks in advance. While this may vary depending on the size of the media outlet, timing is everything. What good is a release if it's sent after story assignments have already been given? Unless it is something truly compelling, late information will not be covered.

5. Don't be the boy who cried wolf. As simple as it sounds, don't send information that is not newsworthy. If you have to send something that you feel is lacking, find a way to make it newsworthy. If you send elaborate pitches and releases for every little thing, it is likely that journalists will not be interested when you actually do have something worth covering.

Those are just a few of the many lessons on pitching from Bergstrom's session. Pitching is an art and is not something that comes easy. It takes practice and experience in order to do well, and even then there are no guarantees.

What pitching tips can you add?

Thank You #PRStudChat

2009-11-18T15:33:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of serving as a guest student moderator for the #PRStudChat Career Day discussion. For those of you who don't know, #PRStudChat is a monthly Twitter chat for public relations students, professionals and educators--although since we've started trending, many questions about Puerto Rican "studs" have been raised by the general Twitter population.

I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the #PRStudChat community, especially Deirdre Breakenridge and Valerie Simon, who have made the chat such a success. I was really humbled by all of the support I received from #PRStudChat participants, some of which is highlighted above.

But really, I feel like I'm the one who should be giving thanks. Moderating was fairly easy because it is the discussion amongst all participants that keeps the chat going strong.

As a PR student I can say that we are truly lucky to have such a valuable resource at our fingertips. Many of the professionals often comment that they wish #PRStudChat was around when they were students, and it's true! How else can you instantly connect with public relations practitioners from across the nation and world? The opportunity to pick the brains of some of the most successful pros, educators and students in the industry [and in real-time] is priceless!

So thank you all for making #PRStudChat such a valuable resource. I hope you'll join in for next month's discussion, December 16 at noon EST.

For highlights and takeaways from past #PRStudChats, click here. You can also view a full transcript of Career Day here. You can follow me on Twitter at @AngelaHernandez.

My #PRStudChat Story

2009-11-12T20:48:00.008-05:00

As president of the PRSSA chapter at Central Michigan University, I often answer various types of questions from members. Not too long ago one member came to me with the following question: "I'm still not sure public relations is the right field for me, how can I find out?" Aside from making a few recommendations, I decided to dig a little deeper. I came up with some questions that I thought would help shed light on this issue and began asking some PR pros for their responses. Before I knew it, a five-part interview series called "Is PR Right For Me?" was born.

To make a long story short, the series caught the attention of Deirdre Breakenridge and Valerie Simon, who came up with the idea of expanding it into a Twitter chat for PR students, educators and professionals. To date, we've held three successful sessions of #PRStudChat, and even made it as a Twitter trending topic last month!

I am honored to have been invited to serve as a guest student moderator for the next #PRStudChat session, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17 at noon EST. My role as guest moderator will be to facilitate discussion by introducing a series of questions for participants to respond to. This month #PRStudChat will have a special Career Day focus, with an exciting list of guest experts on hand to give their input. Be sure to check out Deirdre's recent post for more details on our guests and what kind of questions to expect this time around.

For those of you who have not participated in a Twitter chat before, have no worries. Check out some of Valerie's tips for more information on how to prepare and what to expect. Also, be sure to join the LinkedIn group to connect with other #PRStudChat participants and provide feedback for future sessions.

I personally have found #PRStudChat to be a great way to learn from PR people that I might not have otherwise connected with. For those of you who have participated in past sessions, I would like to thank you for making it such a valuable resource. If you haven't had a chance to join us yet, I hope to "see you" Nov. 17 at noon for #PRStudChat Career Day and for my debut as guest student moderator!

What's your #PRStudChat story? How has it helped you? What have you learned? Do you find it to be a valuable resource? What can be done to keep sessions creative and exciting?

Always Include References With Your Resume

2009-10-19T21:04:00.004-04:00

Every once in a while I like to share a bit of "Old Polish Wisdom" from one of my former professors, Central Michigan University journalism faculty member Jim Wojcik.

In his public relations seminar class last semester, Wojcik once told us to always include references with a resume when applying for a position.

The reasoning behind his advice is clear. If you've already included your list of references, it is one less step the employer has to take. You want to make it easy for the interviewer to find out everything they need to know about you. If you say you have references "available upon request," it requires the employer to put in additional time and effort that may negatively impact your chances of success. Given the competitive nature of the current job market, some employers will toss your resume aside over the littlest of details. Avoid this situation by always including a list of professional references with your resume.

One exception I can think of is if your resume is openly accessible online. In this case, you don't want to give out too much personal information (whether it is your own or someone else's). Be careful with posting references online to avoid compromising personal information.

Also, always exercise caution when sending out your resume and references to employers. Be sure the company is legitimate and keep in mind that you are granting them access to personal and sometimes confidential information.

How One PR Grad Went From College Town to Chi-Town

2009-10-05T17:59:00.012-04:00

As I quickly realize how fast senior year really does fly by, I find myself thinking more and more about my impending job search. I had the opportunity to speak with a recent PR grad and fellow Central Michigan University Chippewa, Ms. Lacy Quinlan, to get a bit of insight on how she landed her first job at CME Group.

Can you tell me a little about your job search? When did you start? What steps did you take?

I started searching for jobs casually during my first semester of senior year. I just wanted to get an idea of what was out there. I started searching more seriously in the middle of my second semester and through the summer.

I started by becoming more active in different social networks to connect with alumni and businesses I was interested in. LinkedIn and Twitter (especially) were good for this. I found a lot of jobs were posted on these sites. I also regularly checked sites like CraigsList (make sure the positions are legitimate!) and Indeed.

Is there anything that would have made your job search a little easier?

I really didn’t know where to start. Do I look in newspapers? Do I make cold calls? Do I stick to the Internet? I tried to do all these things, but it was really intimidating. It helped to dig around for alumni contact information to ask for advice.

What kinds of thoughts were running through your head when you were offered a position?

“THANK GOD!”...“My mom is going to be so happy!”...“Wow. I have one week to move to Chicago!”...“I hope I know what I’m doing.”...“Yay public relations!”...“I’m a grown up.” I was pretty nervous about moving and changing my world so quickly, but I was thrilled that my hard work paid off.

What has the transition from college student to professional been like?

Strange, but mostly good. I am still wrapping my mind around the fact that I will be working without Christmas/spring/summer breaks, and it’s weird living in a new city with no friends or family close by. It’s also been very challenging to get a handle on the language and concepts used in my industry. It has taken a lot of reading and research to even begin to understand the complexities. However, I like waking up each day having a purpose and learning more about the public relations field. It’s exciting to put everything I’ve learned into practice. I go to bed earlier now, too.

What do you miss most about being a college student?

I definitely miss having my family, friends and boyfriend at an arm’s reach. But now at the end of the day, I can do whatever I want! There’s no homework to hold me back.

What is the best part of your new job?

I love the opportunities I have to learn, not only about PR, but also about my industry. My world gets bigger on a daily basis, and I am constantly learning how to improve myself as a PR professional.

Any advice for soon-to-be graduates?

Don’t freak out too much. It’s okay if you have a little time after graduation without a job. Enjoy it! Go to a lot of concerts, hit the beach and unwind from 4+ years of hard work.

Be aggressive when you are job hunting; there are opportunities everywhere. Utilize all your networks (online and off); people will be happy to help.

Don’t be afraid to call companies that aren’t posting jobs. Ask if someone would be willing to look at your resume and offer tips.

Any other comments or advice?

I really used to think a lot of social networking Web sites were silly. Particularly Twitter (I was a hater). But, they have proven to be very useful for job hunting and my current work. My position was advertised exclusively on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Have fun! Move to Chicago!

Lacy Quinlan graduated from Central Michigan University in May 2009. She majored in Integrative Public Relations with a minor in Media Design, Production and Technology. At CMU, Lacy was an active member of PRSSA and PR Central, and also worked as an advertising manager at Central Michigan Life. She now lives in Chicago and works as the corporate communications specialist at CME Group, the world’s largest and most diverse derivatives exchange. You can connect with Lacy on Twitter at @LacyQ

and on LinkedIn here.

The Minor Details: Why I Dropped My 2nd Minor

2009-09-14T11:00:00.005-04:00

I recently made a decision not to pursue a second minor for my undergraduate degree. After much debate, I decided against trying to cram 12 credits of upper-level advertising classes into my last semester. The issue is I need at least 124 credits total to graduate. With my major in integrative public relations and leadership minor combined, my total falls at 112.

Instead of enrolling in a semester of advertising classes, I decided to take the opportunity to pursue some areas I haven't had the chance to. I've always wanted to take a class in yoga, pottery or photojournalism. This spring, I'll finally be able to. My spring schedule is completely open--the only requirement is that I enroll in 12 credits. What a feeling...

Now trust me, as an overachiever, this has not been an easy choice for me. Some may consider this "the easy way out" or even the wrong decision. However, I'm confident that my knowledge, work experience, internships and extra curricular involvements speak volumes more than a second minor would.

The reason for this decision came about after I had a major wake-up call this summer. I realized I was heading into my senior year of college. People say college is the best four (or five) years of your life. I've already begun my final year and there are still so many things I want to experience as a college student. This is time that I will never get back. I have my entire life to work, but only one year left to enjoy the luxury of being a college student.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to blow off my responsibilities. In fact, I think having a lighter class load will allow me to put forth more effort toward my involvements and passions. Not to mention I'll have a chance to experience things I've been putting off. For example, I finally stopped making excuses and joined the intramural tennis team.

I've really been making an attempt to take advantage of the little time I have left at CMU. After this year, my roommates and I will be going our separate ways and no one knows exactly where we'll end up. As college students, it's important to find the balance between responsibility and freedom. There will always be work to be done, but some opportunities won't come around more than once. Make the most of each and every day.

What do you think? Do people put too much emphasis on degree minors? Grads: Is there anything you wish you would've experienced during college that you never got around to?

Let Others Surprise You

2009-09-09T16:45:00.005-04:00

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. With my senior year at CMU kicking off, I've been busy getting things on track. In addition to working on my honors senior capstone project and my leadership internship, I've been serving as president of CMU PRSSA (among other commitments).

One of the things I've learned through my leadership minor and experience is not to be afraid to let others lead. George S. Patton once said, "Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."

I really like this quote because it exemplifies the concept of delegation and the type of leadership philosophy I try to exemplify. I really am not a fan of micro-managing because I know I personally love having a little creative freedom.

I also think it is extremely important to demonstrate appreciation and value for the work of others. If you assign someone a task and you don't exactly like the results, don't just re-do it yourself. Go over it with the person and talk about your concerns so they can learn and improve upon the project while maintaining ownership of it. Similarly, if you ask for the input and opinions of others, don't just let them speak and then ignore what they said. Listen to their thoughts and give each serious consideration before making a final decision.

As president this year, I'm really hoping to shake things up a bit and get out of the mindset of "this is how it's been done in the past." I want to try new things and take our chapter to the next level.

So far, I've tried to just put my faith and encouragement into my executive board members and give them the tools they need to get their jobs done. I've been pretty pleased with the dedication and efforts the executive board has put forth thus far and I'm really excited to see where things will take us in the future...

Has anyone ever surprised you with their results? Do you have any tips for effective team leadership?

"Is PR Right For Me?" Part 5

2009-08-18T14:36:00.003-04:00

This is the final installment in a five part question and answer series aiming to help students decide if PR might be a good career fit. Thank you to all the PR professionals who took the time to make this series a success.

Also, be sure to check out #PRStudChat, a Twitter chat inspired by this blog series that takes place tomorrow, August 19 at noon EST. For more information, check out the LinkedIn Group.

David Teicher is a Social Media and Digital Strategist. You can connect with him on Twitter at @Aerocles or at his blog, Legends of Aerocles.

1. How did you end up in PR?

That is a very interesting question. I started college as a premed student and over the course of my first 3 years, I bounced around from, medicine to psychology, to law, to philosophy. All the while I had been taking writing classes, expository, creative, professional…etc. because I enjoyed writing. It wasn’t until my senior year that I considered applying my penchant for composition, vocationally. At that point, it was a matter of identifying a discipline in which I would be free to write and express my creativity, while becoming active in the ‘business world’ – as opposed to struggling through journalism in a flailing media industry. I landed an 8-month internship at an NYC PR Firm and the rest is history.

2. What are some of your past job titles? (Feel free to include any non-PR-related titles as well, if they helped you get where you are today).

I worked as an EMT for a few years, volunteering on my local ambulance corp. I worked in a cardiologist’s office too, as a medical assistant, concluding my medical career. I’ve been a camp counselor (like the rest of the world), and in college I worked as a research assistant and student teacher.

3. What do you consider to be the top three absolutely essential abilities a PR pro must have?

Confidence is number one for me. Regardless of who you’re talking to, reporter, client, boss, or anyone else, you must exude confidence, feigned, authentic, or otherwise. We are traffickers of information, and that information is only as credible as you can convey. If you don’t speak with confidence in a clear and articulate manner, no one will buy what you’re peddling.

Passion. In this regard, I mean passion for advancement and furthering your own career through an ongoing reeducation and continuous efforts to improve your understanding of our discipline. As the media landscape is in the throes of upheaval and new paradigms are constantly being tested and replaced, the PR industry is very much affected. Only those who are passionate about what they do will take to time to read up on the latest and greatest tools, norms, accepted practices, and case studies. This is a daily requirement. The nebulous industry we’re in is evolving at an astounding pace; if you don’t keep up and make adaptation a priority, you’ll find yourself on the fast track to obsolescence.

Writing. As obvious as this may sound to some, I’ve seen some pretty terrible pitches and press releases floating around out there. And writing isn’t limited to these two common forms. Writing copy for client websites or blogs has become an increasingly significant requirement in Public Relations. In fact, I’d go so far as to suggest that every Publicist and Media Relations Practitioner should have a blog, or at the very least, write for leisure on a semi-regular basis. The only way to develop your writing abilities is consistent practice, just like everything else. It doesn’t matter if no one reads your blog; the authorship is the essential element. We are counterparts to journalists and reporters and as such, our writing skills must be on par with theirs.

4. What are some "unexpected" skills you've used in your job?

Social media savvy, first and foremost. This was an arena I found myself in completely by default – most likely due to my age and familiarity with the territory, even if it was only through personal use, and not professional utilization. I, like so many others, became the de facto social media expert and realizing the opportunity this presented, I was quick to embrace this role. I pushed it on clients and coworkers, alike. I’ve found this realm to fantastically interesting and an essential element to any modern PR campaign.

Diplomacy. Whether you’re mediating between coworkers, trying to explain a situation to your higher-ups, or handling a delicate client situation, patience and politics are key traits I didn’t know I’d need in this field and practicing restraint and diplomacy may very well save your job or help you land a big client one day.

5. How big of a role does personality play in PR job success? Are there any personality traits that are important to have (creativity, extroversion)?

Arguably, personality plays as big of a role in PR job success as any individual skill set or talent, if not bigger. Creativity, extroversion, confidence, maintaining composure under pressure, balancing aggressive tactics with an understanding and non-confrontational disposition – these are all personality aspects that come in handy every single day, dealing with coworkers, bosses, clients, bloggers, and reporters.

There are two things here I’d mention. One, effectively employing whatever your natural passion and interests may be. Two, ‘creativity as a necessity’ is an understatement. Forget thinking outside the box, in PR – and especially within social media – THERE IS NO BOX. There are no set rules. Learn from the successes and failures of others. Devise strategies, tactics, and innovative approaches to campaigns that reflect your personal flavor. This doesn’t come quick and easy, but consistent reinvention and applying your unique perspective on things can really set you apart.

6. Fill in the blank: PR probably isn't the right field for you if you hate _____.

Talking.

7. What academic course did you despise taking? What was your favorite?

Philosophy of Paradoxes was by far and wide my favorite. My least favorite – any and every math class – precalc, calc, stats…etc.

8. What percentage of your job takes place in a traditional office setting?

75%. But that’s changing rapidly and is very dependant on personal style. Can you efficiently work from home? Can you effectively converse with clients via email and phone or are you better face-to-face. In this field, individual preferences play a bigger role than in other industries, so figure out what works best for you. For me, I’m finding that I’m on a steady course of moving things to casual, non-office settings, but that’s what works for me and may not be true for everyone.

9. How much of your job involves teamwork/working with others?

1000%. The best ideas go nowhere if you can’t work well with others. To this day, I’m so grateful that I got to work with such amazing people. From my first day on the job, they took me under their collective wing and showed me the ropes, offered constructive feedback (whether I asked for it or not), and really helped shape me and guide me to where I am today. If it weren’t for this bond and teamwork, so many good ideas would have failed on execution, so much would slip through the cracks, and it would have made it very difficult to get up and go into work every day.

10. What is the best part about your job?

The boxlessness I described earlier. If you can make something work; if you can prove to a client or your boss that a certain strategy has a good chance of success or delivering results, it doesn’t matter how crazy it is or if it’s never been done before. I love that challenge to constantly innovate and think big.

11. Any other comments?

I think that about does it! Go Twitter!

"Is PR Right For Me?" Part 4

2009-08-13T12:04:00.002-04:00

This is the fourth installment in a five part question and answer series aiming to help students decide if PR might be a good career fit.

Alicia Wells is a Senior Account Executive at Peppercom Strategic Communications in New York, and also manages the company’s internship program. Prior to starting her career at Peppercom, she held a variety of PR internships, including a hospital, a boutique PR agency, and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Alicia has a passion for helping other entry-level PR professionals find their way, and recently started the blog PRiscope for this purpose. You can find her on Twitter @Alicia_Wells.

1. How did you end up in PR?

I originally went to college for journalism, but after working on the school newspaper I decided it wasn’t for me. So, I went to my advisor and he told me about PR, which at the time I had no clue about. It sounded like it could be a fit for me, so I took a couple of courses and ended up loving it.

2. What are some of your past job titles? (Feel free to include any non-PR-related titles as well, if they helped you get where you are today).

Intern, Junior Account Executive, Account Executive.

3. What do you consider to be the top three absolutely essential abilities a PR pro must have?

Organization/time management- you have to be able to work on several projects at once and constantly shift gears from one assignment to another. Because of the nature of the business you can’t plan your day out exactly, but you still need to stay on top of all of your responsibilities.

Attention to detail- Your communications with clients, the media, superiors and the public need to be flawless. Anything you write, any excel grids you format, any coverage reports you pull together, etc. all need to be perfect.

Writing skills- I think the others summed this up nicely.

4. What are some "unexpected" skills you've used in your job?

I didn’t realize how much art was incorporated into PR- I’ve used interior design, graphic design, Web design, drawing and painting over the course of my career.

5. How big of a role does personality play in PR job success? Are there any personality traits that are important to have (creativity, extroversion)?

You generally need to be a person who’s fairly upbeat and willing to talk to people at any time. Having a positive attitude goes a long way, particularly when you’re just starting out. You won’t always get the most thrilling assignments, but if you do them with a smile on your face people will always appreciate it.

6. Fill in the blank: PR probably isn't the right field for you if you hate ___________________.

Talking to people, researching, writing, sitting in a cubicle for long stretches of time.

7. What academic course did you despise taking? What was your favorite?

I’ll follow the trend and say I hated anything math related. My favorite was a class I took senior year, which was taught by the head of PR for our school. It was the most real-world experience I got from a class.

8. What percentage of your job takes place in a traditional office setting?

Almost all of it, unless I’m working on a client event (but I don’t do this often).

9. How much of your job involves teamwork/working with others?

All of it. Even when I’m working on an assignment alone, that assignment contributes to a larger group effort.

10. What is the best part about your job?

Doing something different every day and constantly facing new challenges. Also, I love the people that I work with. The culture of my agency is very friendly and inviting, so it’s a pleasure to come to work everyday.

11. Any other comments?

At the beginning of your career, you’ll likely spend most of your time doing the “behind the scenes” work. Media lists, coverage reports, research, binding, etc. won’t always seem valuable, but know that the work you do really does contribute to the overall goals of the team. Once you master these tasks, I’d recommend trying to step up and ask to take on higher level work (as long as the culture of your organization allows for that). By showing that you’re proactive and can do great work, you’ll start to get the more “fun” assignments (pitching, writing, etc.).

"Is PR Right For Me?" Part 3

2009-08-05T00:43:00.000-04:00

This is the third installment in a five part question and answer series aiming to help students decide if PR might be a good career fit.

Deirdre K. Breakenridge is President, Director of Communications at PFS Marketwyse. A veteran in the PR industry, Deirdre leads a creative team of PR and marketing executives strategizing to gain brand awareness for their clients through creative and strategic public relations campaigns. She counsels senior level executives at companies including RCN Metro Optical Networks, Quality Technology Services, JVC, Michael C. Fina and Kraft.

Deirdre is an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey where she teaches Public Relations and Interactive Marketing for the Global Business Management program. She is the author of three Financial Times business books: "PR 2.0, New Media, New tools, New Audiences," "The New PR Toolkit" and "Cyberbranding: Brand Building in the Digital Economy."

You can connect with Deirdre on Twitter at @dbreakenridge. Also be sure to check out her blog, PR 2.0 Strategies, for a great follow-up post.

1. How did you end up in PR?
I knew in high school that I wanted to get a degree in communications. I loved to write, speak and I had an interest in the media. Public relations appeared to be a great fit for me. I remember being very excited that I could receive a Bachelor’s degree that taught me how to solve problems through cases, challenged me to work with different groups of people and also, at the time, had a strong focus in journalism and working with the media.

2. What are some of your past job titles? (Feel free to include any non-PR-related titles as well, if they helped you get where you are today).
In the past working all the way up to the present, I have held the following titles: Intern or Junior PR Assistant, Assistant Account Executive, Account Executive, PR Manager, Director of Business Research, Director of Public Relations, Executive Director of Public Relations, and President. The only title that was outside of the realm of public relations was Director of Business Research. I worked for a pharmaceutical consultant, and we did niche marketing for large brand pharmaceuticals companies. Most of my responsibilities included detailed business research and competitive intelligence. I learned a tremendous amount about business and the pharmaceutical market landscape. I truly believe that many of the skills that I learned during my days with this consultant led me to be an entrepreneur and business owner.

3. What do you consider to be the top three absolutely essential abilities a PR pro must have?
In the past, I would have said that excellent writing, good oral communications, and strong listening skills. However, today not only is it required that you have those skills, but also PR 2.0 and social media communications has a new skill set. PR pros need to be up to speed with technology and the web 2.0 collaborative communication, web analytics, CRM and web marketing.

4. What are some "unexpected" skills you've used in your job?
There are a few “unexpected” skills including web programming, backend content management of websites, and customer service (although this naturally comes with the PR territory). I believe that every “unexpected” skill makes you that much more valuable for your organization. If someone wants to teach you how to do something that may fall somewhat outside of your realm, take the opportunity to learn because the more you know about your company, the more quickly you can travel to the top!

5. How big of a role does personality play in PR job success? Are there any personality traits that are important to have (creativity, extroversion)?

I do believe that PR people need a certain personality to succeed in this industry. As you stated, you must be creative and an extrovert. You should know how to work well with other people, especially on teams. PR people need to be avid readers! It’s important that you’re tapped into the news whether you’re finding information from mainstream media or on the Internet. A PR person is usually very driven and doesn’t give up easily (persistent) and is able to handle rejection well. You need to be on your feet at all times and prepared for crisis and damage control. Lastly, PR comes with heavy deadlines (similar to journalism), so be prepared for a fast paced environment!

6. Fill in the blank: PR probably isn't the right field for you if you hate to _________.
I would finish your sentence with: write, talk to people and be involved with the public.

7. What academic course did you despise taking? What was your favorite?
I didn’t appreciate philosophy when I was in my undergraduate program, although now I think I would love it. I enjoyed all of my writing courses (journalism and magazine writing) and probably was one of the few students who wanted more public speaking classes! To this day, the classes I enjoyed most are what I do the most on a daily basis, in my role as an author, speaker and President of an agency.

8. What percentage of your job takes place in a traditional office setting?
I usually spend about three to four days a week in the office, but this changes from week to week. I’ve been speaking a lot at conferences and seminars around the country and I’ll be in Australia, Germany and hopefully Holland later in the year and in early 2010. When I’m traveling, then I’m only in the office a couple of days a week, if that. However, most of my responsibilities are achieved outside of the office setting. Because of the Internet and Web 2.0, I have the ability to connect with people all over the world and I’m able to work from anywhere.

9. How much of your job involves teamwork/working with others?
I would say that 90% of what I do involves teamwork. From the strategy and planning on client campaigns to working with my agency’s financial team, I rely on a skilled group of people to tackle challenges and reach goals. I learned in my MBA program very quickly that in business, it’s better to work in teams for synergy and to achieve a more productive workflow process.

10. What is the best part about your job?
I love the people! From my own employees to the many professionals that I meet at conferences and in my social networks, they are all extremely knowledgeable and talented professionals. They teach me something each and every day. In the PR business, you always have to keep learning. When you surround yourself with incredibly smart people it will help you to discover, develop and grow faster in your own career.

11. Any other comments?
Now is in incredibly exciting time in public relations as we are reinventing our industry through PR 2.0 and social media communications. With all of the changes and challenges that we’re experiencing, the rewards are even greater. Today, PR professionals are learning how to connect directly with people in social networks and to become important resources of information. We, too, are becoming influencers, helping and enlightening others. As such, we’re also educating our brands on the best way to listen and engage in the social media landscape and how to reach their public(s) directly with customized stories, timely information and meaningful interactions.

"Is PR Right For Me?" Part 2

2009-08-03T09:38:00.006-04:00

This is the second installment in a five part question and answer series aiming to help students decide if PR might be a good career fit.

Jason Mical is a senior account manager and Digital Strategist at Spook. An American Ex-Pat and award-winning blogger, Jason first dialled into a BBS in 1990, where he moderated his first forum.

He began working professionally online in 2000 for the filmmaker Michael Moore during an internship on The Awful Truth, and came to Edelman’s Seattle office in 2006 after working for three years for WizKids, a groundbreaking tabletop gaming company. He specializes in consumer, entertainment and tech PR, although his client list is diverse and ranges from Visa Europe to RBS to Krispy Kreme to Xbox to Starbucks. You can connect with Jason on Twitter at @BrotherMagneto.

1. How did you end up in PR?
I ended up here by accident really. I studied English Lit and Religion in college and was going to work in publishing or writing. I ended up working as a social worker in Oklahoma for a couple of years, while freelance writing and volunteering within a gaming community to run games. Turns out the games company who made the game was hiring, so I moved to Seattle to work for them in an official capacity. After 6 months the company had a round of layoffs and I ended up in the PR role at the company, and my career took off from there. It was a really interesting situation because the company was extremely cutting-edge (for its time) in terms of digital PR and social media – a lot of our efforts were done online. And this was 2003.

2. What are some of your past job titles? (Feel free to include any non-PR-related titles as well, if they helped you get where you are today).
PR Manager. Communications manager. Senior Account Executive, Account Supervisor. Freelance writer (is that a title?)

3. What do you consider to be the top three absolutely essential abilities a PR pro must have?
First – writing skills. If you can’t write to express yourself – and are able to adapt your writing to any audience, from an executive to a 14-year-old on the Internet – you will struggle. Imagine sending a memo to Bill Gates and then turning around and replying to a question from a Halo fan in the same hour. If you can do that, you’ll be alright. As a corollary, I would add the ability to talk to other people. I don’t mean a naturally extroverted ‘talk about nothing’ which passes for good PR a lot of the time. I’m an introvert by nature but I can make myself understood - again based on audiences, from executives to people at trade shows.

Second – creativity. Don’t be afraid to push the envelope with ideas. Who cares if it sounds dumb? Who cares if it’s completely unfeasible within the budget? If it sounds cool, suggest it, and then see where it takes you.

Third – the ability to synthesize and analyse information. This is what separates a good PR person – someone who can get coverage, is buddy-buddy with a reporter or an analyst, or can give a powerpoint presentation – with a great PR person. The great PR person will look at past campaigns and current efforts, take the measure of an entire landscape and say ‘OK, this is what this all means, and this is what we should do about it.’ It’s remarkable how many people in this field can’t do this.

4. What are some "unexpected" skills you've used in your job?
Poker playing. The ability to make a mocktail look like a cocktail (can’t drink too much at client functions!) The ability to speak coherently about a topic while you’re organizing your thoughts about what you REALLY want to say.

5. How big of a role does personality play in PR job success? Are there any personality traits that are important to have (creativity, extroversion)?
Definitely creativity – especially if you want to start doing the really cool PR stuff. As I mentioned before, introverts can do this job too (I do it!) but I think it appeals more to extroverts – I absolutely hate cold-calling journalists, even though I can do it.

There’s also a certain personality that will be more successful at this job than others – the hours are sometimes very long and tempers can be short. The ability to work well with others cannot be stressed enough, and a lot of people approach PR from a ‘live to work’ mentality – to the point where they literally ‘show value’ by the amount of time they spend at the office, rather than the quality of their work. That’s a great way to burn yourself out very quickly. You need to take a ‘work to live’ mentality to it, and not take the job too seriously – obviously take it seriously, but remember that you’re not a surgeon. You’re not saving lives on a daily basis, you’re selling things for companies. Approach it with that mentality and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.

6. Fill in the blank: PR probably isn't the right field for you if you hate ___________________.
Sometimes having to work on weekends or off-hours.

7. What academic course did you despise taking? What was your favorite?
Math, because i’m terrible at it. My favourite was any of the history courses I took – but I’m a liberal arts major, not a PR/comms major. :)

8. What percentage of your job takes place in a traditional office setting?
About 90-95% of it, although that varies based on what we’re doing at any given time.

9. How much of your job involves teamwork/working with others?
All of it. This isn’t a solo job, unless you set up your own practice.

10. What is the best part about your job?
On a personal level I am a believer in and a fan of the democratization of conversation that the Internet allows us to have. Companies have just as much (or just as little, depending on your point of view) right to their view as anyone else, and in the end it will only be beneficial for businesses to participate in online dialogue. This is a drastic change from the control-and-spin methods of traditional public relations, and helping companies understand this – and participate online – is extremely rewarding to me. Someone will say that, say, a massive oil company will not benefit from online engagement. On the contrary, being forced to face the massive amounts of criticism for their unethical actions might actually lead them to change how they operate, as the window for ignoring what’s happening online is becoming smaller and smaller and will eventually disappear completely. So there is most certainly a value in all companies participating in online conversation in one way or another, and helping them see this and take these steps is personally rewarding for me.

11. Any other comments?
PR is becoming more and more about building relationships with the wider communities than simply talking to journalists. The entire industry is on the verge of a major change, which is very exciting because those who understand what’s going on and more importantly what’s coming next will be well suited to forge excellent careers for themselves in PR. PR is essentially merging with customer service, because the customer is the ‘influencer’ now – and we need to talk directly to customers once again. It’s also much more about helping our clients become influencers themselves – the great dichotomy of PR at the moment is traditionally, PR was about speaking to influencers and hoping their ‘influence’ would carry your messages through. It’s now about becoming an influencer yourself, and helping your clients do the same. Those who understand that principle will go far in this field.

"Is PR Right For Me?" Part 1

2009-07-29T09:48:00.017-04:00

As president of the PRSSA chapter at my university, I answer a lot of questions. During a recent conversation I had, one member expressed the following concern: "I'm still not sure if PR is the right field for me."

::GASP!:: A college student who is undecided on a course of study...wait, that happens all the time. Personally, my internship experience is what has assured me I've chosen the right major, so it's easy to see why many students may be unsure.

The following post is the first in a five part question and answer series aiming to help students decide if PR might be a good career fit.

Lauren Fernandez is a marketing and public relations professional in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She currently works as marketing coordinator for National Office of American Mensa and it’s philanthropic arm, the Mensa Education & Research Foundation. She is a student of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Leadership Academy, and Social Media SIG Co-Chair for Ft. Worth PRSA. She’s also an avid sports fan, loves shoes and maintains the blog LAF. She can be found on Twitter @CubanaLAF.

1. How did you end up in PR?
I was dead set on being a journalism-news editorial major in college. After two years on the high school newspaper, as well as a summer internship in a newsroom after my freshmen year of college, I knew that news-editorial was not for me. The hectic and unorganized hours would have driven me crazy. I went and met with my advisor, not knowing what I should do. I still loved writing and research, and wanted to stay in the journalism program. He suggested with my demeanor and driven attitude that PR would be a great fit.

2. What are some of your past job titles? (Feel free to include any non-PR-related titles as well, if they helped you get where you are today).

Intern - The Kula Group (Healthcare PR)
20th Century Fox/Fox Searchlight Intern - Dallas (Moroch Entertainment)
Sony Pictures Intern - Dallas, Albuquerque, Tulsa and Oklahoma City (Moroch Entertainment)
Assistant Account Executive for a healthcare IT and technology PR agency
Marketing Coordinator, American Mensa (all PR and social media for AML and the Mensa Foundation)

3. What do you consider to be the top three absolutely essential abilities a PR pro must have?

1. Writing
2. Research
3. Dedication and Willingness to Learn

4. What are some "unexpected" skills you've used in your job?

In PR, you really have to able to think on your feet - and understand that nothing is below you. If you need to go run a quarter of a mile in heels down a tradeshow floor to get something, you do it. I also never thought I would need to know HTML, although I had learned it during my computer science classes.

5. How big of a role does personality play in PR job success? Are there any personality traits that are important to have (creativity, extroversion)?

Honestly, it depends on your brand, organization or agency. Some are much more conservative and want an aloof, over-professional demeanor. Some let you wear jeans, and want your personality to shine. For example, we view Mensa as a quirky brand - and you have to have a personality to work here. Through my social media work, I've learned that personality is even more key. Again, it's all about finding your best fit. Some want you to be more extroverted, others more silent and listener. Most are surprised to learn that I'm not as extroverted as I come across, but my job has made me more so, to the point that I'm extremely comfortable.

6. Fill in the blank: PR probably isn't the right field for you if you hate: ________.
Research and not thinking outside the box.

7. What academic course did you despise taking? What was your favorite?

Anything math related - I can do it, but my brain is not wired that way. A + B = C always made me wonder if I could veer off and find D. My favorite classes were PR related - the capstone classes that were a challenge, such as campaigns, case studies and PR ethics. The challenge made me think and explore other areas of thought.

8. What percentage of your job takes place in a traditional office setting?

I would say about 80 percent does. I help with local events, as well as our national events - but we only have a couple of those a year. Attending events is not a big part of my job, but handling all media relations and PR for them are.

9. How much of your job involves teamwork/working with others?

Right now, I am in a two person marketing department. I handle all PR and social media, but I do serve as in-house PR counsel for 135 local chapters. Therefore, teamwork is a big part of what I do on a local level. Also, our office atmosphere is very team oriented - we all ask each other for advice, questions, etc.

10. What is the best part about your job?

Knowing that what I do will always be different. There is never a dull day around the Mensa office - something new is always going on, whether it is an event or member accomplishment. I love the media relations aspect of my job as well - I've gotten to work with 60 Minutes, NPR, Good Morning America and the Washington Post, to name a few. I also get to work with cable TV shows, which is something I have never done before.

11. Any other comments?
PR is all what you make of it. Find your niche and what you like to do best. This is why internships during your college career are key - not only will it give you experience, but it will give you an idea of what you're good at, and which industry is best for you. Venture out and try something new, because corporate or agency isn't for everyone. Associations and non-profit have given me much more learning experience as entry level than my entry level agency job did.

Students: Avoid "Common Sense" Mistakes

2009-07-14T21:04:00.014-04:00

This summer, I've been working hard to improve my work as a PR intern. I always ask for advice and wisdom from my co-workers and supervisors, who've been more than willing to share their knowledge with me.

During a recent Tweetup I attended, one PR pro mentioned his surprise at how many "common sense" bloopers he's seen from students. This prompted me to dig deeper to see if I could find others who've witnessed similar student blunders.

So I've been asking, "What's the biggest common sense mistake you've seen an intern/student make?" Here is some advice based on the responses I've received so far:

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions. If you're not sure about something, it's better to ask a question than spend time doing something incorrectly--only to have to go back and re-do it. You could waste more time and resources screwing up a project than you would asking a few questions here and there. Remember, we're still learning (about the profession and about the company/client), so don't be ashamed if you have to ask for guidance every once in a while. And if your work environment isn't exactly "question-friendly," it probably isn't going to be the best learning experience, and you may want to re-evaluate your goals for the position.
Don't Expect People to Hold Your Hand. Never expect a handout from someone, especially someone you've only met once or twice. Example: After a brief initial conversation, one student told a pro to contact him to set up an agency tour. If an agency agrees to make special accommodations and allow you to come in for a tour, that is called a favor and you should be thankful. It is then your responsibility to follow up with an email or phone call and try to set up possible dates, unless the person specifically says they will get back to you.
Follow the Corporate Dress Code. Every company is different, but there are almost always guidelines for office wardrobe. Some offices allow sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts to be worn, others do not. Some permit blue jeans on Fridays, some do not. It can be difficult to find a happy medium between being under-dressed and over-dressed, but after a while you start to catch on. The important thing here is never to dress inappropriately. I can't speak from experience on what is inappropriate for men to wear, but women definitely shouldn't wear clothing that shows too much chest or leg, or anything that you can see through. Dressing inappropriately often makes others in the office feel uncomfortable around you, and usually will lead to an awkward conversation between you and your supervisor. If you're not sure about what is appropriate for your office, ask! Many companies have written guidelines to follow. When in doubt, if it's something you would wear to the club on Friday night, it's probably not office-appropriate.
Remember, we all have to start somewhere. One intern was surprised she was assigned to make copies of a proposal. Another never thought he would have to build a media list. Like it or not, both of these tasks are very common in the PR world. And while they may seem monotonous to some, these assignments can actually be very beneficial learning experiences. Making copies of a proposal often allows you to get an understanding of what makes a good proposal, while building a media list helps you learn the names and beats of members of the media. Acting like you're above a task is not only bad character, it shows you are not willing to work your way toward more responsibility. Every project should be greeted with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn--unless of course it is unethical or inappropriate. Chances are your supervisors and co-workers started off as interns themselves, and have been able to move up with a little hard work and determination.

While making mistakes is a part of life, I feel students need to take a proactive approach to learn from the mistakes of others. Attending workshops and conferences and asking others about their experiences are great ways to ensure you're on top of your game. And remember, if you make a mistake, don't be ashamed or afraid to admit it--learn from it.

What are some other "common sense" mistakes interns/students make? Were any of them unforgivable?

5 Tips For Effective Follow-Up Calls

2009-06-02T19:37:00.000-04:00

Today I had the opportunity to follow-up with some members of the media regarding one of our client projects. Here are 5 things I learned from my experience that might be of help to other PR interns who are picking up the phone.

Do your research. Since I just started as an intern, I wanted to be sure to have a strong understanding of both the client and the project I was pitching. This way, I would feel more comfortable discussing the project with reporters and would be prepared to answer their questions to the best of my ability. Make sure you go over the client’s Web site, clip reports, promotional materials, etc. to understand the basics of their mission and background.
Be prepared. I made sure to have everything I needed at my fingertips in case I was thrown a curve ball by one of the reporters. In front of me I had the media list of reporters to call, a copy of the op-ed piece I was calling about, the client’s Web site on my computer screen, a piece of paper to jot down notes and even a glass of water in case my throat got the best of me.
Know what you’re going to say before you dial. I wrote out a list of bullet points of exactly what I wanted to say to each reporter (in order) so I made sure I wasn’t missing anything. The key is to write down key messages, not a script, so you sound casual--not rehearsed. Also, keep in mind many reporters will not be able to answer, so know what you plan to say in a voicemail if it comes to that. Keep messages short and to the point. Be sure not to ramble, but also make sure you include all the imperative information such as who you are calling on behalf of, what you are calling about and your contact information. You might want to have a separate bulleted list of key messages for voicemail. Oh--and remember to write down your work phone number if you don’t have it memorized. During the first call I made, I reached the reporter’s voicemail and began thinking about what I was going to say. It was then that I realized I did not have my work phone number memorized yet. Thankfully, I was able to hang up without leaving a message and retrieve the information I needed. I ended up calling the reporter back later and leaving a fully detailed message, but it just goes to show you the importance of being fully prepared.
Know the answers to commonly asked questions. Many reporters will ask things like, “When did you send the information?”, “How did you send it?”, “What e-mail address did you send it to?” or “Do you have a photo to include?” Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time will prevent you from seeming uninformed and will ensure you get reporters the information they need right away.
Keep track of responses. This may be a given, but make sure you are keeping track of the progress you make. I found it easiest to save a new spreadsheet of the media list and include a column titled “Follow-Up Status.” You can use this column to write down if you left a message, if the reporter requested more information or even if the outlet has plans to run the story.

These are just a few tips I came up with based on my experience making follow-up calls today.

Interns, have you done follow-up calls before? What are some of your own tips?

My Agency Debut

2009-05-26T19:34:00.000-04:00

Having completed other internships, I know what it’s like to go through the intern “first day” jitters. However, it seems like no matter how many other first days you’ve experienced, the process of becoming adjusted to a new position and environment is almost always exciting.

This will be my first time working at a PR agency, where employees handle multiple client accounts at one time. I’ve heard many people say, “You either hate it or you love it.” I’ve also heard agency work is something every PR pro should experience. On one side, working with more than one client keeps things different and exciting. On the other, it can sometimes be difficult to manage multiple projects at a time. Personally, I thrive on stress. I don’t know what it is, but I just don’t feel right if I’m not accomplishing something with my time. I always have to-do lists with my priorities written out in detail, so something tells me I’ll do just fine in an agency environment.

Today everyone was very welcoming, friendly and more than willing to help. Although much of my first day was spent getting on track with paperwork, setting up my desk area and understanding the office basics, I definitely learned some things. Based on my first day experience, here are three challenges I’ll be facing in the upcoming months:

Tracking my Time. Most agencies use a time tracking system where employees must record their time based on how long they spent working on something for each client, and outlining what tasks were completed during that time. This information is used for many purposes including billing, but it also allows the agency to give clients detailed reports about their investments. From others I’ve spoken to, time tracking is often one of the most difficult adjustments to make because you can get caught up in other things or forget to monitor how much time you spend on each task. Although it may take some getting used to, I think time tracking can be really helpful for monitoring productivity and keeping things on track. One of my coworkers suggested updating your log every time you shift tasks. Others update periodically throughout the day. Either way it seems like everyone finds what works best for them. My suggestions for time tracking: a.) Keep your time tracking system open (or in sight) at all times as a reminder to monitor your work. b.) Be sure you’re logging your time under the correct categories. When in doubt, ask!
Time management. As I mentioned, I like to think I’m good at prioritizing. However, prioritizing at an agency is somewhat different than prioritizing my life. When it comes down to it, there are going to be times when there are three or four things to do at once. Since I’ve had some time off from my stressful routine, it will be a little challenging to get back into the mindset of juggling multiple projects at once. My tips for time management: a.) Make to-do lists and number them based on what deadlines need to be met first. b.) Don’t expect your list to be all encompassing. There are going to be times when things come up and throw your plan for the day completely off. Flexibility is important.
Driving downtown. Now before I go off sounding like it was my first time behind the wheel, I should mention I don’t live too far from Detroit and have driven downtown more times than I could ever count. However, no matter how many times you’ve driven in a downtown setting, I’m not sure you ever get used to the hair-pulling, hand-on-the-horn traffic that can be found in most major Metropolitan areas. Since I’ve been to the Detroit Renaissance Center many times, I knew where I was going this morning. Despite this, I still left one hour before my start time (the drive generally takes 20 minutes without rush hour) to ensure I’d be on time for my first day. But of course, I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic for 45 minutes! The entire time behind the wheel I was having minor panic attacks about how terrible it is to be late for the first day on the job. No matter how hard I squeezed the wheel or how many times I watched the same traffic light change from green to yellow to red, there was nothing I could do except wait it out like everyone else. In the end I was just one minute late when I walked in the front door, and of course it was no big deal. In fact, one of the other employees experienced the same backup, and said it was the worst traffic she has ever seen in the two years she has worked downtown. Lessons learned about driving downtown: a.) Always give yourself at least 30 minutes extra until you’ve gotten your route down to a science. Even then, traffic is unpredictable. b.) Sometimes you have to unclench your fists and come to terms with the fact that some things are just out of your control.

Overall I had a great first day. I already have an assignment ready to work on first thing in the morning, so I’ll be diving right in. I spent a little time searching for some things to bring in to spice up my cubicle and make it a little more me. I’m excited to get back into the office and continue learning, I can tell this is going to be a great experience.

Do you have advice on facing these challenges? What are your tips on time tracking, time management or dealing with downtown traffic?

Michigan's Newspapers

2009-05-21T19:32:00.000-04:00

Today I attended a panel at CMU entitled “Michigan’s Newspaper Industry: Our Past, Present and Future.” Journalism professionals [who also are CMU alumni] from around the state gathered for a very interesting and thought-provoking discussion.

The panelists included:

•Lonnie Peppler-Moyer, past president of the Michigan Press Association and publisher of the Monroe Evening News and Bedford Now.
•Laura Varon Brown, audience editor and columnist for the Detroit Free Press and member of its digital transition team.
•Tony Dearing, former director of the Flint Journal and now content director of annarbor.com.
•Mike MacLaren, executive director of the Michigan Press Association.

Each of the panelists brought up some great points. One of my favorites was Mike MacLaren’s unique comparison of the music and newspaper industries. Ten years ago almost everyone purchased CDs from music stores like Harmony House or other smaller shops. Then, before we knew it services like Napster came along and--BAM!--record shops were closing their doors and purchasing music became a digital transaction.

The point is music is still being produced; the demand for it didn’t die with the digital revolution. Similarly, the need for news is still there and always will be. The challenge now is for newspapers to figure out how to successfully reinvent themselves during this time of change. Despite the rather gloomy industry outlook, many journalists see opportunity in addition to challenge. As MacLaren so wonderfully stated, “I’m scared, but I’ve never had so much fun in my job.”

Another memorable moment was when Laura Varon Brown described what it would be like to walk into a car dealership and tell one of the sales associates, “I want that car for free.” Her question brought up the debate of newspapers charging for online content. Some may see her comparison as a stretch, but when it comes down to it, there has to be a way for the Internet to be mutually beneficial for both readers and reporters.

For example, Freep’s new Electronic Edition [free-trial available until this Thursday] will be “very different” from freep.com and will give users more information and options. I played around a bit on the new site and have to say, its probably something I would be willing to pay for.

But Tony Dearing brought up a good point--what works for one paper isn’t necessarily going to work for another. There is not going to be one correct model. As Dearing pointed out, many people mistakenly consider newspapers, not the news itself, the core product of the industry.

What are your thoughts about the future of newspapers?Which online publications are you willing to pay for, if any?

5 Things You Don't Learn in College

2009-03-17T19:29:00.000-04:00

On Monday during my public relations seminar, two speakers gave a presentation on some of the things they wish they would have learned in college.

Natalie Ebig Scott is the communications manager for Project GREEEN at Michigan State University. Eric Lingaur is a senior account executive at MS&L Detroit.

Here are some pointers they feel future PR pros should keep in mind.

Never be above any task. Just because your boss asks you to file papers or take the lunch orders doesn’t mean they think you aren’t capable of greater things. The way in which you respond to such tasks says volumes about your attitude and work ethic. Show eagerness (even if you have to fake it a little) no matter what you are working on, and you will earn greater responsibility and respect from others.
Keep your own “ego” file. There are going to be times when something you do goes unnoticed. However, there also will be times when you receive praise for a job well-done. Keep a file where you can store thank-you notes, client evaluations, praise e-mails and other documentation of your accomplishments. These materials come in handy as a nice pick-me-up on a bad day, or especially when it comes time for annual reviews.
Be travel savvy. There may be a time when you will have to travel for your job. Whether it is once a week, once a month or once every five years, knowing how to travel quickly and lightly is valuable. Know what the packing “essentials” are and stick to them. If you are flexible, you might have an opportunity to see many great places. Oh, and if you don’t have a passport yet--get one!
Start building a corporate wardrobe now. Sure, you may eventually end up in a job with a casual corporate culture. However, there are always going to be occasions such as interviews, guest appearances and fundraisers that require professional dress. It is important to have a variety of appropriate professional attire readily available. Shop the sale racks and clearance centers. Don’t wear the same suit/outfit to your first and second interviews. Oh, and ladies--if you wear heels, always keep a pair of tennis shoes at your desk. You never know when your day may be turned upside-down and all you can think about is how badly blistered your feet are going to be.
Don’t be the stereotype. PR isn’t about celebrities, glitz and glamour. To avoid sounding like you have no idea what public relations is, never say the following statements in a PR interview:

“I’m a people person”
“I love planning events”
“I have a lot of friends”
“I’m good at talking”

Although these may very well be true, find other ways to express them that incorporate more relevant job skills.

PR professionals: What do you wish you would have known before entering the job field?

PR students: What advice has guided you in the right direction?

10 Ways to Nail Your Next Phone Interview

2009-02-05T19:27:00.001-05:00

As students begin to apply for summer internships, many will face phone interviews as a part of the application process.

Having been through a few myself, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind next time you pick up the line:

Ask the interviewer ahead of time to call you on a land line. This way you won’t have to deal with cell batteries dying or bad reception areas. Even using a hands-free headset can be beneficial.
If possible, temporarily turn off your call-waiting option so you won’t be distracted by those annoying beeps.
Have your resume and portfolio handy. It is often difficult to remember details about your past experiences off the top of your head, so having them on paper in front of you will make it easy to talk about. Also, tab important pieces of your work you want to mention, making sure to highlight skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Prepare bullet point notes of answers to commonly asked questions. Can you tell me about yourself? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest accomplishment? Why do you want this position? Having three to four key points prepared ahead of time will help you stay on track and avoid rambling on.
However, don’t expect to have an answer ready for every question. Be prepared for the curve ball. I was once asked, “If you were a vehicle, what would you be?” I’ve also heard of interviewers asking you to spell the company’s name. Expect the unexpected and do your homework to learn as much about the company as possible.
Ask your roommates to keep things quiet for awhile. You can even put a small “Interview in Progress” sign on the outside of your bedroom door.
If possible, sit at a desk with your computer. In fact, having the company’s Web site up can be helpful in case you need to access fast facts.
Have water handy. The last thing you want is to go into a frantic coughing spell during your time to shine.
Always ask a question when given the opportunity. You can ask when they plan to make a final decision, what some job responsibilities are or even what the corporate culture is like. Asking questions shows you aren’t afraid to engage in conversation.
Send a thank you card. This isn’t just for in-person interviews. An email is acceptable to send, but a handwritten note is still the best gesture. Purchase a card beforehand and send it out immediately after your interview. You never know what a difference it could make.

What are some of your own interviewing tips?

What I've Learned Doing PR For My Mother

2009-01-19T19:24:00.000-05:00

My mom began face painting many years ago. It was a skill she picked up to provide some extra fun at my Girl Scout troop parties. I’ve long since outgrown my mint green vest and skirt, but my mom has fine tuned her face painting abilities ever since.

About a year ago, she decided to start her own side business providing face painting for other people to enjoy. While my mom has found a way to do something she loves, I have found a way to practice what I’ve been learning about public relations.

Here are some skills I was able to put to use for my mother’s business:

Web site creation. Using Apple’s iWeb made creating a Web site for my mom easy. The templates provided an easy-to-use guide, but I was still able to make the site my own by adding in graphics and logos I custom made in Photoshop and InDesign. The skills I learned in my intro to visual communication class came in handy here. I also have learned a lot about domain names, nameservers and hosting through trial and error. Web site creation can be very frustrating at times, but I am glad I was able to put these skills to use. I took an intro to multimedia design class last semester where I learned how to create sites in Flash, but I think it will be awhile before I’m ready to start from the ground up.
Video/audio editing. I was inspired by my intro to multimedia design class to put my audio/video skills to the test. I was able to record video and use Apple’s iMovie to create two short clips for my mom’s site. The process of getting everything to look and sound like I wanted was challenging, but in the end having video/audio on my mom’s site adds an exciting element of interactivity for the end user.
Graphic design. On top of coming up with a name for my mom’s business, I helped her establish a brand by designing a logo in InDesign. The logo, as seen above, now appears on her business cards and polo t-shirts, and also can be used for many other promotional purposes.
Photography and photo editing. Using my own digital camera and software, I’ve been able to take and edit photos for use on the Web. Again, my Photoshop skills came in handy here. This way, potential customers can see exactly what to expect when they book an event with PegFX.
Relationship building. Knowing how to communicate with a client is key to achieving successful results. Obviously, my relationship with my mother is going to be different than with other clients. However, working with my mom to promote her business has given me a taste of what to expect. For example, having to explain what I do to someone from a non-PR background has given me good practice. Not everyone understands what public relations is or why it is important. What matters is that you are on the same page and understand what it will take to achieve your goal(s).
Overall, working with my mother has not only given us a chance to get to know each other better, but it has proven to be beneficial for both of us. We both have the chance to do something we love while helping one another grow and learn. I’ve got more creative marketing strategies for PegFX in mind, but finding the time to work on them is a different story.
Students, if you’re looking to get some good experience, ask around at local businesses to see if any would be interested in some free PR. It doesn’t have to be an internship per say, but perhaps you can offer some help publicizing upcoming events, writing or designing promotional materials or launching a new campaign. Take advantage of your time as a student to gain as much experience as possible before entering the job market.

If you’d like to check out my mom’s face painting Web site, click here.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-01T19:22:00.002-05:00

Every year when Jan. 1 rolls around, millions of people vow to lose those extra pounds, quit their unhealthy habits and manage their money better. Now I’m not saying I can’t afford to do all of the above, but this year I’m taking my new year’s resolutions in a different direction. This will be my first year blogging my resolutions to the world, so maybe that will motivate me a bit more.

Blog more. I just recently started blogging. In fact, I feel like this whole wave of social media emphasis happened before I ever saw it coming. I would ideally like to blog at least three times a week, but I’m going to shoot for once a week to start out. Busy as I am, I know I need to set aside time in order to achieve this goal.

Read more. I feel like I do a good job of staying informed about current issues surrounding our nation and world. But when it comes to reading novels and books, I can’t remember the last one I read (completely) for non-school related purposes. Last week I was at Barnes & Noble and came across at least 10 books that caught my eye. Anyone have some good must-reads I should check out?
Relax more. My friends and family are always telling me I need to de-stress. I like to think I have my stress under control, but the truth is there are times when I feel completely overwhelmed with school, work and my involvements and I get burned out. Many days I am out and about from roughly 8am until 1am when I attempt to get some quality sleep. I’d like to prevent getting overwhelmed in the future by setting aside 30 minutes each day to relax by doing yoga, working out, reading or just taking a power nap.
Do more. This resolution is slightly contradictory to my last one, but at the same time I feel it is important to make the best of the little time I have left at CMU. Many of my friends graduated this past semester and even more will do so in the spring. It has been a real wake up call that helped me realize how fast four years can go by. I feel like I’ve done a lot at CMU and made some of the best friends I could ask for. I have just over one year left in Mount Pleasant, so I want to make each day count. Years from now I know I will still cherish the friendships and memories from CMU.

Do you share any of these resolutions? Do you have any advice or suggestions for ways I can achieve these?

Surviving Your "Hell Week"

2008-12-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

With the holidays getting closer and closer, many students are finding themselves in the home-stretch of their fall semesters. In fact, I myself have just one final exam left before I head home for a much deserved winter break.

For many students, final exam week is a difficult challenge to overcome. Term papers, exams, essays and group projects all due at the same time--and to make matters worse, these last few days usually play a huge part in determining final grades.

No matter what industry you’re in, you probably have to deal with deadline pressure and those occasional weeks where you can’t even seem to find time to breathe. Below are some tips that help me get through these tough times.

Order your tasks based on priority. What task has to be completed first? Or, which exam will you have to take first? The projects with the tightest deadlines should be your first priority. It can be difficult, but do your best to “forget” about your other pressures until you turn in or complete the others. If you mentally forget you have three other exams to study for and just focus on studying for the first one, it won’t seem like such a daunting task.
Procrastinate...a little. Procrastination can be very powerful, and can either make or break your chances of success. Although it is never a good idea to completely blow off studying to play Guitar Hero all night long, some distraction can be helpful. Reward yourself for every half hour or hour of studying/work with something you enjoy. For example, after an hour of studying, go grab an ice cream, do a little Internet surfing or watch some TV. Procrastination in moderation can help get your mind off of things for awhile, enough to let you feel refreshed and refocused once you get back to what you’re supposed to be doing.
Overestimate the importance and difficulty of things. I have found that doing this with projects and assignments is the best way to successfully complete them. For example, if a teacher assigns a take-home essay, don’t assume that it will be simple and quick to complete. I have actually found stress to be a good motivator that helps me to achieve my fullest potential. Overpreparing for an exam won’t hurt you, but underpreparing for one surely will. Without pushing yourself to a mental breakdown, “stressing out” a little about every project or exam serves as a little motivation. That way when you complete whatever task it was you can look back and say, “Well that wasn’t bad at all.”
Speculate. Figure out the worst and best case scenarios for your problem or task. For example, before exam week started, I went though all of my classes and figured out my current grade. Using that score, I factored in what my grade would be if I received a 0 percent, 50 percent and 100 percent on each exam. Knowing all I needed was at least a 50 percent on my psychology exam helped relieve some of the stress of studying. I knew I could then put more of an effort into studying for my male-female communication exam, which I need at least a 90 percent on to get the grade I desire.
There is no supplement for sleep. Sure caffeine and other products may have effects that make sleep seem unnecessary. And perhaps sometimes you may run into situations where you absolutely do not have time to sleep because of an impending deadline. However, when you are faced with the choice to continue cramming or get a few hours of rest, choose the sleep. Studying on low-energy is less rewarding than letting your body and mind relax and recharge. Once you’re at least a little rested, you’ll be more likely to be able to concentrate and recall information easily.

What about you? Students, what are your tricks that help you study and succeed? Professionals, what tips have you followed in order to avoid being overwhelmed by the stresses of your career?

The Success Secrets They Don't Tell You in Textbooks

2008-12-03T19:11:00.001-05:00

I’ve heard rumors about the “old Polish wisdom” to look forward to on the last day of JRN 450 with Jim Wojcik, and today I got to hear exactly what everyone was talking about. Without spilling too many of Wojcik’s secrets, I’ve listed a few key points from this afternoon’s lecture mixed in with some of my own thoughts.

For budding PR professionals, don’t let your cell phone ruin your reputation. Get rid of your “I Kissed a Girl” ringback tone and make sure your voicemail message is both personal and professional. Inappropriate ringtones are also a killer when they go off during meetings or in the presence of coworkers, they are only appropriate in the right contexts. Also, don’t use an automated voicemail response that only gives your number. You want callers to know they are reaching the right person.
On a similar note, learn how to leave a good voicemail message. This includes remembering to clearly identify yourself, the purpose of your call and your phone number. When leaving your number, either speak slowly or say it more than once.
When using company resources, only write emails or text messages that you would be willing to disclose to the public. If you need any confirmation of the damage that can be caused by using company property for personal use, please Google “Kwame Kilpatrick” AND “text messages”.
Say you graduate and are fortunate enough to land a job paying $30,000 a year. Understand that you will never see that much money. After paying taxes, housing payments, transportation costs, bills, food and other unexpected expenses, you’ll be surprised at just how fast money can go. In most cases, take the lower salary option that includes health care benefits rather than opt for a higher salary with no benefits. As much as we like to think we are health gurus and that nothing bad will ever happen to us--it will. You don’t want to be stuck paying off a $25,000 medical bill because you chose a salary that payed $5,000 more per year.

In closing, I’d like to leave you with a great quote from the Polish PR master himself. “Never burn any bridges. You never know when you will need to cross over them again.”

Boosh Magazine

2008-11-16T19:09:00.000-05:00

As someone who is always looking to gain experience and knowledge in my field, I am excited about a new opportunity that recently presented itself.

After sending in an E-mail inquiry, I’ve been approved as the campus marketing representative at CMU for Boosh Magazine.

Boosh is the self-proclaimed “newest name in college entertainment.” The magazine, which is currently in its first issue, is written by students for students. With articles on pop culture, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, health, sex and more, the messages really are “unfiltered,” and what many college students want to read about.

My duties include distributing copies of the first issue, doing some promotions such as hanging up posters and passing out bumper stickers, and registering students for Boosh’s monthly e-newsletter.

Things have been going great so far. My roommates and some select neighbors in my apartment complex were my guinea pigs last week. They all gave the magazine great reviews, and have gotten me excited to continue spreading the word about Boosh.

I’m going to continue distribution at various CMU locations for the next few weeks. I also am open to the possibility of working with another CMU student on this. Let me know if you have tips or would like more information, or even if you just want to sign up for Boosh’s monthly e-newsletter.

For more information about the magazine check out their website at http://www.booshmagazine.com.

National Conference Advice- Days 3 and 4

2008-10-27T19:04:00.001-04:00

Here are my top Five PR tips from days three and four of the Public Relations Student Society of America’s 2008 National Conference in Detroit.

Day Three

PR professionals who truly understand “the business of business” are few and far between. Take initiative to enroll in some business, accounting or law courses while you still have the chance--it will pay off in the long run (Thomas Hoog, PRSA).
The No. 1 rule in public relations is to always tell the truth. The No. 2 rule is to prove it with your actions (John Felton, APR, PRSA).
PRSSA or PRSA is the best job insurance you will ever find (Michael Cherenson, APR).
In order to effectively deliver messages, spokespeople (especially celebrities) need to have credibility, capability and motivation (Rita Tateel, president, The Celebrity Source).
Living in the digital world is both a lifestyle and a career choice (Jud Branam, managing director, MS &L).

Day Four

Many students find themselves asking the question of where to go after college. While there are many options, some professionals recommend getting agency experience while others simply recommend a few years in the corporate world.

The following “Top Five” tips come from Lori George Billingsley’s session on the corporate versus agency world. Billingsley is the director of multicultural communications for The Coca-Cola Company.

Working for an agency allows you to work with a variety of clients and broaden your knowledge base, while working for a corporation will increase your expertise by developing a stronger depth of knowledge in one particular area.
Agencies generally allow for greater creative freedom, while corporate hierarchies often put up red tape boundaries.
At agencies, employees are required to keep track of billing their own time, while at corporations employees generally are not.
Agencies offer the opportunity to multitask and shift directions quickly, while corporations help to develop strategic thinking abilities.
Working for an agency is a good chance to learn about government contracts and how they work, while corporate advantages also include the chance to develop a broader business acumen.

National Conference Advice- Days 1 and 2

2008-10-25T19:01:00.001-04:00

The Public Relations Student Society of America’s 2008 National Conference has been an an amazing experience thus far. I am making lots of great connections with fellow PRSSA members from across the nation, and learning so much about my future career as a public relations professional.

In an effort to share some of the valuable public relations knowledge students are learning, I will be posting my “Top Five PR Tips” from each day, along with who gave the great advice. Below are my Top Fives for days one and two.

Day One

Brainstorm before the brainstorm session. By having some ideas ready before your brainstorming meeting, you will demonstrate your motivation and help to generate new ideas (Elon University).
Understand the office or team hierarchy. Be sure you know who you report to for questions about assignments, proofreading or other issues. You shouldn’t be turning in your first draft of a press release to the vice president of communications (Elon University).
Always remember to actually attach documents when sending an e-mail attachment. Having to send that embarrassing “oops” e-mail when you realize you forgot to click the attach button is unprofessional (University of Nebraska at Omaha).
When branding your client or PRSSA chapter, “Stick with simplicity--the rest is history.” Great brands and logos build upon a simple idea to create a winning and memorable look (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee).
Always follow up with interviews, client requests or job applications with a thank you note. Whether or not you get the job or client, it is important to maintain a good relationship for the future (University of Nebraska at Omaha).

Day Two

Remember Churchill’s famous words, “the price of greatness is responsibility.” In the demanding field of public relations, responsibility is synonymous with your rise to the top (Ofield Dukes, president, Ofield Dukes & Associates).
In crisis communication, your response impacts the organization’s reputation more than the crisis itself. Focus on delivering truthful messages and finding an effective solution to the problem--not on blaming someone for the cause (Tim McIntyre, vice president of communications, Domino’s Pizza, Inc.)
PR practitioners are not “spin doctors.” We focus on truth--not spin--by offering other perspectives on a situation or product (Tim McIntyre, vice president of communications, Domino’s Pizza, Inc.).
When used effectively, direct mail is still a great way to reach your target audience(s). For example, many listeners reported that WCSX-FM’s birthday card was the only one they received that year (Ben Perez, regional promotions manager, Greater Media Detroit).
The less your company’s “top dogs” talk, the more of an impact it has when they do. Delegate your organization’s expertise and resources in order to maximize the chances your message will be heard (David Wieme, director, strategic communication, Palace Sports & Entertainment).

Preparing for the PRSSA National Conference

2008-10-21T17:55:00.000-04:00

The Public Relations Student Society of America is hosting its annual National Conference beginning this Friday. For many experienced members of PRSSA, this is a much anticipated event. However, those who have not had the opportunity to attend a national conference before may have some concerns about what to expect.

Dr. Diane S. Krider, associate dean of CMU’s College of Communication and Fine Arts, provides some insight on how to prepare.

Be proactive. Conference is not an excuse to fall behind in classes. Make the effort to turn in missed assignments ASAP.
Be a scout. Use the buddy system when leaving the conference site. Someone should always know where you are. Also, be prepared with your insurance card and emergency contact information just in case.
Be street smart. As with any major city, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. As a precaution, don’t wear your conference name tag around the city, and never go out alone in the evening.
Behave. At conference you are not only making an impression about who you are as a person, but your behavior also reflects upon your university. Who knows who you may end up working with, or for, in the future.

Conference is an amazing opportunity for professional development, networking and learning. Take advantage of everything you can during your time in Detroit and have fun!

What are your suggestions for students?

The Information Age

2008-10-03T17:51:00.001-04:00

I was recently shown quite a moving video clip entitled “Information Age...The Future of Technology,” in my public relations writing class at CMU. This Did-You-Know type of message is packed full of some pretty interesting facts that really put things into perspective for me.

For example, it mentions Former Secretary of Education Richard Riley’s comment that the top 10 jobs in 2010 will not have existed in 2004. The idea that students are currently learning skills for jobs that don’t yet exist is both shocking and exciting. In fact, I’m not quite sure how I feel about it.

Will I be technologically illiterate in 20 years? Will my children get frustrated with me when they try to ask me to do something involving new technologies?

Another fact that really drove things home is that the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that today’s learners will have 10 to 14 jobs...by age 38. It is hard to picture myself holding that many jobs in such a short amount of time. The lesson used to be, go to school, get a job, retire. Now its, go to school, get a job, stay there for a few years, move on to a new job, and then a new job, and then...you get the point. When retirement comes into that picture is a whole different issue.

Oh yeah, and much of the information in the presentation is more than a year old. I still really suggest checking it out by clicking here.

All I know is that I am going to make it a point to stay as technologically-savvy as possible. Whether it means attending workshops, taking night classes or coming back to CMU for their new media/online journalism major, I'm determined to face the information age head on.