How to handle a crisis

By: Lauren Hendrick

Crisis communication can be interesting to learn about, but intimidating to approach. As PR professionals it is important to understand how to effectively communicate during a crisis.

It is not a matter of “if” a crisis will happen, it’s a matter of “when” a crisis will happen. This is important to understand because as cliché as it sounds, you need to expect the unexpected. 

Take responsibility

When a crisis does occur, the first thing a company/business should do is take responsibility. When a company attempts to cover it up or project blame elsewhere, it only fuels the fire. Responsibility should be taken with a well-established apology and plan to ensure the crisis will not happen again. 

Check social platforms

When a crisis happens, it most likely will go viral on social media. It is important to be prepared for this. Check the company’s social media platforms religiously so that responses are quick. This shows that the company is prepared and cares about the situation. Having quick responses portrays the responsibility and organization of the company. 

Respond effectively

I also learned in one of my PR classes that when a reporter or outside source asks a question, you should never reply with “no comment” because it seems unprofessional and inconsiderate. Having a strong PR team that can assist with responses to social media users and reporters is crucial. Having multiple minds working towards the best way to respond is helpful, and having teammates hold each other accountable to avoid backlashing at angry online users. 

Being prepared for a crisis is pivotal. Before a crisis happens it is necessary to have a strategic  plan including who you to contact, messages to send out and ideas for improvement. 

This short guide on how to handle a crisis is very important for fellow PR students.

Resumes, cover letters, interviews, oh my!

By: Julia Amting

Overwhelming can be an understatement when it comes to looking for internships and figuring out how to get them. 

A wonderful thing about the IPR program at CMU is having access to an integrative education with a broad variety of courses in  journalism, design, marketing and business. As a newbie, it’s easy to feel clueless when it comes to making resumes and cover letters that employers notice. 

Rachel Esterline-Perkins, CMU alumna and communications strategist at Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, attended a PRSSA meeting to share her experience with selecting interns. She shared what to do and what NOT to do when it comes to internships and job searches. 

Missed the meeting? Here are a few of her tangible tips for beginners about resumes, internships and interviews. 

The resume

• Keep it to one page. I know it can be challenging, but if you’re searching for an internship or entry-level position you most likely do not have enough experience for a two-page resume. Use LinkedIn as a holding space for everything you’ve done and only put experience you think the employer would be interested in on your resume. 

• Include your waitress job! It may seem like irrelevant experience, but if you have kept the same job for consecutive years and gleaned some leadership skills, it is something a potential employer will be interested to hear about.

• Tweak your resume for each job or internship. It will be helpful to review the job description and adjust the experience you share. 

Cover letter

• Tell a story to share why you are uniquely interested in a position. As a beginner, it can begin with “You may have noticed I’ve never worked in public relations…” and go on to discuss why you are willing and excited to learn or why you’re passionate about the company’s mission. 

Interview

• Research. Become familiar with the company and their mission statement. It’s okay to call and ask who might be interviewing you, and how you can best prepare. 

• Arrive early and prepared. Be 5-10 minutes early and bring a copy of your resume and portfolio. 

• Have some questions ready. Interviewers typically expect you to have questions for them as well, so it is constructive to have a few prepared. Some examples are:

  • What are some projects I would have the opportunity to work on?

  • What’s the culture like here?

  • What kind of mentorship opportunities could I have?

  • What do you think would be the biggest challenge I would face in this position? 

• Create an “interview leave-behind”. After an interview, create a lasting impression by leaving behind a copy of your resume, writing samples, a social media sample or potentially a sheet that answers some of employer’s frequently asked questions such as: Why should we hire you? One word that describes you? How do you describe yourself?

• Send a thank you note! Always send a written thank you note immediately after an interview. It’ll make you stand out and it usually means a lot to the people interviewing you.  

Now, you are ready to attend the PRSSA internship fair on Nov. 6th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the UC Rotunda and can use these tools when applying for an internship or job. 

You’ve got this. 

Five reasons why every company needs social media presence

By: Natalie Batten

1. Quick responses

Most people are on social media multiple times a day, which has set a precedent for quick responses. We live in a world where people expect to have information at the touch of their finger. The public expects instant feedback from the company, especially in a crisis. Social media is a great tool as it allows companies to present their information to the public in their own words, as soon as they can. Waiting on traditional media outlets to publish or broadcast your statement is minimal.With social media, the company is able to react quickly and on their own terms.

2. Interactions with customers

Social media allows companies to directly interact with customers. One potential problem PR professionals run into is we sometimes are at the mercy of news media as far as when our story gets broadcasted and how it is worded. Social media side steps this problem and gives companies full control. It also allows the ability to see what the public is saying about a brand giving the company unique insights. From a strategic standpoint, it is helpful because it allows you to cater PR directly to a specific target audience, while making the brand seem more relatable and human. This is appealing to potential customers and encourages them to stay engaged with your company. 

3. Content promotion

Billions of people use social media daily, so it is a great way to ensure people are seeing your content. It can help increase brand awareness and make sure potential customers are constantly thinking of your business. Social media is also very helpful for running campaigns to share information about a product or paint your company in the way you desire. 

4. Helps build an audience 

Social media is often very effective at directing traffic to websites, stores and other social media accounts. It’s important to direct your audience to where you want and need them to be. Having a larger online audience often equals more sales and more conversation about your business. It can also be a key number when you are trying to collaborate with other brands and influencers. In addition, social media is a great place for potential customers to discover more about your company. 

5. Helps companies stay up to date 

The world is moving fast, so it is important to stay knowledgeable about trends and hot topics. Be familiar with these and it’ll help your company to stay relevant and informed. Participating in current trends is also a great way to get your company’s name out there. One company who has excelled at this strategy is Wendy’s. They are now known for their funny Twitter comebacks.  

In conclusion, having a social media presence helps companies grow their business and have better interactions with customers. It is important to make sure to use social media in a professional way, but it can be a great tool to help a company seem more human. If you are interested in learning more, go on social media and take some time to notice what companies are doing well and what they could do better.

What to do when you're new

By: Bailey Talaska

Trying to find the perfect major for you can be difficult, but it is necessary to find one you are passionate about. Once you find the right major, you may be confused about what to do next.

1. Get in touch with your adviser

Set up a meeting with the adviser of your college. You can check out the advisers on the Central Michigan University’s website. Advisers will give you information about classes and planning your schedule for upcoming semesters. They are a great resource for a successful college experience.

2. Get involved

After finding the major that’s right for you, the next step is to get involved and start networking. For the integrated public relations major, there are Registered Student Organizations like PR Central and PRSSA. These organizations are good opportunities to not only meet people but to learn new skills, gain real-world experience and develop portfolio pieces. No matter what you’re studying, it is important to gain hands-on experience and expand your knowledge any way you can. Also, establish relationships with your professors as they have a lot of knowledge to share and can offer a helping hand when it comes time to apply for internships and jobs.

3. Research the options within your major

Do your research and find out what different jobs are within your field. As for the public relations industry you can work in many different areas such as non-profit, agency, corporate and government. Knowing your options is important for deciding which direction you want to take with your major, including what electives to take. Research can help and lead you to the right path.

4. Plan ahead

It is important to make sure you are planning ahead, especially when it comes to your major. Make sure you get in touch with your adviser and create tentative schedules for the upcoming semesters.  You should think about when you’ll be taking certain classes as well as when you may study abroad or complete an internship. This will give you an idea of when you need to start applying and preparing.

Once you begin pursuing a major, it can be stressful and confusing, but these four tips will help you take advantage of the available resources and help make your journey successful. 

Lessons from the experts

By: Kasia Naessens

The Integrative Public Relations program at CMU is incredible. The required courses prepare you for your future as a professional. One class that has a substantial impact is JRN 450WI with Jim Wojcik. This class teaches you the nitty-gritty details of PR writing. One unique component of this course are the guest speakers who offer great insights and advice as we begin our professional endeavors. Here are some that resonate with me: 

1. Make the mistakes here

Wojcik preaches this to his students every day. The reality is we are all human and we make mistakes. Although in the PR world, it is crucial to avoid as many mistakes as possible. Wojcik wants us to use this class to make mistakes and learn from them, so future ones will not be replicated. He always says to not be afraid of failure. This may be why I appreciate the course so much. He is okay with us making mistakes as long as we learn from them and strive to not repeat them. 

2. Get involved

Throughout the semester we have listened to four speakers and all of them reiterated how important it is to get involved and gain as much experience as you can. Each speaker told us to build our portfolios and make connections with our classmates and others. They emphasized that it will put us ahead of the game when it comes time to find an internship and career. 

3. Find a job that reflects the personal life you want

This quote stuck out to me the most. Often times, people tell you to go for your dream job or dream company. But oddly enough, it may not be what you thought it was. Alicia, from Dow Chemical, recommended we search for a company that provides the personal life we want and dream of. It sounds backwards, but she explained how doing this can actually make you happier. Your life will not revolve around work, but rather the life you have outside of it. Alicia took this advice from an advisor when she was in college and now feels very content with her life.  

The key takeaways I learned from our professional guest speakers: make mistakes, get involved and find your dream job that fits your personal life. It’s important to enjoy your career and your life.

My journey to IPR

By: Julia Amting

The beginning

When I began my college career at Central Michigan University in 2018, I wanted to be a speech-language pathologist. I thought my perfect grade point average and I owed it to the world to be in the medical field. I couldn’t stomach anything dealing with needles and blood, but I desired to use my career to help and connect with people. 

I chose CMU because of the speech-language pathology program and was the freshman who came into college convinced that I had my life figured out. 

Growing up in a small town, I was a big fish in a small pond who became a small fish in a big pond. I was overwhelmed by all of the opportunities and the “should do’s” for a quality SLP graduate school application. These included things like volunteering at the CMU Center for Autism Treatment, joining a future SLP organization and participating in swallowing research. 

However, my natural inclinations were towards things like writing for the school newspaper, mentorship, running a painting business and writing my personal blog. 

Changes

I was conflicted. I thought I had to do it all. I felt restless not having things figured out and I didn’t feel peace with continuing in the Communication Sciences and Disorders major.

The second semester of my freshman year I did some serious reevaluating. In my pajamas, sitting on the couch on a Saturday, I perused all the majors on CMU’s website and found an area of study I had never heard of before: Integrative Public Relations.

The IPR major consists of classes in journalism, communication, broadcasting, business, design and marketing. It is a marriage of all the things I have ever been interested in that I previously thought had no intersectionality. I realized that I can utilize my many and varied interests and expand my skills. I learned that CMU has the leading PR program in Michigan. 

Needless to say, I switched my major after the drop period and finished the semester in a weird combination of commitments and classes.

One year later

I’m enjoying my classes. I am a member of PRSSA, mentor freshman Honors students and volunteer weekly at the pregnancy resource center in Mount Pleasant. I am simultaneously excited and terrified about the variety my new field of study offers. I’m learning more every day about the opportunities available to me and making connections with professors and students in a new academic college. 

When I come home and tell people I’m studying public relations, I typically get a quizzical look and a question like “so what is PR exactly?”

Then I get to tell them I’m preparing for a career where I can use media and communication channels to share important messages, make audiences aware of great products, help establish and maintain an organization’s public image, develop effective relationships and infinitely more.  

Lessons learned

The most important thing I’ve learned in my college experience thus far is that it’s okay to give ourselves space to not have a plan. It’s okay to change our minds, try new things and be unafraid to explore our passions. It’s okay not to graduate in four years. 

As I look forward to my education and career in PR, I’m going to embrace the opportunities that come my way and continue to grow into the person and PR professional I seek to be.

Four benefits of volunteering

By: Bailey Talaska 

As a citizen and an aspiring professional, it is important to do your part and help the community around you. Here are four reasons why volunteering is beneficial. 

1. Meet people and make connections 

Volunteering allows you to meet people, work with others and make a difference. As a student volunteer with a passion for helping the community, you will be surrounded by others who have the same motive allowing connections to be made. It’s empowering to make a difference with others who care about the community and the world.  

2. Help the community

As a volunteer, you help resolve the issues the community is facing.  Common issues people face include not having access to food and shelter. There are food banks and shelters all over the world that would appreciate you volunteering your time to help and make a difference. Meeting the people involved with these programs and organizations may lead to different opportunities and will make you feel great as a human being.

3. Resume builder 

Volunteer experience is a great addition to your resume. It allows for employers to see you’re involved and care about the community.  This unique asset will set you apart and give you something to talk about during an interview. You can discuss how the experience helped you, how you worked with others and what you learned. Employers want to see that you are well-rounded student and person. 

4. Bonding experience  

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to bond with people around you, especially other volunteers. For instance, I went on an alternative spring break to Virginia. We stayed at a state park where we helped clean the area by picking up trash and repainting a barn. This experience allowed me to connect with people I wouldn't have met otherwise and since we shared the passion of helping others, it was easy for us to bond and connect on a deeper level.

Although volunteering as many benefits, the biggest one of all is the ability to make a difference in someone’s life and in the community. Get yourself out there, find a cause you care about and dedicate some of your time to make the world a better place.

Five ways to make better cold calls

By: Rachel Bednarz

Making cold calls can be a nerve-racking job. There’s always an uncertainty of how the person receiving the call will respond, and you never know if they’ll be interested in what you’re pitching. These five tips can help you sound professional and ease your nerves when making cold calls.

1. Plan ahead

Although you may have an idea of what you’re going to say when someone answers the phone, it’s always a good idea to write it out and have a script to guide you . This script can also come in handy when leaving a voicemail. Make sure you include  all the key points you want to cover so you never leave anything out. A good place to start when writing a script would be talking about who you are, what your organization does and their mission.

2. Keep extra information on hand

Once you start talking to someone, it’s likely they will have questions for you. Keep extra information about your organization and your event on hand so they won’t have to wait for the answer. Having this information available will help you appear organized and reliable, so they may be more willing to talk to you again in the future.

3. Don’t make anything up

While having an answer to someone's question right away will help you look professional, we are only human and we can’t plan for every question that will come our way. When someone responds to your pitch with a question that you don’t have an answer to, don’t panic. Let them know that you don’t have that information available, but you will  follow up and let them know as soon as possible. 

4. Follow up

Make sure to follow up if someone asks you a question that you don’t have the answer to. Providing them with the answer will show you value disseminating accurate information and that you keep your promises. It’s very easy to forget information someone asks for and not follow up with them. This can make you look like you do not value others time.

5. Say “thank you”

Whether the organization you called was interested or not, thank them for their time. Saying “thank you” goes a long way. It shows you value their time and would appreciate talking to them again in the future. Manners are important in displaying professionalism and creating professional relationships.

Cold calls can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and follow through they can be a good way to share your message with other organizations. As long as you plan ahead, stay organized and respect your own reputation as well as others, you can make it through cold calls with ease.

Third time’s a charm

By: Lauren Hendrick

When I was a freshman in fall 2016, I was set on becoming an Elementary teacher. I knew that I wanted to teach the third grade and I even had a vision of what my future classroom would look like.  

As I started my second year of the major, I began to realize I was not as passionate about the field as others. I saw the passion in my classmates’ eyes when they talked about their new lesson plans, while I found it to be a chore. I knew something had changed within me and I wasn’t truly meant to be a teacher. 

I decided I could see myself flourishing in the business world, however, I wanted something fun and creative. Junior year I chose to major in marketing and I learned quickly through many math-related tears that I was not in the right major. I was feeling like I would never find a major that truly fits me. 

 I talked to a fellow classmate about public relations. I had heard those words before, but I didn’t really know what they entailed.  After researching PR, a light turned on in my head. Public relations was exactly what I had been looking for. As a junior who was halfway through fall semester, I did not think there would be any possible way to change my major for the third time without having to spend too many years drowning in student debt. 

 I decided to make an appointment with an advisor and he told me about the journalism major with a concentration in public relations. Having already earned a Bachelor of Science, I was told I am able to complete the major in my last three semesters with an internship the summer after my senior year. This was such a relief. After finding a major that completely suits me, I plan to graduate in December of 2020. 

I look forward to my future in the public relations field. 

Go get that internship

By: Kasia Naessens

Internships are crucial for practicing and developing your PR skills in the workplace, but finding one is not always easy. There are many types of internships in a variety of settings: agency, corporate, sports and entertainment, health care, nonprofit and more. So, how do you discover the internship that is best for you? 

1. Internship fair

On most campuses, internship and job fairs are provided throughout the academic  year. Research the companies that will be attending, bring your portfolio and business cards, wear professional attire and sell yourself to the PR industry. Creating those connections with professionals can open up avenues you didn't know were possible. In fact, CMU’s chapter of PRSSA is hosting an internship fair on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UC Rotunda. It is worth attending even if you’re not looking for  an internship. 

2. PRSSA Website 

If you are a due-paying member, you have access to the CMU PRSSA internship book and the national Internship Center.  You can customize your search to find a specific location, paid or unpaid and the time of the year. It is a great stepping stone to your future.

3. LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is another resource to find internships. It also has an internship portal that allows you to customize your search. LinkedIn is a great way to make connections with peers, faculty, CMU alumni and people around the world. Simply messaging individuals about yourself and asking for advice can go a long way. Do not be shy, as this can be a promising action for your future as a PR professional. 

4. Handshake  

All CMU students have access to handshake. It is a great resource, similar to LinkedIn. You can create your own profile, connect with people across the country and find an internship that interests you.

5. Fastweb 

Fastweb is a free source that allows students and professionals to find internships, scholarships and many other benefits. All you have to do is sign up and create your profile. Fastweb will narrow down your searches that adapt to your personal major and career avenue.

6. Do research 

There are plenty of resources out there to find an internship that will cater to your needs and help you get started if you are lost or looking for options. Sometimes the company you have been dying to work for is hiring interns. Visit the company’s website and see what you can find. 

It’s important to keep an open mind with all internships. Not everything will be perfect, but you will end up right where you are supposed to be. 

Media pitching: what you need to know

By: Natalie Batten

Throughout public relations courses, media pitching is an elephant in the room. I know it exists as I hear the term tossed around, but I didn’t truly know what it was or how to do it successfully until I was out of the classroom.

To make sure we are on the same page, media pitching is essentially contacting a media outlet (news, tv, radio, etc.) about a story that you want them to share. In public relations we will often reach out to the media and pitch stories to communicate an organization’s values and purpose. 

Knowing what media pitching is isn’t enough. It’s important to know how to do it successfully. 

Do research

First, it is important to do your research. If research freaks you out, take some deep breaths, this is nothing too hard. Just look up the media outlet and their employees that you want to pitch your story to. Make sure that you’re reaching out to the right person to avoid pitching a political story to someone who covers sports. It is also useful to gather stories the media person has written in the past, and find stories that are similar to the one you’re pitching. By relating the pitch to stories they have covered, this will spark more interest.

How to pitch

Next, it’s time to actually write the pitch. Identify in the pitch why the story is newsworthy and why the reporter and the public should care. If you can’t think of any reasons, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. You should also have a strong understanding of the topic you are pitching and be prepared to answer questions about it. 

At one of our recent PRSSA chapter meetings, our president discussed good pitching practices and CM Life representatives spoke about what the media likes to see from people pitching stories. Here are some of their top do’s & don’ts: 

Do:

• Provide photos for a story

• Direct a reporter to the best person to answer a question - even if it’s not you

• Pay attention to the news and pitch relevant stories

• Personalize your pitches to the reporter and media outlet

• Ask a reporter what they would like in a release and how you can help

Don’t:

• Send pitches too close to the deadline

• Leave out essential information

• Send generic pitches

• Suggest how the story should be written or reported

• Keep sending your story to the same outlet after someone has already declined

Pitching is not going to go away and it’s significance will continue to increase. It’s important to begin practicing now to become familiar with proper pitching etiquette. Happy pitching! 

Benefits of joining a PRSSA committee

By: Grace Berndt

If you have the drive and determination to advance your career in public relations, you can take the first step toward your future by joining Public Relations Student Society of America. This is the perfect place to start if you want to learn public relations trends and skills. 

You can build your portfolio and gain hands-on experience by joining a PRSSA committee. At  general meetings you gain great insight to the professional PR world, but you can take the next step and join a committee. Committees allow you to fine tune what you are learning and apply it to real experiences.

Professional Development

By joining the Professional Development committee you can show that you are invested in furthering your education, you’re dedicated to your trade and you seek professional development. As a member of this committee you will assist in planning the internship fair, agency tours and the spring conference. You will also have the opportunity to network with peers and professionals.

Interested in joining? 

Contact the directors of professional development:

• Terzah Dyer at dyer1tb@cmich.edu 

• Jenna McDonnell at mcdon1jn@cmich.edu

Meetings are Monday at 5 p.m. in Moore 110.

Publications

The Publications committee gives you great opportunity to build your portfolio and expand your writing skills. You will attend bi-weekly meetings, brainstorm topics, focus on AP style and write for the chapter’s blog. This committee also offers the opportunity to have your writing material published by the national publication, Progressions.

Interested in joining? 

Contact the director of publications:

•  Alexis Schuchert at schuc1ar@cmich.edu

Meetings are bi-weekly on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Moore 110. 

Chapter Events and Fundraising

By joining the Chapter Events and Fundraising committee you will have the opportunity to assist in the planning and execution of PRSSA events such as the spring banquet, socials and fundraisers. Learning to be organized and how to work with a team is an investment that will further your future career. 

Interested in joining? 

Contact the directors of chapter events and fundraising:

• Shiyao Liu (Mimi) at liu5s@cmich.edu 

• Kamryn Lowler at lowle1kh@cmich.edu

Meetings are bi-weekly on Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Moore 110.

Benefits of joining a committee are numerous. Having a four-point in class will only get you so far. Extracurriculars that allow you to gain real-world experiences and portfolio pieces set you apart and give you plenty to offer your future employers. 

Don’t be a couch potato, get involved

By: Kasia Naessens

Your first year in a new environment is always scary. My freshman year I was scared to death. I overthought way too much about being able to make new friends, finding organizations to join and finding my way around campus. All of my fears diminished within a week because of the opportunities I was provided with. 

If you have the same fears, doubts or hesitations, let me fill you in on why you should get involved during your time in college. 

1. Build your resume

Joining an organization, sports team, sorority or fraternity makes you stand out, especially if you hold a position (like president, secretary, etc.). Employers, graduate programs and other organizations love to see you do things outside of the classroom. It shows you have excellent time management, organizational skills and real-world experience.

2. New friends and connections

Not only can you meet some of your greatest friends, but you also make connections with people who can help you in the future; especially if you join a club or organization that relates to your major. We will all be professionals one day, it never hurts to start expanding your contact list now. You never know what benefits this can bring down the road. 

3. Gain professional experience

With programs like PRSSA and PR Central, students are provided with opportunities to gain real-world experience before actually stepping into the real world. So why not take the chance? Joining an organization will only benefit you and set you farther ahead of other candidates for a potential job. 

4. The chance to make memories

When looking back at your college days, you don’t want to just remember studying and going to class. Getting involved will allow you to make some of the greatest memories with great people. 

Find something you love and are passionate about, and do something great with it. You never know where it will take you in your personal and professional careers after college. It could really allow you to find your niche, your people and yourself.

From summer to studies

By: Rachel Bednarz

For students, coming back to school from summer vacation can be hard for multiple reasons. Whether you spent the summer working, traveling or just hanging out at home, coming back to school is a big adjustment to make. Here are five ways to make the transition easier and take on the fall semester with confidence. 

1. Get a planner and actually use it

Planners are for more than just writing your schedule. They can help keep track of due dates, divide up your study time and plan for any free time you’ll have throughout the week. Studying is easier when you can plan for it. Writing things down in a planner can help you prioritize your study time and help you get used to your schedule. 

2. Limit yourself

It’s easy to become over-involved when you get back to campus. Recruitment events can make it easy to sign up for more groups than you have time for. It’s easy to put too much on your plate, so try to stick to what you can handle. Getting involved on campus is a great way to get the most out of your college career, but make sure you have time for yourself.

3. Make time for yourself

Sometimes classwork and extracurriculars can be fun, but it’s important to make time for self-care. Plan out some time during the week to get coffee with friends or relax on your own.

4. Check in with home

Some students may be experiencing being away from home for the first time. If you’re feeling homesick, make a phone call home or a Facebook post to update family on what you’ve been doing. Your family will be happy to see that you are alive and well while away at school, and they can offer reassurance for any struggles you’re facing.

5. Make use of resources

Campuses have multiple resources for students who are looking for academic assistance. Try to make connections with a tutor, resident assistant, success coach, academic advisor or someone else who can offer academic advice. These connections can come in handy during midterms or finals week if you need someone to talk to. 

Transitioning back to school can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Using these five strategies from the beginning can make it easier to get organized and stay organized.

Seven advantages of studying abroad

By: Natalie Batten

This past summer I was lucky enough to study abroad in Thailand. From petting elephants to snorkeling off the coast, this was an amazing experience. In addition to having the time of my life, it was a great learning opportunity to gain real-world experience.

The focus of our trip was communications and business and we had the opportunity to visit one of Ford’s Thailand offices as well as some local businesses. Here are seven of my biggest takeaways that will forever influence the way I operate in the working world (and everyday life). 

1) The world is becoming increasingly globalized 

If you are fluent in at least two languages and have travelled to several other countries then congrats, you’re ahead of the game and on par with most of the rest of the world. However, I am not one of those people. On my trip I was impressed by how many people spoke English fluently, especially in the workplace. In one sense, it makes it easier for us US students, but  also puts us at a disadvantage. The rest of the world is becoming bilingual and we do not have as much of an incentive to learn other languages. Now that I’ve been on this trip, I’m going to take advantage and create opportunities for myself to become more globalized to help me in my future career. It is time for us to catch up to the rest of the world.

2) Always be willing to step out of your comfort zone

Flying my first international flight without adult supervision was the perfect combination of nerve-wracking and adrenaline filled. There were many moments on this trip when I felt like I couldn’t do what was being asked of me because it was so out of my comfort zone. When I arrived and found out that we had to take turns being the lead navigator for a day, I was extremely nervous. I had to reframe my thinking and with support from my group I was surprised by what I was able to achieve. Those moments built upon one another and by the end of the trip I was able to do things that I never imagined I could, such as navigating around Bangkok. 

3) Be aware of different cultural customs and rules

One unique part of our trip was being able to visit local and global businesses. During these visits we talked to a lot of expats who are now working in Thailand. I found it really interesting to hear how they had to conform to the cultural differences in the workplace. Thailand values ‘saving face’ or in other words, not embarrassing anyone. If someone feels too personally called out in the workplace, it is common for them to leave and never come back due to embarrassment. That means for an expat, who is also a boss, guidance and feedback must be given in a more subtle way than what he or she may be used to.

4) Learn how to practice self-care

On a trip this long and busy, everyone had days where they felt burnt out and less willing to step out of their comfort zones. I quickly realized the importance of replenishing my energy, so I could continue to show up as my best self day in and day out. For me that meant taking a break every now and then, so I could have a little bit of time to myself even if it meant skipping a night out exploring. Some people replenish their emotional energy by being around others, so they took extra time to be social or to explore the country. After replenishing our energy, we were all able to notice the positive impact it had on our own attitude as well as the group dynamic. 

5) Be prepared 

As someone who is recently learning to be more organized, all of the planning this trip required was definitely frustrating at first. I just wanted to be there and figure things out as I went. However, I was able to appreciate the headaches I saved myself by planning ahead. It saved me money on plane tickets, stopped me from showing up to tourist attractions that were closed and allowed me to find some cool, new places to check out. It was also a great feeling to have less stress around plans. It made every day easier to know what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. This motivated me to be more organized in my everyday life so I can enjoy these benefits. 

6) Be adaptable 

Although I realized the power of having a plan, studying abroad also helped me realize the importance of adaptability and living in the moment. There were several situations where something unpredictable caused plans to change. One day our morning appointment took too long, so we did not have enough time to make it to the tour we had planned. As a group, we had to practice resilience and use creative thinking to come up with new ideas. This was good practice for the working world because as organized as you may be, sometimes life gets in the way so it’s important to have the skills necessary to adapt to the situation successfully. 

7) Remember to be in awe of the world and see the goodness in life 

Finally, this trip had countless moments that were filled with pure awe and gratitude for the beautiful world we live in and all of the amazing people out there. It inspired me to work hard  and create opportunities for myself to make global connections and see more of the world. Even in the workplace when things seem to be turning routine, it’s important to find a way to make it interesting and remember why you wanted to have that career or work for that company in the first place. Always remember to stop and be grateful for the goodness around you.

Five tips for balance in college

By: Julia Amting

College presents one of the most challenging seasons to find balance. As students, our lives are inundated with the demands of class, homework, extracurriculars, clubs, exercise, nutrition, friends and family. Not to mention all the decisions and preparations for the inevitable future that everyone keeps talking about.

It is so easy and normal to get overwhelmed by voices telling us what we should be doing as students and future professionals. It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying yes too much.

If you relate, here are some practical steps to take to decide if you have too much on your plate.

Balance: Plan your 168

What does a balanced life look like in college? Well, there are only 168 hours in a week. Twenty-four hours multiplied by seven days. A technique that helps me stay organized is laying out exactly how much time I spend on each thing and seeing how much free time is left afterwards. 

For example, if I want to sleep for seven hours each night of the week that is a total of 49 hours. Next I add class, homework and food to the list as well as other commitments. 

Example:

Sleep - 49 hours

Class time - 17 hours

Homework - 30 hours

Eating - 10 hours

Exercise - 3 hours

PRSSA - 2 hours

PR Central - 8 hours

CM Life - 9 hours

Social life - 10 hours

------------------------------

Total = 138 hours

This is a great tool for physically seeing how much is on your plate, if it’s too much or if you have room to add something new. 

Set goals

Write down your big goals and then divide those goals into small, actionable steps. Writing down goals, no matter how small, makes them tangible. 

Decide the things that are most important to you and set them as a priority in your 168 and your to-do list. Make your to-do list before you go to bed. Knowing what you are going to do next, feeds your focus and starves your distraction.  

Learn to say no

Living a balanced life means that sometimes you have to say no to new commitments or a social event. Try to not worry about disappointing people or appearing selfish, it’s important to take time for yourself. 

The balanced life is one where you, not others, are in control of your time, energy and priorities. It is incredibly freeing to create authority over your time. This way, the times you say yes will ultimately be more valuable and intentional. 

Take care of yourself

Create intentional space to eat well, exercise and take care of your emotional and spiritual needs. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You cannot serve others well in a leadership position or as a student if you are exhausted. 

Self-care is not self-indulgence and it looks different for everyone. 

Be realistic and patient with yourself

This college life is crazy and sometimes we have to concentrate more of our efforts into one area of our lives than others (ahem, finals week). Sometimes we’re off balance and other times assignments and projects require more of our time. We’re all trying to be professional and handle everything well, but the reality of life is multifaceted and messy. It’s okay to embrace those seasons and not pressure ourselves with aspirations for balance. 

Although a common misconception, balance isn’t something we are designed to achieve. It’s a mentality with which we approach our days and weeks to ultimately live centered and give our best to our personal and professional lives. 

The benefits of joining PRSSA executive board

By: Sara Strohschein

Coming on board as one of PRSSA’s executive board members can change your academic career. It comes with many benefits and experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. So, what exactly are the benefits?

Hands-on experience

No matter what position you take on, you’ll gain valuable experience. If you’re the director of digital communications, you’ll create social media posts for the chapter’s social accounts. If you’re the director of chapter events, you’ll plan and prepare for events, such as the spring banquet. If you’re the creative director, you’ll create designs for merchandise and the annual report. The possibilities are endless, but you’ll always be gaining experiences that will help you in the future and in your PR career. 

New friends

PRSSA is a great way to meet people who are going into the same field as you.  You’ll become friends with your fellow executive board members, meet many people through your PRSSA chapter and even other chapters if you attend a national or regional conference. 

You’ll make connections

Besides making new friends, you’ll have the opportunity to network with professionals.  Our chapter brings in speakers who are professionals in the PR world. You’ll get the chance to build a connection with them before meetings and get their contact information for the future.

You’ll grow as a person

PRSSA helps young professionals grow. Are you shy? Taking on the responsibility of an executive board position can help you come out of your shell and grow as a person (I should know). You’ll have many obligations and be relied on by others. This will give you experience that you can apply to your future and will prepare you for bigger roles, such as an internship or your first job after graduation. 

The point is, you should consider applying for a PRSSA executive board position. You never know where it could take you!

Leadership rally recap

By: Anna Kendall

At the end of May, I flew down to sunny Scottsdale, Ariz. to attend PRSSA’s Leadership Rally. The event brings together chapter presidents and firm directors from all around the country to learn about effective leadership and share best practices.

During my time there, I was reminded of three awesome things I’ve noticed at every national PRSSA event I’ve attended.

1. There’s always something new to learn

Sometimes it can feel like there’s nothing new to discover once you’ve spent years studying and practicing a profession. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

National conferences take knowledge from classes and internships to the next level by connecting you with practitioners from all over the world and discussing emerging industry trends. You learn about everything from diversity and inclusion to emergency communication, from people who’ve lived through it.

2. PR people are the easiest to make friends with

I’m a natural born introvert and networking doesn’t come easily for me. Every time I attend a national event, I’m reminded just how easy it is to make friends with other public relations students.

They’re eager to tell you about their chapter and ask about your own, and even more eager to add you on Instagram and ask what you’re doing after the day’s sessions. No matter how shy you are, making connections is inevitable.

3. Everyone there wants you to succeed

It can be easy to think that our struggles aren’t similar to other chapters or that the national PRSSA committee is too busy to help, but events like Leadership Rally prove this to be false.

When speaking with other chapter leaders, I learned many of them have similar challenges and heard how some groups managed to overcome them. National committee members also took time to offer suggestions and connect me with resources I didn't know were available. Most remarkably, members from both groups shared their business cards or LinkedIn profiles and asked me to follow up.

Whether it’s Leadership Rally or National Conference, each PRSSA event leads me to new lessons, new friends and new resources. I can’t wait to see what International Conference has in store.

If you’re interested in attending this year’s National Conference in San Diego, Calif., visit PRSSA’s website and email Anna Kendall at kenda1ac@cmich.edu.

Pro tips: Portfolios

By: Elizabeth Jones

Standing out during an interview in a competitive job market can be tough. Having a professional portfolio can help make a memorable impression. A portfolio is a compilation of your greatest achievements. Specifically, it’s a collection of your academic accomplishments, skill sets and certifications that show your potential as an employee.

When creating your portfolio, it’s important to include the necessary information that applies to the job you are pursuing. So what goes in a portfolio?  

1. Statement of confidentiality

This should be the first page of your portfolio that claims a ownership by the creator to help eliminate any duplications.  

2. Resume

A resume gives your viewer a short summary of your experience, skills and awards  cultivated over the years.

 3. Skill sets

Skill sets are the heart of your portfolio. It’s where you provide the best examples of work that you have completed. It shows you have prior experience and are prepared for what’s expected in your career. Include sections of work that reflect each of your skill sets, such as writing, graphic design and research.

4. Extra-Curricular Activities

A great way to market yourself is to include any professional memberships, certifications, organizations and volunteer experience you have. This shows that you are a determined worker and willing to put effort towards your professional development.  

5. Letters of Recommendation

This is an important part to include because it provides insight on who you are as an individual and expands on your reliability and work ethic.  

6. Transcripts

Often times, people will include their transcripts to show some of the courses they have taken and to highlight their GPA.  

Design

When designing your portfolio, the goal is to make it visually appealing and easy to follow. Make it look organized and professionally formatted by including a table of contents and separators that label each category. This will help guide the reader to specific materials  within the portfolio.

When deciding between an online portfolio or hard copy, there are many strengths to both. Depending on where you are applying, it’s important to make a knowledgeable decision about which type of portfolio will best highlight your skills when displaying your work.

Benefits for an online portfolio include:

It’s simple to update .

Your portfolio should always be up to date. Adding new material and rearranging sections can be a hassle with a hard copy portfolio. Having everything online simplifies the process.

You are able to include video clips, animation, sound clips, etc.  

If you are applying to a job that seeks multimedia skills, an online portfolio lets you include the criteria that shows these specific skills.  

Benefits for a hard copy portfolio:

It creates a meaningful connection.

Having a hard copy portfolio gives your reader a physical object to hold, which can create a stronger connection and eliminate distractions.  

You won’t come empty handed.  

When arriving to an interview and having a portfolio visibly available shows a sense of professionalism and preparation.  

Having a portfolio is an important tool for proving you’re an advanced candidate for the job. It can help during networking, interviews, jobs and anytime you need to make an impression. Follow these guides when creating your professional portfolio to stand out from other candidates.  

PR myths: Debunked

By: Grace Berndt

Public Relations is a diverse profession. There are many different elements to public relations which cause misunderstanding about what PR is and how it is carried out. Some of these misconceptions cast public relations in the wrong light and don’t accurately capture what PR is. Here are a few of the top myths about public relations, debunked.

“PR Twists the truth.”

Public Relations is commonly misconceived as spinning the truth, or even propaganda. Many believe that since public relations maintains the face of the company and is concerned with how the public perceives an organization, PR twists the truth for company interest. The opposite is true. Public relations focuses on communicating a brand's values with their publics. In fact, the Public Relations Society of America code of ethics requires professionals to conduct themselves professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility to the public.

Public Relations strives to deliver strategic messages. They choose the best time and the best avenue to deliver critical communication points. PR develops key messages in a way their audience can understand based on what is most needed at the time.

“Any press is good press.”

Not necessarily. A large part of public relations is working with the media to communicate with their audience.  Since messages are not always delivered as they are intended, PR professionals are trained for crisis management.  This prepares them for the negative elements of any press. Crisis management is often put into effect when the company receives negative media attention. PR professionals know the media are likely to report on an organization when an issue arises, and they are prepared to combat that. Negative press cannot be made into good press and often causes more work for public relations professionals.

“PR is the same as marketing and advertising.”

PR is often viewed the same as marketing. However, although PR is similar and often partners with marketing, they are two different elements. Marketing is concerned with a product, and how best to promote it to the public. PR is concerned with the public and their perception of the product or organization.

Public relations differs from advertising because advertising is one-way communication, simply presenting a product to the public. Public relations is based in two-way communication and listens to an audience to create the most effective avenue to communicate.

“You only need one publicity breakthrough.”

People often think of PR as a “one hit wonder”, meaning you only need one good publicity break through and then you’re set. However, public relations is an ongoing process. PR continuously communicates and listens to the public, watches trends and keeps up with media to search for opportunities to initiate campaigns. It is essential for public relations practitioners to stay up to date so their organization can be relevant in a fast-paced, always changing environment.