Choosing public relations

By: Dajuan Young

Choosing public relations as my career path took time but was well worth it. Exploring  other majors, speaking with my academic advisor and keeping an open mind all played a role in my decision to become a PR practitioner.

I knew coming to college I wanted to pursue something that incorporated writing. I love to read and write and after changing my major from journalism to human resources, I finally came across public relations. After taking the introductory PR and learning what public relations is about, I knew it was the career path for me. The PR program here also allows for students to take business classes which was another aspect that played a role in my decision.

All About Integration

PR is an  attractive field and career path because of how integrative it is. The thought of being well-equipped in journalism, communication and broadcasting all captivated my interest. Central Michigan is also one of the top schools for PR in Michigan. The courses offered are comprehensive and prepare CMU graduates for the public relations world.

Variety and Vision

PR is a field that offers many career paths. From crisis management to lobbying, there are countless opportunities. Being able to have the skills to bounce around from one field to another is appealing and exciting. Someday, I would like to be the public relations director for a corporation on the international level. Sports, finance and health are the industries that intrigue me most that I aspire to work  in.

PR is a major that offers many career options, and equips students to move easily between industries. The classes offered at CMU provide students with the best material to excel in the real world, and that’s why I chose public relations.



Posted on March 14, 2019 .

PR strategies in bloom

By: Alexis Schuchert

Public relations strategies are constantly changing and it’s your job as a communications professional to stay up to date. Check out these strategies that are currently trending in the PR world.

Live video streams

The next superior social media trend may be live streaming. Facebook and YouTube are two of the apps that authorize brands to go live using any mobile device. This helps spread news quickly while allowing the audience to engage. Understanding today’s most popular live video platforms is important for PR professionals to stand out.

Quantifiable results

Clients want tangible and valuable results. They would rather receive a report detailing the effect a company’s social media strategy is having on sales than a clever new Facebook post every day. Learning to quantify your impact on a company is becoming essential. This will help you stay competitive and  present your worth to clients. To grow as a PR leader, you need to find ways to deliver the results your clients are looking for.

Chatbots

Another growing PR trend are chatbots. Chatbots are a computer program that ignite conversations with human users, especially your target audience and customers. Chatbots work to offer customer service and access to vital information. Chatbots provide a form of customer service, help reach audience members and build audience engagement. Facebook Messenger is one of the most effective forms. The key is to grow your contacts and use it to strategically deliver content.

Keep these trends in mind to stay ahead of the game and to grow as a PR professional. These are only a fraction of what’s out there, so always be on the lookout for the latest and greatest PR strategies.



Posted on March 14, 2019 .

Keeping it fresh, PR style

By: Kaitlyn Bondar

Public relations is an ever changing field. Your dream job may not have existed 10 years ago or may not even exist now. To stay fresh, professional development and networking are essential. These are important aspects of working in public relations and are timeless skills. Their forms may change, but the idea stays the same.

Throughout my four years at CMU and three in the integrative public relations program, there have been many changes in the PR field. Although classes have changed, CMU is still offering the best integrative program possible to set students up for success. With the addition of social media analytics, psychology and business courses, CMU is equipping its students for success after graduation.

Taking extra PR related electives will help you  get your feet wet in various areas of the profession. The graphic design course you struggled in might set you apart because of the plethora of pieces you created for your portfolio. The statistics course you dreaded might help you communicate with future clients about social media analytics.  Challenge yourself to take classes that challenge you, invoke critical thinking and add to your toolbelt.

Keep up with changes by staying  involved on campus, especially in your field of study. Attend as many conferences, club meetings and study group sessions as you can. Join organizations like PRSSA, PR Central and other related clubs on campus. Go to professional development meetings and stay after to network with the speaker. All the extra work will pay off when you enter your professional career.  



Posted on March 14, 2019 .

Invest in a conference, invest in yourself

By: Grace Berndt

Professional conferences can be a game changer for your future career. Often, students are discouraged from attending conferences because of  money and time. These barriers often lead students to view conferences as a hassle when really, it’s a worthwhile investment for their future. There are several benefits that come from attending conferences that can kickstart your career in PR and elevate your professionalism when you graduate.

Seeing the Future

Conferences are a place where professionals from different areas within the industry come together to share ideas and set goals. In the midst of the hub, you’ll witness the newest developments and strategies in PR. Knowing what to expect in the industry in the future and how to shape your individualistic skills will help you stand out.

Hello PR Major, Meet Your Future Career

As any PR major knows, public relations is a vast profession that can be used in any industry or organization. Conferences showcase the unique ways PR is being put to use. If you’re unsure of what you want to do in PR conferences can open you to new opportunities you may never have known existed.

Rubbing Elbows

Another benefit of conferences is networking. Conferences bring together speakers, vendors and attendees from all levels of the industry and all over the country.  This is an opportunity for you to meet professionals and talk to them about what they do and gain insight on what they look for in new hires and how you can excel.

Carpe Diem

Seize the day. While at the conference, be attentive and be present, both physically and mentally.  Take notes, gather information and take professional’s business cards. Take what you learn to your classroom, on campus clubs or internship and begin implementing your newfound PR powers.

Showcase Your Drive for Success

Not only will you obtain insight into the industry, but this is also an experience that shows you are invested in PR. Attending conferences will give you a step up and show your willingness to learn, your commitment to the industry and your drive to succeed. Get started with CMU PRSSA and White Pines PRSA’s spring conference “Realizing Our Impact” on March 22 in the Bovee University Center.  



Posted on March 1, 2019 .

Four essentials for event planning

By: Alexis Schuchert

Event planning is one of many skills that fall into public relations, and it’s an important one that requires a lot of work. Though it’s not part of the curriculum at CMU, it’s  something we may all encounter at some point in our career. Here are four factors to keep in mind when planning an event.

Understand your audience

It’s important to know your audience in order to establish the perfect execution of communication. For example, if it’s a health or fitness brand then you want to contact health bloggers and use social media platforms to promote the occasion.

Outline the five W’s

Another important aspect of event planning is being aware of the details of the event. Know the when, where, what, why, who and even how. Outlining these characteristics will help with the understanding and planning of the event.

Take advantage of social media

Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are your best friends throughout every event. Use these platforms to get your audience excited. Get them interested in your event and give them reasons on why they should attend. Using these communication tools will provide a larger turn out on the day of your event.

Plan your budget

Creating a budget is critical. Without money, there is no event. There is a lot to consider when planning a budget. Remember things like the venue, entertainment and catering. Check out these templates to help with your financial planning.

These are just a few of the aspects of event planning. If you’d like to learn more and gain  hands-on experience, join PRSSA and become a member of the Chapter Events and Fundraising Committee. You can put your creativity skills to the test and plan events like fundraisers, socials and the spring banquet.

For more information, contact Jenna McDonnell at mcdon1jn@cmich.edu or Nicole Bowers at bower2na@cmich.edu



Posted on February 13, 2019 .

The importance of a professional network

By: Terzah Dyer

Professionalism can be a difficult skill to acquire if you’re not exposed to it, but it doesn’t have to be. Building your knowledge of professionalism through people and experiences can start as early as your college years.

Have you ever heard the  saying, “the people you know will get you to where you need to go”? Well, it’s true. Connections are a fundamental part of succeeding in the PR field.

Knowing others can help you to get a foot in the door for a potential job down the road. You never know when you’ll need friends or mentors in PR. They could be a contact for graphics, photos or writing. If you need professional expertise, you can simply call up an old college classmate.

Experience with professional networking can be hard to come by in the early stages of your career. Luckily, you can build experience and your network right now by joining the Professional Development Committee.

In your career you will constantly be interacting with industry professionals. It is essential you know how to conduct yourself around these individuals. The professional development committee will give you an opportunity to not only grow your network, but push your educational to the next level.

This committee builds relationships through event planning and collecting portfolio pieces and will help you stand out on your resume. For more information, contact Abby Fischer at fisch2aj@cmich.edu  or Brianna Walter at walte1bn@cmich.edu.  



Posted on February 13, 2019 .

Help wanted: Internship search tips

By: Madeline Tunison

As summer quickly approaches, students are competing for internships. Here are some tips to help you find the internship of your dreams.

Explore what kind of internship you want.

There are seemingly endless paths in the PR profession, so be sure to see which ones interest you. There are opportunities in agencies, healthcare companies, non-profit organizations and corporations. Do some research to see which fields you’re most interested in. It’s best to begin your internship search with a goal in mind.

Build your portfolio.

Your portfolio should should showcase the work you’ve done within the PR profession. You should always have a hardcopy of your portfolio and an online version. Our job is to communicate efficiently and having multiple platforms to showcase your work proves that. Your online portfolio should contain general information about yourself, contact information and your resume.

Research companies.

Find companies that could benefit you in your learning. Companies that reflect core values that you agree with can make your internship experience more enjoyable. Knowing a company's background, purpose and core values will also aid in the interviewing process. If you're well read on a company, it will show you care and separate you from candidates blindly searching for an internship.

Start your search early.

Don’t wait until the last minute to begin looking for an internship. The sooner you apply, the better for everyone involved. You’ll feel less rushed and flustered for the rest of the interview process which will help you feel more prepared and confident moving forward.

Use these tips to show companies what a valuable asset you are and land your dream internship.



Posted on February 13, 2019 .

Revamping your personal brand

By: Dajuan Young

Finding fresh and innovative ways to brand yourself on social media is the perfect way to start 2019. Check out these tips on implementing techniques to enhance your appearance and develop your brand through your social media accounts.

Combine personal and professional life

Fusing together the personal and professional aspects of your life is a great way to establish  your brand. Posting about what you do in your spare time allows your audience to connect with you and builds a personal  bridge with your audience and makes you more relatable.

However, be mindful about what you post. Don’t ever use explicit or inappropriate material to establish  your brand. Your accounts are a representation of you and your values. Once you post something, even if you delete it, will always be on the internet forever.

Vary your media content

People learn in a variety of ways. Some connect best through visual displays, while others learn best auditorily. The audience you’re appealing to is likely diverse  in this aspect . Different media outlets like podcasts, videos and newsletters allow your audience to connect with you in multiple ways and have the opportunity to choose which one fits them best.

Look aesthetically pleasing

Looks aren’t everything, but they are an important thing. You only have one chance  to make a first impression and it’s important to make it count. Appealing to your intended audiences’ visual senses is a good start for creating a favorable first impression of your brand. Contrast, dominance and color that are properly implemented will quickly capture someone’s eye and drag them in.

Try out these tips and watch it impact your personal brand.



Posted on February 7, 2019 .

How CMU's PR resources set me apart

By: Kaitlyn Bondar

Completing an internship is a requirement of CMU’s integrative public relations program and plays a significant role in providing hands-on experience for students before they enter the workforce. I secured and excelled at my internship because of the training I’d received through the IPR program and my involvement in PRSSA and PR Central.

This past summer I was a marketing intern at the environmental engineering and consulting firm Limnotech in Ann Arbor, Mich.  When I first started looking for an internship I was extremely discouraged. I live in lower metro-Detroit, where most of the paid internships were located far away. Just before the end of the spring semester, I was hired by Limnotech.

Required skills for the position included graphic design, journalistic writing, research skills and social media analytics. Core IPR classes like foundations of public relations, PR and advertising research and public relations writing were tremendously helpful in teaching me these skills. All of my coworkers were scientists and engineers. I was the only person with formal training in communication or public relations and was given a lot of responsibility in this area of the business. I was confident in my abilities because of my coursework and hands-on experience in PRSSA and PR Central.  

PR Central and PRSSA helped me build the skills that ultimately allowed me  to secure this position over people from larger schools like Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. My internship coordinator said my well-rounded, digital portfolio and professional attitude set me apart from other applicants.

Working at LimnoTech, I further developed my professional communication, graphic design, writing and multitasking skills. Without the IPR program, PRSSA and PR Central, I would not have secured my internship. The IPR program gave me the necessary skill foundation,  PRSSA taught me what professionalism truly is and how to professionally network and PR Central provided valuable leadership opportunities and portfolio materials.

As I complete my last semester at CMU, I want to thank PRSSA and PR Central. I owe these organizations so much, and would not be the PR professional I am today without them.



Posted on February 7, 2019 .

Five ways to beat boredom over break

By: Bailey Talaska

Though winter break is relaxing, three weeks without school can sometimes lead to boredom. If you find yourself with nothing to do, consider these activities for getting ahead.

Work on your resume

While you’re sitting at home, start updating your resume. Add any new jobs or projects you’ve been working on, and make sure your wording is as effective as possible. Pay special attention to design, no matter what program you create your resume with. Design a layout that is clear, effective and unique.

Look for Internship and job opportunities

Break is the perfect time to research what companies might be hiring or looking for interns. While winter break isn't long enough to complete an internship, you can use the time to find one for the spring semester or the summer.

Network

While you have some extra time on your hands, network and get your name out there for future employers. One way to do this is by reaching out to anyone you’ve networked with previously or had an internship with. Send them an email or a card saying happy holidays and thanking them again for their time. This is a great way to remind them of your name.

Update social media platforms

While this is something many people don’t think about, more employers are looking at the social media pages of employees. Over break, clean up your accounts and make sure everything on your Twitter, Instagram and Facebook is something you wouldn’t mind your boss seeing. With professional social media channels like LinkedIn, make sure your profile is up to date just like your resume. This will  help with future networking.

Create or update your portfolio

When applying for jobs and internships, employers will want examples of the work you’ve done. Going through and collecting pieces you have written and putting them together so you have it ready when you need it will make your life easier. If you have already have a portfolio, make sure it’s up to date with your newest work.

These activities will have you feeling more prepared for the upcoming semester and all of it’s professional opportunities. But most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy a wonderful, relaxing break.



Posted on January 2, 2019 .

New year, new you: PR edition

By: Alexis Schuchert

Take advantage of 2019 and expand your skills as an integrative public relations major. Here are four New Year’s resolutions you can add to your list to become a stronger PR professional.

Practice AP style

Associated Press Style is essential in the world of PR. Practicing this style of writing will benefit you in your future. Every week of 2019, find time to focus on an aspect of AP style. Focus on datelines, abbreviations of months, when to use a comma and so forth. Making this a goal will help to increase your confidence in your future classes and career.

Consume news

As an integrative public relations major, consuming news and reading PR articles is important. Making this one of your New Year’s resolutions will help increase your awareness of the daily news and of proper AP style rules. This will also help to expand your knowledge on the inverted pyramid style of writing.  

Exercise your writing skills

Knowing how to write is crucial and is a great skill to possess in any career field. Good writing goes along with knowing AP style and how PR articles are written. The first step is to get familiar with these two aspects and then put it to use. Get comfortable with creating headlines, datelines, leads, quotes, attribution and implementing the inverted pyramid method.

Increase your involvement

Make it a goal to expand your engagement at Central Michigan University. A big way to apply yourself is to become a paid member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. PRSSA offers ways to put your skills to the test and grow as an IPR major. PRSSA includes committees for writing, planning and budgeting. You’ll have opportunities to create portfolio pieces, and graduating PRSSA members can continue their professional development by joining PRSA at a discounted rate.

Take control of 2019 and make it your year.



Posted on January 1, 2019 .

Five tips for tackling finals

By: Alexis Schuchert

Many students forget to take care of themselves when it comes time for finals. Check out these tips to help you be conscious of your well-being and of the people around you.

Don’t procrastinate

As public relations majors, many of our final exams consist of group projects and final papers. The worst thing to do is to push assignments off until the last second. This can cause you to become overwhelmed, severely stressed and can lead to an unwanted grade. It can also put stress on your group members. Make sure you do your part and never leave your group hanging. The best way to handle finals season is to stay organized, stay focused and complete things in a timely fashion.

Get enough sleep

An important part of managing stress is getting enough sleep. Ideally, young adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Giving your body the rest it needs will help you stay on task, pay attention in class and allow better time management. Getting enough rest during finals week is essential. You want to be wide awake and ready to go for each of your exams, whether it be a multiple choice test, a presentation or an essay.

Give your best effort

PR finals often consist of group projects and presentations. Try your best to get along with your group and work as a team. Even though you may not like someone personally, learning to work productively and considerately with them is crucial. Work together to successfully finish the project in a timely manner.

Eat well & stay hydrated

Eating well and drinking water is essential, and can be easily forgotten during busy times. It’s important to eat three meals a day, especially breakfast. When your schedule is full of group meetings and writing papers, it’s easy to snack all day or even forget to eat. Remember to give your body the nutrition and protein it needs. Take time to find some healthy breakfast choices that are also convenient for busy mornings.

Stay positive

During the last few weeks of the semester, it becomes easy to slack off or feel down about yourself and your grades. The key is to be optimistic and confident in yourself and the success you want to reach. If you visualize yourself doing well and succeeding, there is a greater chance that you will. Stay positive.

Best of luck on finals this week!



Posted on December 11, 2018 .

Wait, what's your major?

By Bailey Talaska

The holidays are filled with visiting family and friends. This often leads to questions about what you’re studying in school. Given the diverse nature of public relations, explaining what the profession is can be a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips for handling questions about PR from your loved ones this holiday season.

What is PR?

Public relations is a diverse profession, but a basic definition describes PR as strategic communication that builds a mutually beneficial relationship between an organization and their public. This means connecting with the audience and promoting a company, organization, or product.

What can you do with a degree in that?

A public relations degree  can open up different opportunities for  communications careers in many areas including:

  • Nonprofit

  • Communications agencies

  • Corporations

  • Government  

  • Sports and entertainment

  • Hospitality

  • Healthcare

Why did you choose public relations?

This will be different for everyone. You might mention the diversity of the degree or the creative nature of the profession. Whatever your reasons are, share them.

What kind of money will you be making?

It depends on where you are working and what branch of PR you are in.

Are you going to have a job after graduation?

The need for PR professionals is expected to grow due to the increased use of the internet and social media. Companies need people who are knowledgeable and can help them promote themselves online. Public relations is a field that is diversifying and growing consistently.

Keep these points in mind for any PR questions you might have thrown your way over the holiday weekend and enjoy spending time with your loved ones!



Posted on November 20, 2018 .

The professional dress code

By: Terzah Dyer

Professionalism begins with your appearance. The effort you put into making yourself look presentable shows how much you care. Employers want their staff to represent their company well, which includes looking professional. Professional dress is essential for successful first impressions.

Looking professional doesn’t take much effort and doesn’t have to be costly. Here are some head-to-toe tips on how to look the part.

Shoes

For women, heels or flats are good. Heels should range from two to four inches. The shoes should be closed-toed, and in neutral colors like black, nude or navy blue. Leather and patent are respectable materials for shoes. Shoes shouldn’t be worn-down or dirty looking.

For men, the most common dress shoes are loafers, oxford and wingtips. They range in style but all have a clean, classic look.

Clothing

When dressing for career and internship fairs, business professional is the best option. For men, this will include dress pants with a nice belt, a collared shirt and a tie.

Ladies can wear dress pants and a nice blouse or a skirt or dress as long as it’s not too short. Avoid jeans and crazy colors.

Adding a blazer to both the men and women’s options will make the outfit more professional.

Physical appearance

As for physical  appearance, look clean and well groomed. This should include tidy hair, a clean smell  and overall good hygiene.

Combining these professional dress tips will prepare you for future interviews, internship fairs and the professional world. You can practice these professional dress tips at the Department of Journalism/PRSSA  Internship Fair on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UC rotunda.



Posted on November 1, 2018 .

Tips for creating a stand-out resume

By: Alexis Schuchert

Show, don’t tell

You might have  section on your resume where you list the skills that are most impactful for the job you’re applying for. Listing skills can get boring to read. Show what skills you have by describing how you’ve used them in previous jobs. Instead of saying you’re a leader, describe situations where your leadership made an impact.

Measure it

Public relations might not be a STEM field, but don’t be fooled: numbers matter. Make your material measurable whenever possible. Don’t just say you helped a company increase their following on social media-- include how many new followers you gained. Let the numbers do the talking.

Make content count

Strategically decide which experiences you include on your resume based on the job you’re applying for. You might discuss your past internships, volunteer experiences, part-time jobs, or clubs you were involved in. It all depends on the job. What might be a relevant experience for one position might not be as effective when applying for another.

Make key words count

In resumes, less is more. Most of the time, recruiters will not read every single word on your resume, especially if it’s a big company with hundreds of other applicants. Keywords make your resume faster and easier to read. For example, a public relations practitioner’s resume could include keywords like “social media skills,” “communication skills” and “research skills.” You could also include personal attributes like “creativity,” “organization” and “reliability.”  

Design a header

Placing an attractive and informational header has the ability to make a resume stand out. This should include your name and contact information. Including a header is simple, but effective.

Don’t forget your business card

Not everyone is going to want to take your resume, so have personalized business cards on hand. Business cards are small, effective and easy to exchange. Hand them out to every company you make an elevator pitch to. This is a tangible way for your name to be remembered.

Once you have your resume ready to go, head to the CMU Department of Journalism/PRSSA Internship Fair on Nov. 7 in the UC Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.



Posted on October 31, 2018 .

How to balance an internship during the semester

By: Bailey Talaska

A major stress factor of college is being able to balance things such as work, an internship and school. It can be tough to manage. To find out some of the best ways to balance an internship, I talked to Joshua Geary who works part time for Tanner Friedman, while working 15 hours and balancing 12 credits.

1. Prioritize

Before starting your internship, know your priorities.

Give some thought to which you value more, your internship or school. They don't have to be at odds, but if you have a busy schedule during the semester, putting more time into one and less into the other may unfortunately be the case.

Knowing your priorities ahead of time allows you to avoid making rash decisions. Time management is important as well.

Geary said “You are building towards your future by balancing both, so set time aside for both responsibilities.”

2. Be upfront about your school schedule

It's important that the company you're interning at knows your school schedule ahead of time and knows your commitment to sticking to it. Communicate with your supervisor and professors to stay on top of your work for classes and your internship. Ask yourself, “Am I stretching myself too thin?”

Geary said “Being involved is good, but being too involved may not be as fruitful if you were involved with less and were more invested in fewer involvements.”

3. Schedule down time

It's not healthy to fill up every part of your day with school, work and your internship. Having time to relax will  allow you to perform better in school and at your internship. Self-care is important and you don't want to burn out. Whatever gives you energy or a physical or mental break, do it. Be sure you have enough time to eat and sleep, and if you realize you can't handle all of your responsibilities, let something go.

Listen to yourself because not every moment of every day has to be productive.

4. Plan, plan, plan

Be organized with the way you spend your time off the internship clock. Make a list of what you want to achieve or cross off your to-do list in the amount of time you have. Although the amount of time you have available may vary, be productive in the time that you do. Use tools like planners or google calendar to organize your days to know what you need to get done, in addition to having it written out will help you stay organized and reduce stress.

5.Pick the right internship

As long as you pick an internship that you enjoy and are trying to make the best of it, everything will be alright. It might be stressful at some points, but know that it will not be like that forever and that all your hard work will be worth it.



Posted on October 24, 2018 .

The importance of classroom community

By: Terzah Dyer

You probably have quite a few of your major classes with the same people. I know I do. Instead of keeping your head down in class, connect with your classmates and make an effort to network. This will not only benefit your academic life, but help you in your future career.

Many students get stuck in the routine of going to class, doing their due-diligence as a scholar, hearing the professor speak and taking notes and then going home. We often forget to step outside of our shells and get to know our classmates. We don’t always like the idea of making the effort to make friends or having to try harder beyond the work. We think it’s better to focus on the professor and rather than the students sitting next to us. However, networking in class is  something we should take advantage of.

Building a community will cultivate a better atmosphere in class. Creating a community within the classroom can make class far more enjoyable. Class is more exciting when you have a friendly face to sit next to rather than sitting alone, especially when the curriculum gets tough. A good community fosters a positive learning environment, which allows for a more productive class.

Another great factor of starting a community in your classes is having reliable relationships.The more people you know, the more resources you have when you graduate. When you are looking for a job, a foot in the door might put you above others. You can make an effort to get to know those same students you see on a weekly basis to start building a community. The students around you might have similar goals as you, making it simple to achieve these connections. You have comparable passions and ambitions and will end up working in the same profession. There are many people I know who received a job interview because of somebody they knew in college.

Not only will it benefit you in the long run, but it will also benefit you as a professional in the short term. Having a community of classmates, especially in your major classes, will make you a well-rounded student. You can learn from each other and better yourself, so you can be a better PR professional.

Sharing experiences together is great for after college when you run into each other in a professional environment. You can look back and bond over the good ole’ times in Will or Woj’s class. Those memories will create a lifetime bond.



Posted on October 24, 2018 .

Top five benefits of PRSSA

By: Anna Kendall

Making frugal decisions about what you spend your cash on is an inevitable part of the college experience.  Deciding to spend $75 on dues for a professional organization might be a tough decision, especially if you aren’t aware of all the benefits you could experience. Check out five ways PRSSA can benefit you below.

Discounts

Spending money to become a member of PRSSA might save you money in the long run. When you become a member, you will receive a discounted rate on chapter and national PRSSA events. From spring banquet to national conference, your national membership will give you access to a lower price. You also have the opportunity to join PRSA at a lower rate upon graduation.

Hands-on experience

Joining PRSSA gives you the chance to gains hands-on experience outside of the classroom. You can gain published work by writing for the publications committee, or experience planning events with the chapter events committee.

PRSSA members are also eligible to apply to CMU’s student run firm PR Central. PR Central works for real clients and students are able to gain valuable experience with real projects.

Networking and mentorship

PRSSA frequently brings professionals in to speak at meetings and for events. As a paid member you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and network with these professionals in addition to connecting with other PR students. There are also opportunities for mentorship from older students in PRSSA.  

Internship materials

Finding an internship is a requirement of the IPR program, and PRSSA can help you find one. As a paid member you’ll not only have access to the national internship center, but the CMU PRSSA internship book which is full of resources specifically for CMU students.

Awards and scholarships

Becoming a member of PRSSA will give you opportunities for scholarships and awards from CMU and at the national level. You can also enter national competitions such as the Bateman Case Study Competition, or write for national publications like FORUM.  

PRSSA  opens doors for its members not only at the university level, but the national level as well. Becoming a paid member of PRSSA is not just a purchase, but an investment in yourself and your future.



Posted on October 22, 2018 .

Six tips for interviewing

By: Alexis Schuchert

Feeling nervous for an interview is common-- don’t stress. Use the tips below to help diminish nerves, expand your knowledge on interviews and help you get the job.

Know the company you’re applying to

Weeks prior to your interview, develop your understanding of what the company or organization does, its history and what they can provide for you and your career.

Practice common interview questions

Prepare and practice questions such as, “What are your biggest strengths?” “Where do you see yourself in five years?” “Out of all other candidates, why should we hire you?” Having an idea of what you want to say will help to decrease your nerves and increase your confidence.

Know the job description

Show up to the interview knowing exactly what you’re being interviewed for. Have knowledge of the job and what the job entails.

Ask questions

Go to the interview with questions that will help you better understand the work environment, the culture and the position. You can ask the interviewer questions like, “Where do you see the company in five years from now?” “How would you describe the employee moral here?” “Are there events or activities that engage the employees throughout the year?” “Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?”

Be yourself

An important part of the interview process is to be yourself and express your personality. Show positivity and enthusiasm. Make the interview a conversation rather than a Q&A. They are not only interviewing you, but you’re interviewing them. Use the meeting as an opportunity to decide if this is a company that you see yourself working at.

Always follow up

After the job interview, thank the interviewer for their time. You can express your eagerness and appreciation for the position. Also, if something didn’t come up during the interview, use this opportunity to share it. You want to make your name memorable.

Last minute tips

  • Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early

  • Don’t forget your resume. You should also bring a personal business card.

  • Dress in professional attire

  • Begin the interview with a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile!

Keeping these tips in mind will help you crush your next interview.



Posted on October 20, 2018 .

Professional benefits of study abroad

By: Jozlyn Gauthier

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that more college students should take advantage of. The program gives students an opportunity to travel to unique locations around the globe with their peers while having the opportunity to learn.

Cultural Experiences

Having the chance travel to a foreign country provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse  themselves in different culture. Victoria Vitale, 20, spoke about ways that an intercultural experience was beneficial to her through study abroad to Florence, Italy. Vitale said it helped her to expand her knowledge of public relations and graphic design on a global scale, and she was able to learn how her major was differentiated in a country outside of her own.

Understanding how your area of study is applied around the world allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the field as a whole and can open up doors for international careers, giving students a competitive edge while applying for jobs. Studying abroad can allow for a unique understanding of your field that couldn’t be obtained in your typical classroom at your university and is valued by employers.

Personal Growth

Flying across the country to live and learn for a period of time is a big deal Students speak of it as an unforgettable life changing experience. Anna Kendall, 21, spoke about the personal growth she achieved that benefitted her in a professional capacity from her study abroad experience in Florence, Italy. Kendall said studying abroad gave her an opportunity to figure a lot of things out for herself such as navigating a different city, meeting new people and building connections. She shared about how the experience made her feel more independent and confident professionally. Character building experiences are important to have while shaping yourself into a well-rounded professional.

Communication Skills

Overseas travel allows for the unique experience to develop the skill of communicating across language barriers. Ashlee Croy, 21, shared that studying abroad gave her the opportunity to learn how to work with people who spoke a different language for the first time and how to present to someone that speaks a different language while she was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. This skill takes dedication and patience to develop, and is highly sought after in the professional world. Having experience communicating through language barriers is an excellent resume builder, as future business partners and clients could speak a different language.

Want to Study Abroad?

Interested in studying abroad? CMU’s study abroad program hosts 30-minute information sessions weekly in Ronan 344 on Mondays at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 2 p.m. Applications for summer and fall 2019 are open now. Schedule an appointment with an advisor today and begin your study abroad journey.      



Posted on October 20, 2018 .