Grady Grad Profile – Katie Greene

A very recent graduate of Grady College and The University of Georgia, Katie Greene is already well on her way down a road of success.  Contributing to the recent trend of social media, Katie serves as an Assistant Account Executive for Cohn & Wolfe in the Digital Media practice.  Along with much internship experience, she graduated with an A.B.J. in Public Relations, a minor in Spanish, and a certificate in New Media.  In the fast-paced life in New York City, Katie plans to advance in this large agency but would also like to gain international experience and possibly network in the nation’s capital.   

– Guest post by: Stacey Thomas, senior from Stafford, Va

What year did you graduate from Grady and what was your major?  

I graduated in May 2008 with an A.B.J. in PR, a minor in Spanish and a certificate in New Media.

 Where is your job located?  

New York, NY

What is your current job?

I am an Assistant Account Executive in the Digital Media practice with Cohn & Wolfe, a global top-10 PR agency. The Digital team helps clients develop communication strategies using digital and social media tools.  

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the daily variety that comes with working in a large agency – there’s always something new to work on!

What other positions have you held before your current job and where were they located?

This was my first job out of college, but I held several internships in the Atlanta/Athens area while in college.

My first was with Gwinnett County Government as the PR Intern in the Health and Human Services Division. For two summers, I helped plan an annual silent auction which raised more than $40,000 benefitting senior services.

I also held an intern position with Melissa Libby & Associates, an Atlanta-based boutique PR specializing in restaurants and hospitality.

Finally, I was the communications intern with Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services where I helped with event planning, the county newsletter and Web site.

Where you a member of PRSSA?

I was a member of PRSSA and was involved in Creative Consultants. I was on the client team for J House Media, where I helped develop their new media kit.  PRSSA was a wonderful source, not only for meeting industry professionals but also my fellow peers who are now valued colleagues.

What was your favorite Grady class and why?

I loved so many of them! I enjoyed both graphic communications classes I took under Dr. Jones and Mr. Willett. I really enjoyed having so much freedom to be creative and having finished products for my portfolio.

My senior campaigns class under Dr. Sweetser really helped prepare me for what life is like in a real agency. Being able to work with Edelman to host the Edelman Digital Bootcamp was challenging but extremely beneficial.

Finally, I wouldn’t have my job now if it weren’t for my experience in New Media. Dr. Shamp’s classes were always interesting and relevant for any career path.

What do you believe is the most important thing that a student should learn from Grady?

Personally, what I took with me from Grady was not only relevant information learned in classes, but personal friendships with my peers and instructors. With so many talented communicators in one place, their professionalism and passion for this field is contagious, you just have to be open to receiving it!  

What do you miss most about UGA?

I miss the college life in general! Starting class at 11 a.m. and finishing by 2 p.m. was pretty fantastic. I miss the academic atmosphere, and of course gamedays! I miss UGA’s beautiful campus and fun nights with college friends. Enjoy every moment because it’s all gone in a flash!

What is the one thing you wish you knew before entering the “real world?”

I wish I knew more about personal money management, investments, 401K and all that jazz. It’s tough getting started financially, and having knowledge about all of that definitely helps.

With the current economic recession in mind, what advice would you give to seniors graduating in May and entering the job field?

Finding a job is never easy, but the market is especially terrible right now. Don’t let that be a reason to stop trying. Apply for positions and network just as much, if not more, as you would if the market was great.

It’s important to get your name out there, and eventually it will all get better. You want your name to be at the top of the stack when companies begin hiring again.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be several things, including an archeologist, a teacher and the next Whitney Houston.  Thank goodness I didn’t follow that one!

What is your favorite television show? Why?

I love “The Office” because it cracks me up and also because I’m in love with Jim! 

Name one thing most people don’t know about you.

I was in marching band a total of eight years in high school and college. I played the flute and piccolo and loved every second of being in those hot, yet ever-so-attractive band uniforms!

What are your goals for the future regarding your career?

My plans include staying in New York for a couple more years and advancing in my agency. I’d love to get some international experience by working in Spain or elsewhere in Europe. I’ve always had an interest in living in Washington, D.C. as well, so we’ll see what happens!

The College Track Game

– Guest Post By: Erin Gentry, 2009 Bateman Team Member

 

It’s February which means it is time for Bateman events! This year’s client is the Consumer Bankers Association’s public awareness program College Bound Aid…the more you know the less you owe. The program targets 8^th to 11^th graders getting them to plan financially for college.

 

The UGA Bateman team created Athens College Track (ACT). ACT will be holding an assembly at Clarke Central High School February 23 from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. At the assembly, ACT will be awarding a scholarship to the winner of College Track game and allowing students to mingle with professionals and UGA athletes.

 

Three contestants will be chosen to play College Track. The contestants will be chosen based on essays answering the prompt “Why do you think college students graduate with debt? How can you start early to avoid this situation?”

 

College Track, an interactive board game modeled after the game of LIFE, teaches students to prepare for college early in their high school careers. The game simulates how good grades, high SAT scores and savings can reduce the cost of college. The game’s winner will receive a $250 scholarship from Horizon Staffing.

 

ACT also created www.AthensCollegeTrack.org to provide easily understandable, jargon-free financial information relating to college for Clarke County families. AthensCollegeTrack.org simplifies the college planning process, proving to Athens students that education after high school is an option. It makes scholarship searches simple for Athens students and lists myths and facts about college. The Web site also has information for parents who can be as confused as students about the college process.

 

To check out what we have been doing this semester visit our Web site www.AthensCollegeTrack.org!

Guest post: Tripp Cagle, Southern Company

A long time ago in a galaxy not far from Sanford Stadium, I studied public relations at the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication. It wasn’t much different then versus the way it is today – except that we didn’t have computers, cell phones, fax machines, pagers, the Internet, blogs, Facebook, Google, Madonna or South Park.  Come to think of it, it was quite a bit different.

 

One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the need for PR people to network. That includes students, too, for a couple of reasons – one, because you can never start too early, and two, because the less you know about the business you’ve chosen to be in, the more important it is for you to learn by talking to other people.

 

That’s where clubs like PRSA and PRSSA come in. Even in the 1970s, before the beginning of recorded time, these organizations were providing Grady students with opportunities to meet and share ideas and experiences with professionals and other students.

 

As a PR professional, you’ll frequently find yourself relying on your contacts in the PR industry to help you figure out how to do your job well. A lot of the things you’ll encounter in your career won’t be written down in any textbook, and the only way to get a handle on them will be to compare notes with others who are dealing with the same kinds of challenges. They’ll be only too glad to help – because someday, they may need to pick your brain, too.

 

PRSSA is a good way to learn those skills, and get a leg up on introducing yourself to the professional community. In fact, if you have the time for it, you should join more than one such organization. The more, the merrier. (Do they still say that?)

 

Quick sidebar: I actually met my wife at a PRSA event. We’ll celebrate our 20^th anniversary next spring, and according to her, I’m very happy.  So sometimes you get more than you bargained for.

 

By the way, one other thing that’s changed since I was in college – it’s been nearly three decades since UGA won a national championship in football.  Here’s hoping that changes this year.  Run, Knowshon, run.

 

Tripp Cagle

Communications Supervisor

Southern Company

ABJ 1981

 

Hear ye! Hear ye! A new class of “Batemates” will soon be chosen.

Thou hast been summoned to read the following post:

The most esteemed UGA PRSSA competition, by name of Bateman, is about to embark upon a new year.

If you are unfamiliar with the reference, please click here.

Five (or six) Lords and Ladies will be chosen to represent the Kingdom of Grady in what promises to be a most grueling and nail-biting competition.

Lady (Dr.) Sallot, this year’s advisor, has released the application today for all who wish to apply. Please review the following qualifications and expectations for those worthy enough to submit their applications.

Creative, energetic, hard working students who have sound critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and solid PR skills, especially writing, are ideal Bateman candidates. Familiarity with online communications is a plus. Ability to work in a group and on one’s own is essential, as is a good sense of humor. A good time will be had by all.

Grady PR majors who have completed all the requirements for ADPR 5950 Public Relations Campaigns (ADPR 3850, 3150, 3520, 5910, 5920) and who are paid-up members in good standing of UGA’s Drewry PRSSA Chapter are encouraged to apply. Applicants should complete and put a hard copy of this application by noon, Thursday, Sept. 18, in the “Bateman Box” outside Dr. Sallot’s office, 223-E.

Five undergraduate students will be selected after finalists from the team are interviewed by Dr. Sallot. Work on this campaign will begin in Fall 2008. Students selected for the team will register for ADPR 5950 in Dr. Sallot’s Spring 2009 section meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m., call # 38-146, although the team may choose to meet outside of class. Students who have already completed ADPR 5950 may apply for Bateman; if selected, they will register for ADPR 5170 Independent Study credit with Sallot for Spring 2009.

Bateman entries are due March 30, so coursework will finish early for the Bateman team. If selected as finalists nationally, team members must commit to being available to present in Washington, D. C. on May 14 and 15 (major expenses paid). More information is at: http://www.prssa.org/resources/bateman2009.asp

It is hereby decreed the race for the Bateman team has now begun! A heavy burden rests on the Bateman hopefuls to bring our school to the number one spot in the nation. A large pot of gold and livestock will be given to the winning teams. With budget cuts galore, the Grady Kingdom could use a little extra cush. Godspeed, brave ones.

To download the form, click here.