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.

How to keep up with PR trends

By: Bailey Talaska

As a current and future PR professional it is important to keep up with trends in the ever changing industry. Podcasts, social media and books are great mediums for staying up to date on industry news.  Here are some of the top tools for the aspiring PR professional.

Podcasts

Inside PR

This podcast is co-hosted by Joe Thornley and Martin Waxman. They talk about everything including current events, crisis communications, social media, reputation management and how it all intersects.

Women at work

Worth a listen for any business professional, Women at Work explores gender in the workplace and gives tips on how to handle tough situations.

Young PR Pros

If you’ve just landed your first job or internship in public relations, this podcast is for you. It looks at public relations at an angle that is is specifically designed to provide young PR professionals with tips, advice and information on how to establish and advance their careers.

Social Media

AP Stylebook

This account gives you all the rules you need to know about AP style writing.

Adweek

This outlet provides examples of creative advertising, which is good for developing ideas and drawing inspiration.

Business Insider

This profile has lots of cool business ideas and keeps you up to date about the goings on in the business world. Anyone is business should give them a follow.

 Books

 They Don’t Teach Corporate in College by Alexandra Levit

This book gives good advice on how to conduct yourself in a business professional setting and tips for dealing with corporate America.

 The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Gladwell discusses trends and how they spread through social media and how they reach the pinnacle of reaching the masses and becoming “viral.”

 Loveworks: How the World's Top Marketers Make Emotional Connections to Win in the Marketplace External link  by Brian Sheehan

This novel does a really good job helping you learn how to connect with people on an emotional level and how you can use that to your advantage in the business world.

Four tips for preparing for conference

By Madeline Tunison and Anna Kendall

The sun is shining and the snow is melting, which means spring conference is right around the corner.  Make sure you’re prepared for this years event with these conference tips:

1. Research the speakers

It’s good to know who the speakers at the conference will be ahead of time. Research the individuals and their companies so you can connect and understand them better. Find the list of conference speakers and their bios here.

2. Dress to impress

The dress code for the event is business professional. Break out your best blazer and suit pants or skirt and spend some extra time getting ready so you look your sharpest. You’ll want to convey professionalism while remaining comfortable so you can give your attention to the speakers and readily network with other conference attendees.

3. Write it out

Though conferences in the public relations world support the use of electronics to take notes or live tweet at professional events, always have a back up plan in case your phone dies or computer crashes. There’s lots of material you don’t want to miss just because of technical difficulties. Don’t be afraid to take notes the good old fashion way with a pencil and a notepad.  

4. Wear a smile

Bring a smile and get ready to connect! Conference offers ample networking opportunities that you should be ready to take advantage of. Positive attitudes make great first impressions, so be sure to bring yours and get ready to socialize.

Use these tips to get  the most out of your time at conference on March 22 in the UC rotunda. Check out CMU PRSSA’s website and social media for tickets.

Tips and tricks for professional networking

By: Dajuan Young and Anna Kendall

Networking is a valuable skill for all careers that contributes to professional growth and career opportunities. Building relationships with peers, professionals and professors is especially critical in the competitive PR world. Though sometimes intimidating, taking advantage of networking opportunities can significantly impact your growth as a public relations professional.  

No connection is too small

Networking provides connections that open doors for job opportunities. Having conversations and keeping in touch with those you meet can lead to positive personal recommendations  and assistance searching for internship and career opportunities. In competitive industries like public relations, sometimes it comes down to who you know.

Take advantage of all networking opportunities, no matter how large or small, to give yourself an edge. Take a second after class to personally thank a guest speaker, or send them a thank you message on LinkedIn. Go to a conference and hand out business cards to each person you speak with. Even talking to other students in your classes can help you build a foundation of professional relationships. You never know what connections will help you later on.

Connections across industries

Networking can broaden the base of people you know across various industries. Public relations can play a role in any organization, so having connections outside the communications sector may still benefit you. Individuals you meet at professional events who work in healthcare, technology or any other industry might still know a communications professional in their field that they can connect you to. Networking opportunities are all around you, so don't limit yourself to only professionals within your industry.

Overcoming anxiety

Taking the initiative to begin a conversation with a professor or professional can be intimidating. Always keep in mind that these individuals want to help you grow and succeed, but they won’t know how to help you until you ask. Keep the conversation casual and centered around the other person. By asking about their professional experience and current job, you’ll express your interest and they’ll likely offer advice and any help they can.  

Give yourself the opportunity to begin expanding your personal network at CMU PRSSA and White Pine PRSA’s spring conference, Recognizing Our Impact. The event is March 22 in the UC rotunda and tickets can be found on CMU PRSSA’s website and social media channels.

Choosing public relations

By: Dajuan Young

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

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

All About Integration

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

Variety and Vision

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

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

PR strategies in bloom

By: Alexis Schuchert

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

Live video streams

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

Quantifiable results

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

Chatbots

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

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

Keeping it fresh, PR style

By: Kaitlyn Bondar

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

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

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

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

Invest in a conference, invest in yourself

By: Grace Berndt

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

Seeing the Future

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

Hello PR Major, Meet Your Future Career

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

Rubbing Elbows

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

Carpe Diem

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

Showcase Your Drive for Success

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

Four essentials for event planning

By: Alexis Schuchert

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

Understand your audience

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

Outline the five W’s

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

Take advantage of social media

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

Plan your budget

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

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

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

The importance of a professional network

By: Terzah Dyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help wanted: Internship search tips

By: Madeline Tunison

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

Explore what kind of internship you want.

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

Build your portfolio.

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

Research companies.

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

Start your search early.

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

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

Revamping your personal brand

By: Dajuan Young

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

Combine personal and professional life

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

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

Vary your media content

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

Look aesthetically pleasing

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

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

How CMU's PR resources set me apart

By: Kaitlyn Bondar

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

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

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

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

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

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