Working with the media

Internships are great for plenty of reasons. They offer a chance to build up your résumé, add to your portfolio, network with peers and future employers and gain hands-on experience. Since interning at the Latin American Association this summer, I’ve received all these things. One experience I have found most interesting and valuable is something you can’t really get in a classroom: working with the media. Here are some things I have learned so far:

1. We’ve all heard about the infamous “elevator speech.” This summer I finally heard an elevator speech in action. It’s important to be able to sum up what you do succinctly and thoroughly so the media understands you better, without getting bogged down by the gritty details.
2. Give some impressive statistics. This can help put otherwise generic information into perspective, and it might even entice the journalist to ask more about the subject. If you rattle off too many numbers, though, you could have the opposite effect.
3. Plug, plug, plug. Especially when talking to a beat reporter, let him or her know about upcoming events, forums or meetings. Give the basic five W’s, even for events in the farther future. If you stay in the back of a journalist’s mind it can help maintain a more long term relationship.
4. When setting a journalist up with a contact, make sure you know the story angle. All story ideas and contact requests should come first through you, before you pass them along to a source that might be put in a poor light.
5. Remember that interacting with the media can be an even exchange of information! Just as you might be a source for a journalist, a journalist can be a source for you. Don’t forget how much information beat reporters pick up when covering stories.
6. Pass out informational materials about your organization. If you give the media concrete materials to hold onto, it might supply them with important information you forgot to mention. Annual reports and fact sheets are great examples of this.
7. Stay on their good side! A great idea I picked up here at the LAA is to host a media appreciation night. Who knows, maybe some new faces will show up that can help get your name out there.
8. Make sure you are present during TV interviews, especially if the interviewee is a minor or has little experience with the media. That way you can step in if the questions are too leading or if the story heads in a direction you don’t agree with.
9. Be ready to drop everything you are doing when the media calls. No matter what you think your plan is for the day, everything can change when a big story about your organization is about to break.
10. . Stay open minded! Every news clipping counts, from the media outlet with the smallest circulation to someone with international coverage.

Congratulations Grady grads!

First of all, I wanted to congratulate all the Grady students who graduated last week. What a huge accomplishment! We will miss you all. In honor of graduation, I wanted to post Leslie Emanuele’s last PRecedent article. Thanks for doing such a great job Leslie, and all the rest of E-Board!

My four years are over, and I’m left wondering what to expect. With one week left, it’s becoming clear how much I will miss my life in Athens. While I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished in my time here, there are a number of things I wish I could go back and do differently.

I should have gotten involved earlier. I spent my first two years afraid to take on responsibility for fear my grades would suffer. If I had pushed myself, I would have buckled down and been fine. Instead, I tried to cram four years of freelancing, interning and campus involvement into my last two years.

I wish I would have made “My Network” sooner. Yes, PRSSA has helped me network professionally, but to be perfectly honest “my network” is not executives. This year we started a tradition (non-PRSSA sanctioned of course) of going out after every meeting, whether it be for cheesecake at Last Resort or Terrapin at Trapeze. Our group of girls (and Todd Hatcher) has grown throughout the months, along with my realization that PRSSA has introduced me to several genuine and amazing people. Take full advantage of that. I wouldn’t trade “My Network” for anything.

I should not have been afraid of an informational interview. The idea of an informational interview terrified me. What would I talk about? The better question – How dumb was I? When I finally got up the nerve to ask one agency if I could come in, it was a fantastic experience. There was no pressure, and I got a great idea of the corporate culture and how I would fit in, without the stress. Even more of a reason… my informational interview led to an interview!

I should have listened to my dad. I have an Excel spreadsheet–loving dad, and when his finance jargon began, my listening ended. Last month I had to endure a two–day crash course on salary negotiation, benefits, 401k… it was mind–boggling and intimidating this late in the game. It’s much easier to learn as you go.

I don’t believe in not looking back. My past two years in Grady and past nine months on E-board have given me an appreciation for Grady’s dedicated faculty and talented group of students. I may be moving forward, but I am forever indebted to my professors and friends that have gotten me here.

My first post!

Hey PRSSA-ers!

I’m Rebecca Holton, your new Web master for the 2009-2010 E-Board. I am so excited to keep you all up to date with what’s going on in our fabulous Drewry Chapter of PRSSA. We had our first E-Board meeting last Sunday, and we have plenty of great stuff in the works for the upcoming year. It should be a fun one! Feel free to e-mail me with anything you would like to see changed on our Web site. Thanks!

Rebecca

beccaholton@gmail.com

Meeting Tonight! Don’t forget to watch the vids!

Hey everyone!

Remember we have our FINAL meeting of the year tonight (sniff, sniff). It’ll be in Sanford 213 at 6:30 p.m.

It’s elections AND Creative Consultants presentations, so it should be a fun night!

Here’s a link to all the videos if you haven’t heard the candidates’ speeches yet.

Congratulations to the Top Four Creative Consultants Teams!

The scores have been tallied, and the teams have been chosen.

Here are the top four teams who will present at PRSSA this Wednesday, April 30:

• Cine
• Epting Events
• The Red and Black
• Revolutionary Massage and Wellness

All the teams did a fantastic job, but these were the teams who stood out among the 26. We’re looking forward to hearing your presentation on Wednesday!

Strate named 2009 JacksonSpalding/PRSSA Outstanding Senior

Katherine Strate was named the 2009 Jackson Spalding/PRSSA Outstanding Graduating Senior on Thursday, April 23. Strate, the daughter of Tom and Kelle Strate of Morristown, Tenn., will graduate on May 9, from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in public relations.

The award, given by Jackson Spalding Athens and the Public Relations Student Society of America, each year recognizes a senior who has made outstanding contributions to the organization. Strate has served on the executive board for PRSSA for two years, as vice president of committees and membership, and as Webmaster.

“Katherine is the real face of PRSSA,” Dr. Betty Jones, faculty advisor, said. “She has represented us with professionalism and enthusiasm and has inspired younger members who are interested in careers in public relations with her creativity and innovation.

Brian Brodrick, who established the Athens office of Jackson Spalding, presented the award. Strate interned for him last summer.

“When we hire interns, we look for students with a force of personality and the talent to serve our clients,” Brodrick said.  ”Katherine had both. She was an incredible asset to our clients, the Athens community and our office in her time with us.  She raised the bar for all interns at Jackson Spalding in Athens.”

The award comes with $100 for the recipient to join a professional organization following graduation.

Two other students were recognized as PRSSA Members of the Year.

Kaitlyn Darr, a senior from Columbus, Ohio, has served this year as the director of Creative Consultants, PRSSA’s student-run PR firm. Creative Consultants provides free PR services to 23 clients in Athens-Clarke County. More than 100 PRSSA members are involved on Creative Consultants teams.

“Kaitlyn has worked tirelessly throughout the year to give Creative Consultants a much-needed face lift,” Dr. Jones said. “She values and respects the needs of the client while providing students with a good learning experience.”

Leslie Emanuele, a graduating senior from McDonough, Ga., has served this year as PRecedent editor, PRSSA’s monthly newsletter. “Leslie designed an impressive, informative newsletter for our organization this year. And she is always ready to help wherever we have needed her. Leslie has been a great team player for PRSSA.

With more than 230 members, PRSSA is the largest student organization in the Grady College at the university.

Here they are! The 2009-10 E-Board Speeches

The 08-09  E-Board decided to spice things up a little bit this year and make videos of the candidates for E-Board.We hope this will cut down on time at the elections, and will also help you get to know the candidates a little bit more!

Each video is one minute or less, so take some time to go through and see what they have to offer? These are your leaders for next year, so let’s make a great decision together!

For President:

Debbie Ebalobo

Erica Holland

Lauren Rohde

For Creative Consultants Director:

Katie Pniewski

For PR Director:

Courtney Garmhaus

Sara Fon

Hannah Keating

Marah Lidey

Lizzy Nephew

Carissa Sinacori

(Lauren Rohde)

Caroline Smith

For Treasurer:

(Courtney Garmhaus)

Katie Hart

Amanda Herrington

(Hannah Keating)

(Carissa Sinacori)

For Secretary:

(Courtney Garmhaus)

Isha Ghodke

(Katie Hart)

(Amanda Herrington)

(Erica Holland)

(Hannah Keating)

Melanie Murphy

(Caroline Smith)

For PRecedent Editor:

Rebecca Holton

(Lizzy Nephew)

For Historian:

(Katie Hart)

(Erica Holland)

(Amanda Herrington)

(Marah Lidey)

(Carissa Sinacori)

Ally Walls

For Webmaster:

(Isha Ghodke)

(Rebecca Holton)

(Lizzy Nephew)

Athens Poverty Update: From Dr. Sallot’s Campaigns Class

Times are tough in today’s economy and there is no question Americans are struggling to make ends meet, but some of those Americans have been struggling for much longer than the past few months-and many of them live right here in Athens-Clarke County.

As the fifth poorest county in the United States, many of Athens’ citizens have rallied together to develop comprehensive strategies to address persistent poverty.  However the leaders of these initiatives have struggled to harness one of the most powerful resources they have available to them-UGA’s student body.

This semester, key figures from UGA’s Office of Public Service and Outreach, the Athens Area Community Foundation, the Fanning Institute and UGA’s Community Relations office asked Dr. Lynne Sallot’s Spring Public Relations campaigns class to help create a hub for organizations and individuals wanting to work to combat persistent poverty in Athens.

Dr. Sallot’s students have spent the semester gathering comprehensive information on poverty related initiatives taking place at the University of Georgia.  From student focus groups to faculty interviews her class has managed to develop a very detailed report on current poverty related projects and is hoping this research will be used to create a sort of umbrella organization that can help cut down on duplicate efforts by connecting groups and individuals who are working on the same sorts of projects.

Here they are! 2009-2010 Executive Board Applicants

Candidates for President:

Debbie Ebalobo

PR, New Media & Comparative Literature Majors

PRSSA Member: 2 years

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• PRSSA Diversity Chair & PR Workout Chair

• Grady College Ambassador and Diversity Coordinator

• IABC Member

• UGA Asian American Student Association President & PR Officer

• Delta Phi Lambda Asian Interest Sorority Internal V.P. &PR Co-chair

• Multicultural Services & Programs Voter Rally Coordinator & Delegate

• Filipino American Student Association Secretary, Recruitment Chair, Sponsorship Chair

Work Experience:

• Boingo Wireless Social Media Intern

• APIA Vote PR Chair

• UGA Multicultural Services and Programs PR Intern

Erica Holland

• Advertising & Spanish Majors

• PRSSA Member: 3 years

• Creative Consultants Member: 2 years

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• PRSSA PRofessional CONNECTION Registration Co-Chair

• PRSSA Fundraising Committee & Diversity Committee

• Creative Consultants Tumornators Account; Women to the World Account

• Black Affairs Council Freshman Advisory Board & PR Chair

• Student Government Association Freshman Forum

• Eta Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority PR Chair

• Arch Society Member (2009-2010)

• Tate Honor Society

• CURO Apprentice Program

Work Experience:

• Waste Management, Inc. Public Affairs Intern

• Colombo Pashkus PR Agency PR Intern

Lauren Rohde

• PR Major; Speech Communications Minor

• PRSSA Member: 2 years

• Creative Consultants Member: 2 years; Account Executive: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• PRSSA Account Executive for Athens MS Walk

• PRSSA Publicity

• PRSSA PR Workout Committee Member

• PRSSA PR Workout speaker

• PRSSA Member of the Month: January 2009

• Alpha Chi Omega PR Committee

Candidates for Director of Creative Consultants:

Katie Pniewski

• PR Major

• PRSSA Member: 1 year

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 year; Account Executive: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• PRSSA Account Executive, MHANEFA

• Creswell RA

• Creswell Community Council Vice President

• Creswell Staff Development Programming Chair

• Terra Sport Promotional Team Member

Work Experience:

• Never Enough Thyme Catering Company Weekend Manager

Candidates for for PR Director:

Courtney Garmhaus

• PR, Speech Communications Majors; New Media Certificate

• PRSSA Member: 1 year

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 year; Junior Account Executive: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• PRSSA PRofessional CONNECTION Committee Member

• PRSSA Junior Account Executive, Mental Health America of Northeast Georgia

• University Union Promotions Committee PR Head

• Grady Ambassador

Work Experience:

• Hillsdale Daily News Reporting Intern

• Michelle Roche Media Relations Intern

Hannah Keating

• PR Major; English Minor; New Media Certificate

• PRSSA Member: 2 years

• Creative Consultants Member: 2 years; Junior Account Executive: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Dance Marathon Campus Philanthropy

Work Experience:

• Keating Brothers Construction Receptionist/Support Staff

• American Red Cross Internship

Marah Lidey

• PR and Spanish Majors

• PRSSA Member: 2 years

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Creative Consultants Executive for Women to the World

• HEROs Freshman Council Board Member

Work Experience:

• Campus Media Intern for Current TV

Lizzy Nephew

• PR Major; New Media Certificate

• PRSSA Member: 2 years

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 semester

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Creative Consultants Team Member for Mental Health America of Northeast Georgia

• Grady Ambassador

• University Union Board of Governors Vice President & Promotions Committee Member

• Sigma Kappa PR Chair

• Leadership Resource Team Registration & Promotions Coordinator

• Tate II Advisory Board Member

• Hilsman Middle School Mentor

• Blue Key Honor Society Member

Work Experience:

• UGA Department of Geology PR Intern

• UGA Office of Special Events Student Assistant

• UGA Union Board of Governors Promotions Intern

• BBDO Atlanta Intern for the Day

Lauren Rohde (see bio under president)

Carissa Sinacori

• PR Major; Speech Communication Minor; New Media Certificate

• PRSSA Member: 1 year

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 year; Junior Account Executive: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Creative Consultants Junior Account Executive for Walk MS

• Boys and Girls Club Volunteer

• Athens Health and Rehabilitation Center Volunteer

• Bone’s PR Volunteer

• Matilda Harris Elementary School Volunteer

Work Experience:

• Laurel Island Country Club Pro-Shop clerk, hostess and waitress

• Camp Invention Counselor

Caroline Smith

• PR Major

• PRSSA Member: 3 years

• Creative Consultants Member: 3 years; Account Executive: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Creative Consultants Account Executive for Operation HOPE

• PRSSA PRofessional CONNECTION Decorations Chair

• PR Workout Speaker

• Sorority Assistant PR Chair

• Student Academic Honesty Council Vice President

• Alps Road Elementary School Volunteer

Work Experience:

• Macy’s Intern

• Freshman College Summer Experience Intern

• UGA Division of Academic Enhancement Student Worker

• Washington D.C. Intern, Summer 2009

Candidates for Treasurer

Courtney Garmhaus (see bio under PR director)

Katie Hart

• PR and Sociology Majors

• PRSSA Member: 1 semester

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Public Relations for College Against Cancer Chairman

Work Experience:

• Rain Communications Intern and Staff

• WPGA-58 News Intern

• WTBU Boston University’s Radio Station DJ

• WTBU Live Events Staff

• WTBU Promotions Staff

• WTBU Underwriting Staff

Amanda Herrington

• PR and English Majors

• PRSSA Member: 1 year

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Creative Consultants Team member for Cine

Work Experience:

• First United Methodist Church of Atlanta TV Director

Hannah Keating (see bio under PR director)

Carissa Sinacori (see bio under PR director)

Candidates for Secretary

Courtney Garmhaus (see bio under PR director)

Isha Ghodke

• PR and German Majors

• PRSSA Member: 1 year

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 semester; Junior Account Executive: 1 semester

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Creative Consultants Junior Account Executive

• PRSSA Mentoring Committee Mentee

• PRofessional CONNECTION Registration Chairman

• Indian Cultural Exchange

Work Experience:

• Nuci’s Space Intern

• Congressmen Doug Heckman’s Campaign Intern

• Kumon Math and Reading Center Tutor

• Khabar Magazine Freelancer

Katie Hart (see bio under treasurer)

Erica Holland (see bio under president)

Amanda Herrington (see bio under treasurer)

Hannah Keating (see bio under treasurer)

Melanie Murphy

• PR Major; Consumer Foods Minor

• PRSSA Member: 2 years

• Creative Consultants Member (1 semester)

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• PRSSA Members Committee Chair

• Creative Consultants Junior Account Executive for McPhaul Center Child Development Lab

• University Union Executive of Public Relations

Caroline Smith (see bio under PR director)

Candidates for PRecedent Editor

Rebecca Holton

• PR and Spanish Majors

• PRSSA Member: 2 years

• Creative Consultants Team Member: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• Creative Consultants Team Member for Leukemia Lymphoma Society

• UGA Miracle PR Committee Member

• Alpha Omicron Pi Web site Chair

Work Experience:

• Rountree Group Communications Intern

• Mike Wilson PR Intern

Lizzy Nephew (see bio for PR director)

Candidates for Historian

Katie Hart (see bio for treasurer)

Erica Holland (see bio for president)

Amanda Herrington (see bio for treasurer)

Marah Lidey (see bio for PR director)

Carissa Sinacori (see bio for PR director)

Ally Walls

• PR and French Majors; New Media Certificate

• PRSSA Member: 3 years

• Creative Consultants Member: 1 year

Leadership and Campus Involvement:

• WatchDawgs, Inc., Executive Director (2009-2010)

• WatchDawgs, Inc., PR Director

• Gamma Sigma Sigma Corresponding Secretary

• Gamma Sigma Sigma Co-Social Chair

• National Society of Collegiate Scholars Member

Work Experience:

• David Yurman Corporate Headquarters Intern

Candidates for Webmaster

Isha Ghodke (see bio for Secretary)

Rebecca Holton (see bio for PRecedent Editor)

Lizzy Nephew (see bio under PR director)

Five pieces of advice a PR grad must consider in today’s job market:

With this economy, it has been considerably difficult to find a job
after graduation, especially in communications departments.

Offices such as Porter Novelli in Washington D.C. laid off 15% of their
office, and this is a growing trend in the field. However, at PRSSA
Senior Night, the graduating class of 2009 received some heartfelt and
practical advice from PR professionals and financial advisors alike in
how to maintain their enthusiasm, think wisely about their finances,
and find the perfect job for them, whether it takes a year or two.

Here is the some advice that ANY graduating senior could use in
today’s job market:

1) Check your parents’ insurance policies, and make sure you are insured!
Tom Strate, Strate Insurance Group, Morristown, Tenn.

Insurance can be tricking, but finding an independent insurance agent
will help you find packages that work best for your needs (especially
if you do not receive benefits at work). See which of your parents’
policies you may remain on after graduation, and assess what type of
coverage you may need after graduation. Renter’s insurance is a good
idea if you are living in an apartment, because if your belongings are
damaged or stolen, they can be covered by this insurance (which is
extremely affordable)!

2) The dream job may not come today.
Nadine Randall, CDC, Public Policy Department, Atlanta, Ga.

After figuring out that the agency life was not for her, Randall
decided that she wanted to work in a corporate setting. Understanding
what you want out of your work life is important, but this can only
come with time and experience such as having internships/jobs in
different work environments and figuring out your interests. However,
you can’t be discouraged by not finding your dream job immediately
after graduation, and make sure to continually volunteer and work with
your passions so you can find it.

3) Spend and save your money wisely.
Mike Emanuele, Horizon Staffing, Jonesboro, Ga.

Emanuele made his first budget back in 1981 when he was a student at
Northwest Missouri State University! Make sure to budget your income and
expenses closely, and allow room for emergencies! To save money after
you graduate, stay with a roommate or at home to save on costs. Make
sure you direct some of your money from each paycheck to go straight
into your savings account, so that you don’t live off of ALL of your
money and you have cushion for future expenses.

4) Keep your networking opportunities alive!
Katherine Mason, Porter Novelli, PRSA/GA representative

Joining PRSA has helped Mason, a Florida State grad, to meet PR
professionals in Atlanta and network tremendously. Sometimes, the
company will pay for your membership in PRSA, but make sure that you
are helping them by forwarding notes and tips (from luncheons and
seminars) to your boss (and to the office if given permission). Your
continuing education can profit the entire company!

5) Be proactive, especially in the first jobs of your career.
Allie Carswell, Spanx
Lindsey Berryhill, Fleishman Hillard
Kate Griffin, Kleber & Associates
Nadine Randall

If this mean that you have to ask a lot of questions, do it! Make sure
you do it in an intelligent way, but make sure that you ask them! A
lack of questions may seem to employers that you aren’t prepared to
learn, you aren’t interested in the company or you are unenthusiastic
about working there.

If you see a task that can prove your asset to the company, dedicate
yourself to it and follow through. Employers understand that you won’t
have the specific knowledge of their company, but you have the basic
communication skills to perform your job.