Within PRSSA Chapters, members have the opportunity to work together as a strong team. From the executive board to student-run firm staff to even general Chapter activities, teamwork is essential in the Chapter environment.
Everyone has a different perspective and personality; you must find a way to put all the pieces together. Even the most unlikely people can contribute to the best teams. Every character has their place.
One of the first challenges for a team can be motivating people to get involved in the first place. While some people volunteer immediately, others might be shy or more hesitant. An important thing to remember here is an old quote from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” stories:
“You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
Before the year begins, know what your Chapter is working toward for the year. Set goals together as a Chapter and listen to member input on what they want to accomplish. As Winnie the Pooh also said,
“Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.”
When building your team and Chapter, remember everyone has a job to do. It is not the executive board that makes the Chapter but really the Chapter members you work for. Take time to appreciate everyone for attending meetings, participating in competitions and attending Chapter outings. Highlight your members for their talents and input. Remember another lesson from Winnie the Pooh:
“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”
The key to successfully working together as a team is to ensure each member has a place, feels comfortable and is appreciated for their work and participation. For more help on working together as a Chapter or student-run firm, review the content on PRSSA’s Handbooks and Guidelines page on the PRSSA website.
How do you facilitate teamwork among your Chapter members? What advice do you have for students leading others?
This is a guest post from the Vice President of Public Relations Lauren Gray.
Editors Note: To honor our graduating PRSSA members, this “One Year Later” series will follow where our past members are one year after their graduation. Follow our “One Year Later” posts to inspire your members and learn from the success of past members.
Scott Thornburg, Red Square Agency
Current Company: Red Square Agency Current Position: PR Coordinator Former PRSSA Chapter: University of Southern Mississippi Former PRSSA Involvement: 2010-2011 National Vice President of Internship/Job Services
How did you land the position?
While in college, I was heavily involved with PRSSA, had four internships and also worked a couple part-time public relations jobs. Red Square Agency was my last internship as an undergraduate.
During my fall semester, my intern supervisor called saying that the company had an opening and she thought that I should apply. So, I did. I sent in my cover letter and résumé and got a call back for an interview. On the day of my interview, I grabbed the local paper on my way out of town because a news release that I wrote ran that morning as the lead story of the business section. In my interview, it was sticking out of my portfolio. I said, “Sorry, I haven’t had a chance to put that in there yet … it just ran this morning.”
They called a few weeks later to offer me the job, and I signed the papers before graduation.
How has PRSSA influenced your work performance or your initial landing of the position?
Early on, I began soaking up information from peers and professionals that proved to be vital in helping me secure a job. Having a national network of mentors, friends and professional acquaintances has also been essential to my growth as an individual and an up-and-coming practitioner. I believe that will continue for many decades to come.
What advice would you pass along to current PRSSA members?
Get involved in your local Chapter, attend national PRSSA events and get professional experience through interning, working with your student-run firm or finding freelance work for small businesses and nonprofits. Experience is key when applying for jobs.
This is a guest post written by the Vice President of Professional Development, Jessica Noonan.
Editors Note: To honor our graduating PRSSA members, this “One Year Later” series will follow where our past members are one year after their graduation. Follow our “One Year Later” posts to inspire your members and learn from the success of past members.
Renee Legendre, RMD Advertising
Current Company: RMD Advertising Current Position: Media Specialist Former PRSSA Chapter: Ohio Northern University Former PRSSA Involvement: Chapter President
How did you land the position?
Securing my position can be tied back to two simple but crucial public relations concepts. The first is networking. I made my initial contact at RMD Advertising at a Central Ohio PRSA luncheon. When I applied for the position, it was helpful to have already established a strong relationship with a current employee. The second element was creativity. I learned firsthand that the job landscape in public relations is ever-changing when I was asked to provide a 30 second video as opposed to a typical résumé. I harnessed my creativity to design a standout video. Academics and skills count, but so do creativity and personality.
How has PRSSA influenced your work performance or your initial landing of the position?
My attendance at a PRSA luncheon helped me secure my job. But the skills I learned in PRSSA have helped me to excel in the field. I quickly learned that being successful at a job is not always about who knows the most, can use a social media tool the best or can secure the biggest media placement. The person who excels is the individual who has the best determination, critical thinking, creativity and perseverance. PRSSA put me through a variety of challenges and opportunities that help me build the character skills to land and excel in my position.
What advice would you pass along to current PRSSA members?
PRSSA is an endless source of opportunities. Make the very most of all the resources PRSSA offers! For every meeting you attend, networking event you engage at, article you submit to FORUM and student firm project you work on, you’ll grown, learn and move ahead in your public relations career.
This is a guest post written by the Vice President of Professional Development, Jessica Noonan.
Editors Note: To honor our graduating PRSSA members, this “One Year Later” series will follow where our past members are one year after their graduation. Follow our “One Year Later” posts to inspire your members and learn from the success of past members.
Ashley Wolos, Ogilvy Public Relations
Current Company:Ogilvy Public Relations Current Position: Assistant Account Executive Former PRSSA Chapter: American University Former PRSSA Involvement: Chapter President and 2010 National Conference Communications Director
How did you land the position?
After four internships, many side projects, my experiences with PRSSA and networking, I found and landed my dream job.
How has PRSSA influenced your work performance or your initial landing of the position?
During my college career, I learned how to balance and prioritize my life, including class work, projects, internships, PRSSA responsibilities and of course my life outside of those parameters. I used that skill from day one at Ogilvy. Also, PRSSA taught me that it is okay to absolutely love what you do and to always stay on message because you’re constantly adding people to your network. Adopting a “work hard, play hard” attitude and life balance continues to this day and is encouraged in my workplace in order to be a well-rounded employee.
What advice would you pass along to current PRSSA members?
Life is short, so live your dream and share your passion. When you’re truly passionate about something, it will show through. Get involved early in PRSSA and give it your all. PRSSA is a fantastic way to make connections, build a portfolio and find lifelong friends who will be your future colleagues all around the country in the near future and 20 years from now.
This is a guest post written by the Vice President of Professional Development, Jessica Noonan.
Editors Note: To honor our graduating PRSSA members, this “One Year Later” series will follow where our past members are one year after their graduation. Follow our “One Year Later” posts to inspire your members and learn from the success of past members.
Rachel Sprung, Hubspot
Current Company: HubSpot Position: Brand & Buzz Coordinator Former PRSSA Chapter: Boston University Former PRSSA Involvement: 2010-2011 National Vice President of Regional Activities
How did you land the position?
I saw an opening for a media relations specialist through a tweet from someone I met at a Chapter PRSSA meeting. I applied for the position and sent the hiring manager a message on LinkedIn to let her know I applied. Next, I had a phone interview and then an in-person interview. They saw that I had significant event planning experience through PRSSA and thought I would be great for the events coordinator position. It all came together from there. Since starting to work at HubSpot, my responsibilities have expanded to events, public relations and our speaking program, so I get the best of all worlds!
How has PRSSA influenced your work performance or your initial landing of the position?
When I went into the interview at HubSpot, they saw that I had a lot of experience planning events in Boston and around the country because of PRSSA. I felt more confident making decisions because of my work with PRSSA and knew a lot because of my work with the Regional Activities (now called Regional Conferences). PRSSA also helped my organization skills, which helps me every day. Additionally, I gained leadership skills from PRSSA. At an event I worked on in San Francisco, I led a group of 40 coworkers. PRSSA gave me the skills to do that with confidence, patience and enthusiasm.
What advice would you pass along to current PRSSA members?
Network as much as you can. Throughout my four years of college, I went off campus to meet with professionals as much as I could. By the time I started looking for full-time positions, I had a network of people to seek advice and recommendations. The job application process is tough, but that made it a bit easier.
Rachel frequently blogs her advice for young professionals in the industry. You can also follow her on Twitter @Rsprung.
This is a guest post written by the Vice President of Professional Development, Jessica Noonan.
The experience of starting a new internship can be frightening.
Every work environment is different and every company will vary with their policies and procedures. Even with thorough preparation, there may be a few questions you still have or issues you are unsure of. Here are a few tips from professionals that you may not have been told about interning but are important to know:
1. Avoid Gossip
Be very careful with the types of conversations you participate in. PRSSA 2012-2014 National Professional Adviser Don Egle, APR, senior director of communications for James Madison University, recommends removing yourself from any company gossip. Excuse yourself when these types of conversations start and do not repeat anything you hear. Careers can sink because of gossip.
2. Authenticity Wins Out
Egle explains employees should “always be sincere and never condescending or disingenuous.” People and coworkers can tell when you are being fake and it can make you seem untrustworthy.
3. Use Respectful Language
Use language that is appropriate for the workplace with an emphasis on respecting those around you. Even if your boss and colleagues use curses or derogatory words, be professional and try your best not to use inappropriate language.
4. Display Optimism & Positivity
Optimism goes a long way. Have a great attitude and smile! Even on the long days, try to be a positive team member. This will benefit both you and your teammates.
5. Avoid Office Politics
Never play the office politics game. It will always backfire. Stay out of the politics and office drama.
6. Contribute Important Ideas
Marisa Vallbona, APR, Fellow PRSA, president of CIM Incorporated, advises to “be a good listener and only speak if you have something meaningful to add to the conversation.” Contribute to the conversation, but do not repeat things that have already been said. Add new meaning and ideas.
7. Propose Solutions When Problems Arise
Nick Lucido, PRSSA Immediate Past President and an account executive for Edelman, suggests workers should “propose a solution or recommendation when asking questions. This demonstrates your ability to solve problems and develop solutions.” Don’t add to the problem, but propose solutions and actual ideas.
Even if you want to “fit in” in your office setting, hold your standards high as an individual and as an intern. Do not make yourself stand out in a negative way by trying to be a part of office drama, politics and other problems. Instead, stand out by contributing meaningful thoughts to conversation, being ethical, staying positive and adhering to company policies and you will have a successful internship.
What secrets do you wish you had known about interning? What advice would you give to someone starting out in a new office environment?
This is a guest post from the Vice President of Public Relations Lauren Gray.
Communications students came to the nation’s capital on March 23-24 to learn the importance of traditional and new media in public relations.
At the PRSSA Regional Conference, “When Two Worlds Collide: Bridging Online and Offline Communication,” speakers and panelists with backgrounds in politics, crisis communication, social media, nonprofits and more shared their stories and offered tips to help students face the ever-changing world of public relations.
Members of the PRSSA Regional Conference host Chapter at American University compiled a list of the most important tips they learned from each session. These tips included:
• John Bell from Social@Ogilvy advised students to think as business leaders, not just communications majors, which is very important when creating a social media strategy.
• Drew Hammill, press secretary for Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, told attendees not to be afraid to be creative, especially if they are trying to get the word out about an important but dry piece of information.
• During a crisis, communicate early, often and clearly. Plan, prepare and practice before the crisis.
• For political communication, be as well informed as possible. Speaker Dave Tamasi makes it a habit to read the main articles of every major newspaper before 7:30 a.m. each morning.
• Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities with personal branding. Take on opportunities that you believe will highlight your skills and help further your career.
• When communicating with groups of people online, keep words and ideas as clear as possible.
• In sports or entertainment public relations in particular, be prepared to work hard, be competitive and move around from city to city.
• Social media effectiveness can be measured for nonprofits by who is showing up to volunteer based on social media strategies. Use social media to inspire people to action instead of just encouraging them to comment or “like” statuses.
What advice would you give students breaking into the industry during the convergence of traditional and new media strategies?
This is a guest post compiled by members of American University PRSSA. The contributors were Kate Froehlich, Nicole Charpentier, Quentin Hoffman, Megan Clark, Kim Short, Steven Murphy, Chichi Motanya, Jenna Mosley and Olivia Wolfertz.
Review highlights of the chat below. What did you learn from the April chat? How does your Chapter transition new leaders? In what ways can you preserve your Chapter’s history?
When people ask what I do for a living, I usually tell them automotive or government public relations; but in reality, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what industry I fall under.
In my job, I do a little of everything and no two days are the same. With that, I do not have a typical day, but my average work week is comprised of three main responsibilities:
1. Event Logistics
I would say the majority of my workday and workweek is comprised of event logistics. Three to four times a year, my program hosts week-long conferences, which demand year-round event planning. I spend most of my time researching event venues and hotels and talking to caterers and transportation companies. The best part of event logistics is the travel! I spend a great deal of the time on the road attending governmental conferences, auto shows and logistics planning meetings.
2. Social Media and Website Maintenance
One of my favorite aspects of my career is managing many social media accounts and website updates for my program. At any time of the day, I am on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and our blog, managing the traffic of our social media. Recently, I helped develop content and launch my program’s new website, www.ecocar2.org. While the website doesn’t always require daily maintenance, I spend time throughout the week updating news, photos, alumni stories and more to entice new visitors.
3. Internship Management
A great thing about my job is that I oversee and manage a nationwide internship program for the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program. Every semester, I oversee 20 to 25 interns across the United States who work on tasks including public relations, event planning, data analysis, market research and website development. This aspect of my career allows me to hone my management and business development skills. I get the chance to develop professional development webinars, create payroll spreadsheets and manage multiple interns at once.
Working in my field has allowed me to continue my work with academia and the education sector while maintaining relationships with government officials and industry professionals.
What experiences have you had in education, government, or automotive public relations? What career-related questions do you have for an internship coordinator?
Dana Bubonovich is the Communications and Logistics Coordinator for EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future at Argonne National Laboratory and is an alumna of Penn State University. She is also a member of PRSA Chicago, PRSA New Professionals, and is the social media chair for PRSA Chicago Young Professionals Network. Find her on Twitter @DanaBubonovich and @YPNChicagoPRSA.
Before I joined PRSSA, I was unaware of the many resources available to help me launch a successful career in the communications field. After attending a few PRSSA events, including Purdue University’s Regional Conference, Com Day, I realized these resources represented many of the important reasons to be a part of PRSSA.
At Regional Conferences such as Com Day, speakers from all backgrounds provide advice that is essential for young professionals. Below is some of the most important advice I received at Purdue’s Com Day, which addressed the topics of résumés, internships, interviews and networking.
Résumés Must Be Relevant and Specific
• Demonstrate experiences that are relevant to the job.
• Attract attention with your résumé to make it stand out from others.
• Use space on the paper efficiently, to help you keep to a one page limit.
• Don’t just list but elaborate experiences in detail. Involvement and impact matters.
• Absolutely no errors allowed.
• Tailor and make appropriate changes to your résumé for different jobs.
• Leave out all information prior to college.
Interview Etiquette is Vital
• Arrive five minutes early.
• Impressions are made in the first 30 seconds.
• Formal attire and good hygiene are necessary. Women watch for skirt length, heel height and cleavage.
• Speak confidently. Maintain eye contact when appropriate, smile and show passion.
• Present your portfolio and business card.
• Have potential answers to interview questions mentally prepared. Also, have a few questions for the interviewer about the job and company.
• Know general information about the company and be up-to-date on recent news before the interview.
• Ask for company’s next steps in the interview process before leaving.
• Send either a thank you card or email to anyone you interview with.
• Wait two weeks before following up (after the thank you).
• Ask for feedback if turned down for the opportunity.
Networking Will Open the Doors
• It’s not what you know, but who you know.
• Start your networking with family and friends; they are likely to have professional contacts that could help.
• Be involved and active in your organizations.
• Build a social media presence through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or blogging.
• Find a variety of mentors for advice in different situations.
• Give back to mentors by thanking them and becoming a fellow mentor.
• Consider reaching out to smaller agencies first. Volunteering at a non-profit jobs can be a gateway to a public relations position.
At Com Day, speakers motivated PRSSA members by relating their own personal experiences and giving advice the speakers wish they had known when they were in college. Speaker Jeff Bodzewski quoted a simple yet very appropriate encouragement when he suggested PRSSA members to, “Throw yourself at situations; you will only get better.” Special thanks to all the speakers who took their time to come out and participate in Com Day.
What advice do you have for students for their resumes and interviewing skills? How do you use networking to stay in touch and progress in the industry?
Jourdej Peszek is currently studying communications at Purdue University. In addition to PRSSA, he is also involved in Lambda Chi Alpha – Psi Zeta at Purdue.
