Analysis: PR Scandals Striking Michigan Universities

By: Stacy White

College is a thrilling time in any young adult’s life. Many students spend hours researching their prospective school, while others have known their dream school for years.

The state of Michigan boasts many prominent universities such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Oakland University, Central Michigan University and many more notable colleges. Students across the nation eagerly compete for an admission spot into one of Michigan’s esteemed universities. Despite their respected reputations, these institutions have not evaded damaging press. Recently, a series of scandals have swept across Michigan universities. Each school has a public relations team to help maintain its reputation. Each group helps their universities make informed decisions to help with any crises or conflicts.

Within the last year, controversies have arisen amongst several Michigan universities. As the institutions dealt with their crises, each public relations team devised a unique strategy to mitigate and solve their scandals.

Oakland University – Rochester, Mich.

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, Oakland University accidentally awarded 5,500 students full-ride scholarships via email.

The public relations team sent an apology email within two hours after the incident. The university claimed a human error. Additionally, OU mentioned that the students did not meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. In the end, the university encouraged students to submit any new test scores to qualify for additional scholarships.

The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Mich.

Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, former university President Mark Schlissel was fired as a result of an inappropriate relationship between him and a subordinate.

The university was quick with its response. Emails were immediately released that indicted Dr. Schlissel. Within several hours an interim president was appointed. By remaining transparent with faculty and students, Michigan’s public relations team remained in control of the narrative the entire time – releasing all information to the media themselves.

Central Michigan University – Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, 58 Central Michigan University applicants were mistakenly notified that they had received a full-ride (tuition plus room and board) scholarship.

Instead of the public relations team reaching out, the director of admissions personally called each student two days later to inform them of the unfortunate situation. When the media first became aware of the mishap, CMU was vague about how many students were affected. The university would also not say how it would prevent such a situation in the future.

Eventually, CMU decided to award all 58 students a full-tuition scholarship. However, the award no longer covers room and board expenses. Many still wonder how this will be paid for, but the university wishes to honor its word. Skepticism continues to surround this scandal following the highly criticized PR response to the mistake.

CMU PRSSA is Firing Up Red

By: Natalie Batten

As a public relations student, I am always looking for opportunities to enhance my resume and practice the skills I am learning in the classroom. One unique way to get involved is to participate in the PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition. 

The Bateman Competition is a national event that began in 1973. Every year, more than 75 collegiate teams compete to address the case study by creating a campaign and implementing the tactics over the one month implementation period. 

Each team that enters the competition can have up to six students and works with a faculty advisor as well as a professional advisor. This provides a great opportunity to learn from a professional in the field as well as work closely with faculty members and other students in the major in an environment outside of class. 

This year, the client is the Lymphoma Research Foundation, the nation’s largest non-profit that exclusively focuses on serving those suffering from lymphoma through funding innovative research, education programs, outreach and patient services. 

CMU PRSSA’s Bateman Team has been hard at work generating ideas over the last few months and we are currently in our implementation period. Our goal is to increase awareness of the Lymphoma Research Foundation on CMU’s campus by engaging with our campus community.

The CMU Bateman Team is hosting a podcast called Lymphoma Talks, where once a week we feature a discussion with someone who has been impacted by lymphoma. We are also hosting two tabling events with information about the Lymphoma Research Foundation, and making cards for lymphoma patients. We are also hosting a Blaze Pizza fundraiser to raise money for the Lymphoma Research Foundation. A full list of our activities can be found below. 

For more information on the work we are doing, visit: www.cmuprssa.com/fireupred

If you are a college student with a PRSSA chapter at your school, look into joining the Bateman Competition next year! Information usually comes out in the fall. It is a great learning experience and opportunity to practice the skills you are learning in your classes by creating a public relations campaign to address a real issue in the world. 

The Lymphoma Research Foundation

By: Madison Lillie

Founded in 1995, the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is determined to eliminate lymphoma by funding innovative research and serving those touched by lymphoma. The LRF is dedicated to helping patients, survivors, caregivers and families understand their diagnosis and make sure they have access to the support and resources they need. As the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to funding lymphoma research, the LRF is committed to supporting the lymphoma community through evidence-based education, support services and resources. 

Today, more than one million people are currently living with lymphoma. Nearly 90,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 15 to 39 years are diagnosed with cancer each year. Lymphoma, the most common type of blood cancer, accounts for nearly 1-in-5 cancer diagnoses among young people. It’s incredibly important to know the most common lymphoma symptoms you should watch out for. 

It’s important to seek medical help if you are experiencing persistent fever, unexplained weight loss over months, drenching night sweats or persistently swollen lymph nodes that don’t improve or are getting larger, in the neck, underarm or groin. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consider reaching out to your primary care physician or university health center.

Through lymphoma-specific research grants and consortia, the LRF seeks to better understand more than 100 subtypes of lymphoma and support the development of new treatments. By going to the LRF website you can find an endless amount of resources on lymphoma. 

Lymphoma is more common than people may think but there’s no need to panic. By educating ourselves and others about this disease we can assist in catching cases early on and prevent lymphoma from taking any more lives. Thanks to the amazing work done by the LRF, those fighting this disease have the resources and support they need to continue fighting. 

Spring 2022: The Semester We Get Organized

By: Rachel Bednarz

When I first started college I severely struggled with staying organized and remembering all the tasks I had. I was frequently writing myself notes in my phone, on my planner and in random notebooks that would get lost and forgotten.

As a junior in college, I entered my second year as a resident assistant, accepted an internship and stepped into a leadership role in my organization. I knew I had to do more to stay organized and better serve the people who looked up to me.

Beginning a journey for better organization habits can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips I have found for starting the new semester in a calm, cool and organized manner.

Maintain a Study Schedule

First, my secret to homework success. I’ve learned to start a new homework routine by scheduling one hour a day Monday through Thursday to work on homework. Take Friday and Saturday to rest and recharge before evaluating the system on Sunday.

Use Sunday to pick up all the pieces and finish things you didn't have time to do during the week. Then evaluate whether one hour a day works for you or if you need to increase it. I also use Sunday to organize my planner and write a to-do list for the week ahead.

This system has helped me start many semesters off on the right foot and remain organized throughout the year.

Use your planner

Whether it’s physical or virtual, a planner is an amazing tool for scheduling out your time and ensuring you aren’t overbooked. If you’re someone who has never used a planner before starting can seem impossible, but remember this is a tool for you and you can use it however you want. 

An easy way to start is by putting your class and meeting schedules into an online calendar like Outlook or Google. These planners allow you to add notes and even share your meetings with other people who are invited. 

If you’re wanting to go the physical route, January is the perfect time to go planner shopping. With a physical planner you can write out deadlines, meeting times and make notes for yourself along the way.

Organize your deadlines

Keeping a running list of your deadlines throughout the semester can help you stay on top of what is due next and keep an eye out for projects that could creep up on you. 

One way to do this is to organize your deadlines into an Excel or Google spreadsheet. If your instructor has provided a course schedule in the syllabus, work through each week and log the most important due dates. Once you have worked through each course, you can sort the entire sheet by date.

Using this method, you can print out the sheet and carry it with you or keep a copy on your computer and continue to update it as the semester carries on. 

Use a reminder app

There are countless apps dedicated to keeping your school life organized. Apps like My Study Life or Notion will send you a reminder notification before your class starts or when you have an assignment due. 

These apps can be helpful if you’re not sure where to start when setting up your planner and have a simple interface that allows you to design the layout and reminders that work best for you. 

The takeaways

Staying organized can seem stressful and overwhelming, but with the help of some online or physical tools you can stay on top of everything you need to accomplish this semester.

CMU PRSSA Joins Forces with Ball State’s Chapter of PRSSA

By: Kasia Naessens

Looking for a good networking opportunity to practice your public relations skills? Join us for our last meeting of the school year on Thursday, April 29 at 7 p.m. We will join Ball State’s Chapter of PRSSA for a night of networking and pitching. 

Here is what you can expect:

• Get to know more about Ball State and its chapter.

• Test your AP Style with a Kahoot quiz. 

• Meet and connect with some new faces. 

• Exercise your pitching and PR skills. 

If you are a current CMU PRSSA member, check your email for the Zoom link and additional information. You can also check our social media pages for updates.  

This meeting is a great opportunity to expand your network and enhance your PR skills. We understand this year was difficult, but this gathering will be a great way to wrap it up. On behalf of CMU PRSSA, thank you to our members for your continued involvement and support of our chapter. We appreciate you all and hope to see you at our final meeting! 

Sell yourself

By: Kasia Naessens

COVID-19 created many challenges for everyone, especially college students. We are expected to prepare for our future through classes, extracurriculars and securing internships. Now the pandemic halted everything as we know, sending us on a different trajectory.

With the virtual world evolving and companies cutting employees and internship opportunities, how do we make ourselves stand out and secure employment? 

Get Involved 

One of the best things you can do for yourself is gain experience. Participate in organizations that strike your interests and passions. Try to be part of executive boards and committees by landing leadership roles within them. Future employers find it intriguing when your resume shows you value experience outside the classroom. Most organizations are meeting via Zoom or Webex so jump on calls and see what CMU has to offer! 

Network

The saying, “It’s not about what you know, it’s all about who you know,” has a lot of truth to it. Building relationships with people is how I landed two internships while at CMU, and I am hoping it will help me secure a final internship.

My advice is to utilize the network you have now and grow it, especially if you want to end up in a specific location. One of the perks of COVID-19 is the ability to grow your relationships through technology platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Meet with people across the country and ask them questions, learn more about their journey, their company and their lives. I guarantee you professionals  are more than willing to talk with you and help you in any way possible. You just have to take the first step to do it. 

Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn coincides with networking, but I still want to touch on it. Take the time to thoroughly add documents and write about what you have to offer. Upload your resume, link any articles you may have written and published, link your online portfolio, list the skills you have.

Do not be afraid to reach out to people from the companies you want to work for. Send them a message when you request a connection and let them know your goals. If it feels uncomfortable, that is good because it means you are growing personally and professionally.

Resume

Be sure to tweak your resume for every position you apply for. If the listing has skills or duties within the job description, slide those keywords in your resume so it has a better chance of being matched in the system recruiters use.

Make sure your resume has correct spelling and grammar. It shows you diligently looked through it and are detail-oriented. Lastly, let your resume express your personality. We are in the PR field and creative juices flow through us naturally. Show it off! 

Online Portfolios

I am a Leader Advancement Scholar (LAS) so part of our protocol requires us to showcase an online portfolio. Your online portfolio is a great way to brand yourself and market your abilities as a student and a professional. Upload the assignments and projects you completed and show them off. Consider investing in a domain name. I bought mine and it feels satisfying knowing I have my name on my website that showcases everything I am capable of.

Cover Letters

To write a cover letter, or to not? Cover letters seem to be controversial. Some professionals tell me to write them, others tell me to not bother. Personally, I write cover letters, but I am very intentional about what I put in it. I take the job description and put it right next to my cover letter draft. Much like the resume, I highlight key skills I know I have experience with, list those and discuss how I applied them to situations.

I also like to take a moment to explain why I am interested in the company through a personal story so the hiring committee gets a sense of who I am. It is usually no more than two or three sentences, but they realize I have a personality; I am not just another face in the crowd. Whether you choose to write a cover letter or not, that is up to you. Make sure you are intentional through every sentence if you create one. 

Be Persistent and Don’t Give Up 

Going back to the LinkedIn section, it can be uncomfortable emailing the department or individual accepting the applications. You may not want to bother these people or cross the line, but do it anyway. Send them messages or emails asking the status of your application or what they look for in hiring employees. The worst thing that can happen is they ghost you or your application is denied. Guess what? There are plenty of other career opportunities out there. If they do not reply, clearly, that is not a company you want to be part of.  

Job hunting can be stressful and discouraging. Every professional I connected with told me they received hundreds of rejection letters before they landed their current roles. The best advice they provided me with is to continue working hard because that dream internship or job is out there. You just have to stay determined and persistent no matter the circumstances. 

Sell Yourself

All of this is easier said than done, I understand that. But put the effort in now because this is the foundation for your future. My dad was a pharmaceutical sales representative for 30 years, so he always preaches about making sure I sell myself because I am a product. Take these steps (and many more) to do just that: sell yourself.

Should you continue to research during a global pandemic?

By: Molly Anderson

The answer is YES! Research is an essential part of public relations. It is used as a tool to prevent crises, develop strategies, reach target audiences, generate publicity, monitor competition, test messages and sustain credibility. 

Currently, we all are experiencing a global pandemic. With this pandemic, there are safety guidelines that must be followed: social distancing, working from home and wearing appropriate face coverings. These restrictions can make it harder to collect and analyze data; however, safety is a top priority, and as PR professionals, we should take this time as an opportunity to learn and adapt. 

Primary research

The method of gathering original information directly from subjects or real-world observations, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations and experiments. This form of research usually involves more face to face interactions; however, these tactics need to be altered for a more socially distanced approach. 

-       Surveys are still an effective option for collecting data; for example, social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat allow users to create and publish their own surveys, which their followers can answer and send feedback. Other forms of surveys like mail and email can still be organized and distributed while following the current safety guidelines. 

-       Interviews can still be managed virtually through WebEx and Zoom calls; this allows the interviewer and the interviewee to talk face-to-face while remaining socially distant. 

-       Focus groups can also be carried out virtually through WebEx and Zoom calls. The focus group’s moderator and participants can still communicate efficiently, and data can be collected safely from home. 

-       Observations can still be recorded by staying 6 feet away from people, wearing a mask and taking proper safety precautions. 

Preliminary research

Preliminary research, also known as secondary, is the process of gathering existing information. Sources include published studies, reports, library databases, social media or search engines. It costs less and requires less time than primary research. With the technological advances, we have today, we should continue to take advantage of the internet; however, if you visit libraries or other public places, continue to wear a mask and sanitize your workspace. 

Though this is an unprecedented time, we can continue to conduct research, safely, by using these new modifications. 

Five ways to avoid burnout with a college schedule

By Rachel Bednarz

To be completely honest, I’m a perfectionist. I want to get everything done and I want to do it all myself. This lifestyle can be exhausting and impractical for many college students, and oftentimes end with burnout.  

Lately I have been working on finding ways to relax my mind without feeling lazy or unproductive. Here are a few ideas to avoid burnout and give your brain a break in the middle of a bust semester. 

1.     Go for a walk.

      Getting outside is a great way to begin clearing your head. Many research studies 

      have found being around greenery is enough to relieve everyday stress. Combine that 

      with getting a little exercise and you’ll have a calm mind in no time.  

2.     Grab coffee with a friend.

      Times are tough, everyone knows that. Take some time out of your day to connect 

      with an old friend. They’ll be happy to see you and they can probably relate to the 

      stresses you carry. 

3.     Start a sketchbook or journal. 

     Writing or sketching is good for your mind. Put your thoughts down on a piece of 

     paper, they don’t have to be organized and they don’t have to make sense to anyone 

     but you! 

4.     Take care of some plants.  

      Taking care of another being, whether it be a plant or a pet, can help you feel 

      productive throughout your day. Watering my plants and feeding my cat always 

      reminds me to drink some water and eat lunch myself. 

5.     Call your family. 

      As college students, we’re away from our families for long periods of time. Take 

      some time to remember your parents were in their twenty-somethings once too, they 

      might have some advice for you. If they don’t have advice to offer, they can at least 

      lend a listening ear. 

Hopefully these five ideas are enough to get us all started on a journey to better self-care. Intentionally practicing just one of these each day is a good way to get yourself into a new self-loving routine.  

A. Victoria MAE, marketing company, pivots and grows through COVID-19 pandemic

By: Alexis Schuchert

A. Victoria MAE, a marketing company based in Royal Oak, Mich., is one of many businesses affected by COVID-19. Ashleigh Laabs, Founder & Chief Growth Officer, and her team were well prepared to work from home; however, the company still had to pivot and stay on their toes. Despite the economic hardships this virus caused, AVM became a strong support outlet for clients while staying true to its core values. 

In the interview below, Ashleigh shares:

• How AVM was affected

• Insights on work-from-home environments

• How this pandemic may affect these industries long term

• Advice for new and soon-to-be college graduates

Q: How was A. Victoria MAE’s transition from non-COVID to COVID? How did this transition impact the company (from in-person to virtual)?

A: “Pivot is the buzzword currently used in the entrepreneurial space. A pivot typically has to happen on the drop of a dime, which is the case for a business during COVID. A. Victoria MAE was already operating as a team on a virtual-basis and platform. Therefore, our team dynamic did not change. What did change was the way our clients were comfortable interacting. However, COVID basically forced them to have to operate this way with us, and we already had the platforms to do so.”

Q: Did you have to make any major changes to your company and what you offer to clients because of the pandemic? Did you notice major changes other PR companies had to make?

A: “[We] became a stronger support outlet for our clients related to communication. Other PR companies were really flipping to crisis response mode and one marketing company I know even started a food company out of their pivot!”

Q: As some companies are ‘for’ working remotely and some companies are ‘against’ it, what’s your take on it? Do you think it negatively impacts the workday or do you think you can be just as successful whether you’re in the office or at home?

A: “I have always been FOR a work from home office environment since starting A. Victoria MAE, and we have operated that way as a team from day one. It is a core of the environment of AVM from the beginning. It does take discipline and for some people that is challenging. However, I look for those for the AVM team who are a fit with this characteristic to be able to be successful in the environment that we have.”

Q: As COVID isn’t going away anytime soon, how do you think this is going to impact your company long-term? 

A: “Cash flow and net profit are the biggest impact to the company currently. We have seen decreased sales and increased sales all over the place. Planning is really challenging right now. Predictability is gone, but we have no intention of going away.”

Q: How do you think it’s going to impact the PR/communications/marketing industries overall? 

A: I think much of the industry will be impacted due to the event and entertainment industries being so hard hit and much of the PR/communications/marketing industries are related to this. The strong will stand and those that can’t evolve, pivot and be flexible won’t.”

Q: Is there anything us graduates or soon-to-be graduates should prepare for?

A: “Prepare to know how to show your worth and value. I graduated in December of 2007 and moved to metro Detroit in February of 2008, and the recession hit, well while I was moving.  However, I still found a job (prepare for starting salaries to not be where they were six months ago) and stick to your core values. Don’t settle!”

Q: Any advice for newly graduated individuals or soon-to-be graduates about to enter this ‘new normal’ of a workforce?  

A: “Don’t get stuck on the buzz words. Don’t call it a ‘new normal’. We aren’t allowed to use that phrase at A. Victoria MAE. I heard someone say at the beginning of this pandemic that a great business leader said about a previous recession – we just didn’t participate or aren’t going to participate – something of that like. I thought that was a really optimistic view of what is happening and why I outlawed ‘new normal’ because what is normal anyway? We just want to keep growing. That is really our directive. Growing might not mean financially, but many other things. 

Ashleigh and her team turned a nerve-wracking, scary environment into a situation full of learning and growth - now that’s what kick a** professionals do. I leave with you with a few final thoughts from Ashleigh:

 “Think like an entrepreneur, even if you aren’t one or don’t want to be one – how are you going to help a company? How are you going to take that dollar and make it $500? Be flexible and learn to go with the flow. Sometimes as communicators, marketers and PR pros, we are planners, but [we] don’t get that luxury right now. Be strategic! Just because we don’t have a lot of time lately to plan, doesn’t mean [we] forego strategy. The process might just have to be expedited.”

Exposed and Blessed

By: Delaney Brickley

In the process of attaining my Public Relations degree, I’ve been exposed. Not in the way you’re thinking though. 

The Public Relations program at Central Michigan University requires a diverse course load. My classes range from graphic design, journalism, broadcasting and even business.   

It’s because of my school’s requirements, I’ve learned how to work and be comfortable in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. 

I learned how to calculate my break-even point, costs of goods sold formula and your simple accounting equation. 

I learned how to properly give an interview, what questions to ask and how to ask them. 

I learned how to be in front of the camera, as talent and behind it, capturing the talent. 

I’ve taken my future into my OWN hands through gaining experience. Working as a Digital/Creative Content Specialist for CMU Athletics, being a Digital Media Producer for 

CM Life and being a Dialogue Facilitator for CMU has allowed me to practice my passions. 

With two semesters left in my pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, I know what my future looks like. Well, I have a better idea then I did two years ago. 

I am an entrepreneur. I don’t want to work for a large PR firm. I want to use the skills my PR degree gave me and mix them with my creative abilities and my passion to help. 

My future looks like this:

-Working for myself

-Working with different businesses to create and maintain a social media presence, successfully

-Introducing Dialogue Facilitation into three (that’s the goal I’ve set) middle/high schools near my hometown of Lansing, MI

-Working with businesses and companies to bring their marketing visions alive through photos and videos 

-Working all around the world as an ally for social justice

-Traveling and use my Public Relation skills in whatever form fits best for the opportunity I have in front of me

I’ve been blessed to be exposed and now I’ve found my passion. Have you been exposed? 

It's more than a certificate

By: Kasia Naessens

Earning the Star Chapter Award is an accomplishment for PRSSA chapters throughout the world. Every year, Central Michigan University’s chapter of PRSSA works hard to fulfill the requirements and has received the award every year since 2017.

The Star Chapter Award is one of the most prestigious a PRSSA chapter can receive. The purpose of this award is to motivate chapters to build relationships and provide hands-on learning opportunities for their members.  

For CMU, Star Chapter is a goal we set for ourselves each year. We know we are doing something meaningful as we work hard to acquire the award. This is especially positive for our seniors, as they strive to make the chapter as successful as it can be and leave behind a positive legacy. The bar is set high, which means every year our  members continue raising it.  

The members of CMU’s chapter want to make this as reputable as we can. Our chapter is motivated to reach our maximum potential and has already begun working on several of the qualifying elements for the Star Chapter Award for the 2019-2020 year. Chapters must meet at least eight requirements, some of which include conducting a high school outreach session, performing a community service project and confirming a PRSSA student-run firm. These requirements help guide our chapter as we plan programs for the year and seek to create beneficial experiences for our members.

At CMU, earning this award shows how dedicated our members and executive board are to making our chapter successful. We use this as motivation to engage with other students on our campus and the national organization. The stronger our relationship is with our community, the more opportunities and benefits our members are provided. It is an honor to gain recognition we work hard to achieve. 

Being a Star Chapter is more than just a certificate documenting hard work. It proves we can attain the goals we set and build on them, especially when we work together.

Five ways to continue professional development from home

By: Anna Kendall

As Central Michigan University’s in-person classes and activities come to a halt for the remainder of the school year, it can feel like other parts of life come to a halt as well. Don’t let your professional development be one of them! Consider these five ways to stay up to date on everything PR and continue career development while staying safe from COVID-19. 

1. Apply for scholarships. There are many scholarships available to PR students through PRSSA national and PRSA Detroit. These scholarships are designed for aspiring PR professionals to help make next semester the best one yet. PRSSA national has more than ten scholarships available with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2020. Many of the scholarships require letters of recommendation, so it's best to start as soon as possible. On a more local level, the Detroit PRSA Chapter has two scholarships worth $2,000 available for PRSSA members. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2020. 

2. Become certified in a new PR skill. Consider taking time to obtain a certification that will help you learn a new skill and make you more attractive to a potential employer, such as social media analytics or digital advertising. Google offers its certifications for free, and these programs are highly desired by professionals in the communication field. LinkedIn Learning also has a 30-day free trial and a variety of classes you can complete to further develop a PR specific skill or a general career skill. 

3. Examine the response of corporations to COVID-19. Within the last week, you’ve probably received a few dozen emails from various companies telling you what they’re doing to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Though the first impulse is to send these messages to the trash, consider reading a few of them and examining the content from a PR perspective. What does their response say about the company and its values? How are they addressing various audiences in the message, including employees, customers and investors? Consider what you might have done differently as a PR pro, or what you admired about their response. Share your thoughts and start a conversation with others by writing a LinkedIn post or a blog!

4. Check out new webinars and podcasts. As a paid PRSSA member, you have access to a variety of webinars on the PRSSA website, covering everything from crisis communications during the coronavirus to communicating with the next generation (hi there, Generation Alpha!). Other professional organizations such as Hootsuite also offer free webinars on a variety of subjects related to digital communication. If webinars aren’t your style, consider adding a new podcast to your morning routine. Some shows such as Pitching PR and Young PR Pros can be especially valuable for students interested in the professional communications industry.

5. Update your resume, portfolio and LinkedIn. Although the COVID-19 situation may leave you with a lot of time on your hands, consider using it to update your professional documents. Add your most recent jobs and RSO positions to your resume and LinkedIn profile, and add some class or internship pieces you're proud of to your portfolio. Looking for a bigger project? Consider creating an online portfolio. Having your portfolio on a personal website can be especially useful when applying for internships or jobs. Employers may not have time to look at your materials during the interview, but might be interested in reviewing them later. Sites like Wix and WordPress will even allow you to create these websites for free. 

Though it may feel as if everything is coming to a stop, you can continue moving forward in your career by completing some of these activities. 

How ‘introverts’ can network without feeling awkward

By: Lauren Hendrick

Networking can be challenging for anyone. Approaching strangers feels intimidating and uncomfortable, but in the business world networking is crucial. 

Introverted people enjoy time alone and can be shy. Most introverts feel at ease when they are alone with their thoughts. Approaching strangers can be challenging for someone who is reserved. 

Although it is important to be yourself, focusing on the weakness of being an introvert will put you in a negative mindset. If a negative mindset is already set in place, it could trigger a snowball effect and ruin your networking experience. 

It is never a bad idea to begin with baby steps. When you start networking, invite a colleague along so you feel more comfortable. When you get nervous, allow your colleague to jump in as your conversation fizzles out. It is 100% okay to be introverted! Own it. 

Make sure you give yourself a pep talk before approaching someone. Tell yourself that you are excited to meet someone new and that your delivery will go fine. Obtaining confidence is a large part of networking, even if you have to fake it until you make it. 

Find a common interest between yourself and the person you are networking with. It is easy to keep a solid conversation going when you find common ground.

Being an introvert does not have to stop anyone from networking. Be yourself, be confident and have fun. Conversations can lead to new friendships and can open doors you never knew were there. 

Benefits of CMU PRSSA's Mentorship Program

By: Rachel Bednarz

This year our chapter implemented a mentorship program for executive board members to connect with new and returning members. The program has a lot to offer members, so here are a few things you can expect to take away from it.

1. A new friend

Having a mentor is a great way to gain a new PR BFF! Mentors are eager to share their knowledge and friendship with members who are getting a feel for PRSSA and the IPR program. Our mentorship program allows you to meet with possible mentors and find someone whose personality matches your own. 

2. Access to special events

This semester PRSSA will be hosting an Alumni Night for mentors and mentees to network with CMU alumni. You can only attend this event if you are or have a mentor. 

3. Inside scoop on upcoming events and opportunities

Everyone is alerted of upcoming events and meetings via email and social media, but your mentor will reach out to you about every event PRSSA hosts. This means you’ll never miss details about a fundraiser or social event, and you’ll always have someone to join you.

4. Networking connections

Along with the Alumni Night social, having a mentor can be beneficial in your networking opportunities. Executive board members often have prior connections with professionals in our field or know someone who does. Reaching out to your mentor opens the door for an unlimited amount of future PR connections.

5. So much more!

These are just a few things you can gain from a PRSSA mentorship. The relationship you have with your mentor is all up to you. Your mentor will be there to guide you through class selection, resume building and life in general. 

Don’t have a mentor? Contact Director of Member Services Rachel Bednarz at bedna1rm@cmich.edu to get connected with one soon!

What PR Students Should be Reading and Listening to

By: Bailey Talaska

If you are seeking more information on the PR profession and want to stay updated on what's going on in the industry, there are many options you could listen to or read to learn more. Here are some of my favorites:

Books: Books are a great source for information and advice as there are many that discuss the PR field and the workplace in general. 

“Writing Tools: 55 Essentials for Every Writer” By Roy Peter Clark- This text is helpful if you are looking to improve your AP writing skills or is beneficial have as a reference. The book discusses the 50 biggest rules and tools every writer should know. It is informative and helpful for writing while being easy to read and understand.

“They Don’t Teach Corporate in College” by Alexandra Levitt- This book gives advice on how to conduct yourself in a business professional setting and gives tips for dealing with corporate America. It is not just for PR people either. Anyone going into the professional world can benefit from reading this book. 

Podcasts: For people who enjoy listening to podcasts, here are a couple that are great to listen to while in the car or while walking around campus. 

Inside PR- This podcast is hosted by people who have worked in the industry and have experience in PR. In this podcast they talk about issues going on in the PR world such as online privacy and Facebook abusing their power with user information. 

Young PR Pros- This podcast is targeted toward PR students and young professionals. It describes how to make a good impression in the first month of your new job and what career tips you should follow. It is an informative and entertaining podcast for people who want to learn more about PR. 

Blogs: Blogs are great writing pieces for students to read. They are a more casual form of writing and provide advice and opinions about the industry. 

PRSSA Progressions- PRSSA Progressions is the national PRSSA newsletter with content written by members of the organization. Students have the opportunity to write for Progressions and get nationally published. The newsletter includes blogs pertaining to interview tips, social media predictions, PR case studies and more.

Ragan’s PR Daily- This website offers blogs with a wide range of topics from marketing, social media and crisis. The wide range allows readers to learn about different topics that are all a part of PR. 

I hope that with these suggestions you are able to have some new reads or podcasts to listen to that you not only enjoy, but learn from. It is a great way to learn more about what is going on in the PR industry and gives you advice on starting your career. 

Three reasons to attend spring conference

By: Natalie Batten

Spring Conference is just around the corner. As a CMU student and young professional, here are three reasons you should attend: 

1. Networking opportunities

Spring conference brings together current students, alumni and other PR professionals making it a great place to create connections. Professionals attend the conference because they are passionate about learning and helping others to learn. As students, people with this mindset are great resources. Attending the conference will give you the opportunity to network with these professionals, and listening to their presentations will also be helpful later on if you apply for a position at their company. 

2. Learn things that aren’t covered in classes

Although we learn a lot of amazing things in our classes, there are always areas of public relations we don’t get to learn about. Attending spring conference is a great way to fill that gap as it provides a unique opportunity to learn about specialized areas of PR. This year’s speakers will be discussing community events, non-profit grant writing & communication, storytelling, social media analytics and media relations in crisis. These topics are relevant to our future as PR professionals, so it will be helpful to get more in-depth knowledge about them. 

3. Learn more about the role PR plays in the “real-world” 

As students, most of our work is to prepare us for the professional world. As important as our classes and the skills they teach us are, sometimes it still feels like there is a big gap between sitting in class and being out in the ‘real’ world. Spring conference gives students a glimpse into the world of working professionals. It allows us to see how we can apply the skills we spend so long learning. It’s motivating to see how the work we do in classes can pay off in the real world. 

CMU PRSSA’s spring conference, “The Anatomy of PR”, is on Friday, March 20 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Powers Hall. Register here. 

Breaking PR Stereotypes

By: Bailey Talaska 

There are many myths people outside the public relations world believe about PR professionals, I am here to debunk a few of these stereotypes.

1: Liar, Liar.

The number one stereotype of PR professionals is they spin the truth and display dishonesty. This could not be further from the truth. PR people are all about accuracy and honesty, and a career can be ruined if wrong information is put out.

2: What is PR again?

Another misconception is what PR professionals do in their day to day jobs. Many people think PR is the same as advertising and marketing. Public relations certainly has some aspects of those things, but there is so much more to the industry. The beauty of PR is its diversity and wide range of positions within the field. You can write press releases, manage social media platforms, graphic design, plan events and the list goes on. You name it and a PR professional (probably) does it. 

3: PR is a new profession.

Public relations has been around longer than social media and even the internet itself. PR has been used since the age of ancient Olympics to promote the games as well as events like the Boston Tea Party when public relations was used to motivate people to protest. While the profession has certainly evolved over the years, it serves the same purpose as it did back then. 

4: PR is only needed by big companies.

Every business, company and organization needs and uses PR. Public relations is essentially relations with publics whether it be writing content for a website, developing a crisis communication plan, building a brand’s image through social media or executing media relations events. PR is used to build effective and beneficial relationships with target audiences while promoting positive brand image. Whether it’s a company, organization or even an individual, public relations is needed and used all over the spectrum. 

5: All PR professionals are extroverts.

The industry needs all types of people as there are many different organizations and forms of PR. It doesn’t matter if you are shy, quiet and reserved or outgoing and overly expressive. The beauty of PR is that it is so diverse and has such a wide range of jobs that there is something for everyone. 

Those are just some of the stereotypes that come with the profession of public relations. While the industry does have somewhat of a darker past, it has evolved over the years to be a very diverse and respected profession. 

Physical vs Online Portfolios

By: Natalie Batten

Professionals know that having a professional portfolio, or a collection of your work to show potential employers, is essential. There is a debate about whether or not physical or online portfolios are a better choice. Spoiler alert: It comes down to personal preference. Here are some things to consider while making your decision.

Online Portfolio

Pros:

• Less wear and tear

One of the perks of an online portfolio is you don’t have to worry about it getting smashed, spilled on or ripped as time goes on. Not having to deal with fixing these things can save you a lot of time and stress. 

• Easy to access & share

Online portfolios make it easy to share your work with someone because all you have to do is provide them with a link. This is helpful when you are applying for jobs that are far away. It can also be helpful if a potential employer wants to look at your work without you physically present or share it with others in the company. 

• Easy to update

Online portfolios are easy to keep updated. Working on the computer means less physical arts and crafts, and it is easy to make small changes to your portfolio without having to redo it all. 

Cons:

• Can be awkward to access in a job interview

One problem with online portfolios is that it can be tough to access in a situation where you don’t have easy access to a computer. Some people dislike reading on a computer screen and may be turned off by the concept of an online portfolio. 

• Potential for technology problems

There is always the potential for technology problems. You have very little control over this, if it happens right before a job interview there may not be much you can do. These can also be very frustrating to fix.

• Can limit size/quality

Websites may have constraints for the amount of information you can include or the way it is formatted. You also generally have very little control over what ads may show up alongside your content. 

Physical Portfolio

Pros:

• Shows effort

Many employers, especially those who have been in the industry for awhile, will appreciate the effort that goes into a physical portfolio. They come across as more professional and show that you are willing to take time to do a good job. 

• You know exactly what the viewer will see

With a physical portfolio you have full control over how it looks and what the viewer will see. You don’t have to worry about advertisements popping up or formatting getting changed. 

• Often easier to show in person

A physical portfolio is often easier to show someone because it is tangible and they can flip through it. You also know exactly what they’re seeing and when, this gives you the opportunity to explain your work or make conversation while they view it.

Cons:

• You have to carry it around 

Portfolios can often be large and bulky which can make it inconvenient to carry around, especially at long events such as a career fair. You also have to make sure you remember it when you need it.

• Will get worn down over time

You will likely have to spend time and money updating your portfolio to make sure that it looks new and professional. There is also the chance that a tear or spill could happen before an important interview. 

• Must be in person to share 

One of the most difficult aspects of a physical portfolio is that you must be physically with the person who is looking at it. This can be difficult if you are interested in applying to jobs further away. It can also be hard for an interviewer to share your work with others in the company without removing it from your portfolio. 

As long as you have a strong portfolio that you put time and effort into, you can’t go wrong with either option. Maybe consider making a portfolio of each type and using one or the other depending on the situation. 

Common AP style misconceptions

By: Kasia Naessens

AP style is difficult to master. It takes a lot of practice and patience to learn the basics. Here are some common errors made and advice on how to avoid them. 

1. Time

This can be tricky at first, but the format is the same for everything. Common mistakes of writing time include “100 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:00 PM.” The correct way to write time is “1 p.m.”  

2. Serial comma

Also known as the Oxford comma, this catches writers often. AP style does not like this bugger. When writing out a series, never include a comma before the conjunction unless it is needed for clarity or if the concluding item of the series includes a conjunction. Here are two correct examples:

• I need potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes and eggs. 

• I had orange juice, toast, and ham and eggs for breakfast.

3. Months

AP style has rules about when you can and cannot abbreviate months. If there is no specific date with the month, write it out. Months are also written out when followed by a year. If months are followed by a date, abbreviation is necessary. For example, 

• I was born in February 2007. 

• I was born Feb. 12.

• My birthday is in August.

August through February can be abbreviated with a date. March through July are never abbreviated even if there is a date after it. See month abbreviations below:

• Jan.

• Feb.

• Aug.

• Sept.

• Oct.

• Nov.

• Dec.

4. Address abbreviations 

The only time you can abbreviate the words “street,” “avenue” and “boulevard” are when there are full addresses with them. For example, “2112 Rockland St.” is permissible. If you are just referring to the street “Rockland Street” then ”street” needs to be written out. 

The only exception to this rule is the word “road.” AP style does not allow “road” to be abbreviated. 

There are many more misconceptions I could discuss, but these are some basics that will help you become a better writer. Always have your AP stylebook handy. You never know when you will need it! 

Benefits of joining a student-run PR firm

By: Natalie Batten 

Here at Central Michigan University we are very lucky to have a variety of opportunities to help us grow in our careers as future PR professionals. One opportunity I’ve taken this year is joining our student-run PR firm, PR Central. Over my few months in the club, I’ve already received many benefits. Here are the top three benefits I’ve gotten out of the experience.

1. Real work experience

One of the biggest benefits to joining a student-run PR firm is gaining real world experience. As a younger student, it can feel intimidating trying to get your first internship when most jobs prefer you to have prior experience. By joining a firm like PR Central, you can create this opportunity for yourself and have work to show for it. The work you produce is a great resume builder and interview talking point. Potential employers like to hear that you took initiative and took advantage of these opportunities. 

It also is a beneficial experience to work with real-world clients because you get a better idea of what it is like to work in the PR field. The more you develop the skills you need for successfully working with clients at a young age, the better off you will be in the future. 

2. Learning to work in a group/agency setting

Another important benefit of a student-run PR firm is that it is set up similar to a real-world agency. This means we work in client groups, with different levels of leadership. It is a great way to develop the skills for working in groups that the majority of PR professionals will use on a daily basis. It has given me a better understanding of how an agency works and how to navigate that successfully. It also provides leadership opportunities which are a great addition to your resume. 

3. Develop new skills

Working for a student-run PR firm is not only a great way to practice what you’re learning in classes, but it also provides a great opportunity to explore new areas of PR and develop your skills. Sometimes people come into PR Central without much social media experience, but it’s an area of public relations that they’re interested in. Or they may want to enhance their writing or practice pitching stories. PR Central gives us a supportive place to branch out and practice our skills.

I highly recommend that everyone looks into joining a student-run PR firm if you have the opportunity. It is a great way to gain real-world experience, learn to work in an agency setting and practice new skills. I am enjoying my experience and I think you will too.