Washington, D.C. – Here we come!

Tomorrow, Tues., Feb. 24, 16 of your fellow PRSSA members will be traveling to Washington, D.C. for the opportunity of a lifetime. Over the course of three days, these students will have the opportunity to meet PR professionals, attend numerous PR agency tours and even shadow a professional!

Please be on the lookout for blog updates and Twitter updates in the coming days from these students. I have no doubt the anecdotes, pictures and videos will be fascinating.**A special thank you goes out to Dr. Jones for putting much time and energy into making this trip possible!**

The students attending the trip are (in no special order):

Brittney Haynes (Twitter: brittneytwits)
Katherine Strate (Twitter: katlady)
Erica Holland (Twitter: ericah)
Kaitlyn Darr (Twitter: KDarr)
Carrie Edwards (Twitter: carlyed)
Stephanie Perrett (Twitter: SPerrett)
Julia Rowe
Ida Jones
Katie Manthey
Lena Basilone
Maggie Turner
Cindy McIntyre
Danielle Sender (Twitter: dsender)
Lacey Hatchett
Brittney Watson (Twitter: watsonb_pr)
Kelly Tucker

A special thank you goes out to the following participating agencies/offices:

Levick Strategic Communicators
Edelman
Fleishman Hillard
Porter Novelli
Senator Isakson’s office
American Lung Association
Academy Healthcare
Siemens Corporation
Weber Shandwick
Consumer Bankers Association
Hawthorn Group
MS&L
Lockheed Martin
Congressman Paul Broun’s office
PLEN (Public Leadership Education Network)

Register Now! AND you could go for freeeee!

What:Real World PR 2009, PRSA|GA’s annual collegiate conference

Why:To increase your knowledge of public relations, to receive free resume critiques, to network with Atlanta professionals and students from other SEC schools, and to land an internship/job!  Click here to see the tentative schedule.

When: Friday, Feb. 20, 2008

Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)

Where: The Loudermilk Center, Atlanta

Cost:$60 PRSSA Member Early Bird Registration (by 5 p.m., Feb. 9)
$70 PRSSA Member Regular Registration (after 5 p.m., Feb. 9)
$70 Non-PRSSA Member Early Bird Registration (by 5 p.m, Feb. 9)
$80 Non-PRSSA Member Regular Registration (after 5 p.m. Feb. 9)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE – 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18

How: Click here to register and learn more!

Also…be on the lookout for an e-mail closer to the event for details about a carpool.

E-mail PRSSA@UGA President Stephanie.Perrett@gmail.com for additional info!

If you don’t have the funds to go, it’s OK! Mr. C. Richard Yarbrough, one of Grady’s distinguished alumni, created the Yarbrough fund specifically for this purpose. Go to the Dean’s office and ask the nice man at the desk, Sean Polite, for a Yarbrough fund form to fill out. All you do is request it, and they’ll reimburse you! It’s very simple.

I’m graduating. Now what? Dr. Debra Miller Responds.

Dr. Debra Miller, Senior Director, Marketing-Communications, Clark Atlanta University spoke to students in Detroit about her experiences in the PR field and her advice for their futures.

 

1.)  Failure. What did you learn?

Always be responsible for what you do. If it’s on you, don’t give it up.

2.)  What trait has most helped you succeed?

Be open to lifelong learning – read! “You don’t have to be deep, but you have to be a mile wide.” Personal conversation skills are key to sealing the deal.

3.)  What can we do to increase diversity?

Make commitment to bring diversity into organizations, whether quietly or publically.

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

Internships and on-the-job training. Put in extra time for free. Get as many opportunities as you can.

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

PRSSA Code of Ethics. If you give it your all, you can change the world one step at a time by influencing the behavior of one person at a time.

6.)  What books have influenced you?

The Art of War, Notes to Myself on Becoming a Person and The Bible (from a literary perspective of how words are used to motivate) have all given me an in-depth perspective.

7.)  How can graduates stand out in job searches in today’s economy?

Shadow, do informational interviews, work with alumni, volunteer to find out what you like. There are huge numbers of people in public affairs for entry-level jobs, specifically for young people in government that usually pay $50,000, $60,000, $70,000.

PR and business go hand-in-hand

Thomas Hoog, Retired President and CEO of Hill & Knowlton, one of the U.S.’s top PR firms, gave students a practical outlook on the business side of PR.

 

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

PR professionals who really understand the business of business is important. Live a balanced life. Don’t forget you have a family and a community.

2.)  Does the economy represent opportunities for PR?

Our role is of truth telling which society is begging for.

3.)  What trait has most helped you succeed?

Surround yourself with good talent. Vary skills to make the whole greater than the counterparts.

4.)  What can we do to increase diversity?

Add in different skill sets, for example psychology. Include globalization in diversity.

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

Differentiate yourself.

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

The profession is honorable. Some people are less than honorable. “Spin” is not what our profession is; it’s the truth.

7.)  Who specifically influenced you?

My high school civics teacher told me that I could amount to something if I could just learn to listen.

8.)  What books have influenced you?

Plato’s Republic to help establish values. Leading from a specific set of values makes being an executive easier. Hemingway’s Immovable Feast tells how to live and enjoy each day. And Lonesome Dove, because I just love westerns!

9.)  How can graduates stand out in job searches in today’s economy?

Internships are low budget. Get in, get your foot in the door, prove your metal, and THEN ask for a job. You’ve proved it. 

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. 

Detroit 2008 – a weekend in photos

A-Town Meets D-Town

 

Thank you to everyone for being so supportive of us traveling to Detroit in addition to being so interested in what we have been doing and learning the past four days. While in Detroit we attended great sessions, networked with students and professionals from across the nation, and learned about current PR trends. I would like to share a video I made about the fun times we had in between sessions. Thank you again, and I hope this video encourages you all to seriously think about attending PRSSA National Conference in San Diego next year! This was truly the opportunity of a lifetime!

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Guest post: Jill Krugman, Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin’s Communication Leadership Development Program

When I joined Lockheed Martin three years ago, I had only a vague idea of what was in store for me. I knew it would be a good place to apply my PR coursework and internship experience. I knew that the pay and benefits were good. I knew I would be moving to New York (so cold!!). What I didn’t know, was the program I joined – the Communications Leadership Development Program (CLDP) – was going to open doors I’d never imagined.

By the end of my first year I had landed the cover of a trade publication, directed video and photo shoots and had numerous crash courses in engineering and technology. This was all during my first CLDP rotation, which focused in Media and Marketing.

In my second year, I moved to New Jersey where I took over the Community Relations program for our business in Moorestown. This included setting the strategy, managing our philanthropy budget and coordinating volunteer programs. Being the facing of Lockheed Martin in our community was extremely rewarding.

When I graduated the program, I moved to Marietta, Ga. where I accepted a position of Communications Generalist (or as I like to call it, jack-of-all-trades). I worked across all disciplines including media, employee and community relations. After a few months, our team was restructured and I was asked to take over Employee Communications for the business in Marietta. My current role is managing Employee Communications handing everything from the Intranet, to all-hands meetings, to multi-media projects.

CLDP is open to PR undergraduate and graduate students graduating this December or May. To apply, email Donna Leblond at dleblond@uga.edu. If you want more information feel free to call or email me at 770-494-3847 or jill.krugman@lmco.com. Also, here are some links that you might find interesting:

• Presentation on CLDP
• F-22 on Good Morning America

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

 

2008 PRSSA National Conference

 

What: National PRSSA Conference (over 3,000 people to network with and learn from)

 

When: Oct. 24-28 (registration deadline is Sept. 22)

 

Why: The following post was written by former UGA Grady grad, Brandi Littlejohn. Brandi is now working for Floyd Medical Center in Rome, GA. She recieved her MBA a few years ago, and is a member of the Georgia Chapter of PRSA.

 

I proudly served as the Communication Director for the PRSSA National Conference held in Atlanta in 2001 (serving as UGA’s representative on the committee) and served as PRSSA Vice President of Internship and Job Services for 2002-2003. I can honestly say the relationships and friendships I established during these times are still alive and healthy today. I’m in my best friend’s wedding next month–all because we met at a conference, served on the National Committee together and have stayed friends ever since (even though she has always lived in the Midwest).

 

Below are some reasons I think attending the National Conference are beneficial and a few notes on how it benefitted me:

 

1. Networking with Professionals: Whether it’s attending a professional development session or going to a PRSA Networking function, PR professionals are always willing to share stories and advice they wish they would have known as a college students. It truly helped me gain insight into their personal experiences so that I could be spared from making the same mistakes as they did. Most of the professionals remember what it was like being a college student so they will invite you to events and sometimes even pay for your meals.

 

2. Networking with Peers: Our world has shrunk and continues to. PR students across the United States could potentially be your professional peer one day. It is great to find others who understand exactly what you are currently going thru in college. Also, you may meet others you can call on later when you are both sitting at your first job–still wondering if you made the right career decision. Not to mention, some of the peers you meet could be your life-long friends.

 

3. PR jobs typically come down to who you know and your past involvement: I wish I could say that our world is fair and absolutely based on merit. Graduating from an excellent PR program like UGA will already give you a leg up on some peers, but the more professionals you know the more job interviews you’ll probably get and possibly the more offers you will have–both in Georgia and across the US. I know I made the decision to move back to my hometown for personal reasons, but I assure you that I got some really nice offers from some other places. By seeing a variety of options, it ultimately helped me make the best decision for me. Also, your past involvement is a predictor of your future. Savvy organizations are looking for the best and brightest employees and showing initiative to do items beyond just obtaining a degree in the field will only go to differentiate you more from your peers and help you in obtaining your first job.

 

4. Advancing the Profession: It is through professional activities and conferences such as these that promote public relations as a career choice and continues to help PR professionals to be seen as valuable to executives…ultimately so there will be jobs for you and future PR grads. I’m currently in healthcare, and how a profession is perceived can promote its growth or harm it. It is imperative to have knowledge and examples of how public relations professionals have contributed to organizations’ financial success or diversion of a crisis to help support the reason why an employer needs you.

 

5. The Experience: At what time can you go to one event and experience an agency tour, be inspired by some of the greatest PR professionals, be motivated by other peers and their works throughout the year at the Awards Banquet, have your resume critiqued and meet future employers at a Career Expo. The conference will provide a mixture of growth, opportunities and fun! I am so thankful that I took advantage of these opportunities while I was in college.

 

Please contact Stephanie Perrett at stephanie.perrett@gmail.com for more information!