Tips from the Pros

Steven Harris, Vice President, Global Communications, GM offered students in Detroit advice he has learned over his career.

1.)  Given past experience, what’s the one thing you look forward to in public relations?

Aggressive new tools of communication

2.)  What is the best mentor advice you have received?

There is no one right, but choose what you’re doing, where you’re doing it and with whom carefully.

3.)  How do we bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and media-savvy young professionals?

Find an organization that will embrace change.

4.)  Does the economy represent opportunities for PR?

Who can you trust? It may be looked back on as the finest hour of need for PR. “This is the golden age. This is the golden opportunity.”

5.)  What trait has most helped you succeed?

The era of the lone wolf is gone. You need a large group of people that are better than you in other areas.

6.)  What can we do to increase diversity?

Invest in young people and students. Give them an incredible experience and hope they will stay.

7.)  What’s your best resume or cover letter tip?

Those that have done their homework and know about the company and their needs.

8.)  PR continues to struggle with its professional image. Why is PR honorable?

This can be asked of any profession. It’s all about what you want to do and who you want to be. Display the courage of speaking up and doing what’s wrong. I go by the “Three Time Rule,” I give myself three times to throw myself into the wall.

9.)  Who specifically influenced you?

People at every level of the organization. Learn to listen well to everyone. The best idea can come from anywhere.

10.) What books have influenced you?

Made to Stick by Heath brothers tells how to make messages memorable.

11.) How can you make management see things your way?

Develop relationships and do not waste their time. That way, when you ring the alarm, they know it’s worthwhile. 

Wanna go ta Michigan?

(If only I could convey my Sarah Palin accent through this post…)

I would like to take the time to promote the General Motors (GM) internship opportunity whose submission deadline is NEXT Friday, October 17.

If you “wanna go ta Michigan” for a while, an opportunity is at your doorstep!

The GM internship will last from May to August (12 weeks), and you’ll be living in Detroit, Mich. doing some grassroots marketing (ooh, aah).

Check out what you’ll be doing!

Grassroots Communications

Location: Detroit, MI

Key assignments and responsibilities

Help plan senior leader grassroots visits to key markets, and assist with speakers bureau, plant city tours and VIP influencer tours.

Assist with grassroots planning activities, including:

• Participate in event planning from concept to execution
• Prepare briefing books for senior leaders, including determining the appropriate content, gathering information, and proofreading
• Write executive remarks, introductions and other documents as needed for grassroots trips
• Organize schedules, calls and timelines
• Ensure each event meets measurement criteria

Travel as needed to prepare for grassroots visits:

• Site visits and preparation may be needed for event support
• Work with regional communications teams

Specific skills preferred

• Strong team player
• Highly organized and ability to multi-task
• Creativity – willingness to bring new ideas to grassroots program
• Can adapt to changes quickly and can work well under deadline pressure
• Strong writing ability

Benefits to the intern’s development

Working with the grassroots team will give the intern the ability to see the “big picture” at General Motors, learning both our product and business messaging as he/she helps prepare senior leaders to communicate with key constituencies across the country. The intern will be able to think creatively about how to tell GM’s story, and see firsthand how messaging is shaped. He/she will learn how to work cross-functionally, and see how messaging is received differently in various regions of the U.S.

This is an opportunity to understand GM’s overall communications strategy for its senior-most leaders and be part of a dynamic team. He/she will also be able to improve writing skills, time management ability and measurement capability.

What skills do you expect the student to develop?

• Strategic Communication Planning
• Event Planning
• Communication Measurement
• Writing skills

Other considerations such as travel for events, etc.

• Occasional travel within the U.S. is required

In other words, this looks like a great opportunity.  Let’s have some Grady representation!  To find out the details, check out the internship listings for this week.