PR: what to be thankful for

By: Bailey Talaska

With the upcoming holiday season, it’s a good time to step back and think of the things in life you appreciate and are thankful for. Friends, family, and of course the public relations industry. Here are five reasons you should be thankful for PR.

1. Growing industry

Public relations is a growing industry as every company needs PR to help maintain their brand and reputation. For example, as social media is an expanding aspect of PR, there is a greater need for people who specialize in the area.

2. Broad degree

A degree in PR can get you a job in several industries, taking you anywhere you want to go. For instance, you can work at a PR firm where you create branding material for a variety of clients. You can also work in public affairs, for the government or a corporation. 

3. No day is ever the same

A day in the PR world is never the same. Some days you may write press releases or take photos for a client. Other days you may conduct an interview or create promotional material. You never know what might come up, maybe there is a new product release or a crisis that you will have to deal with. Being able to have different tasks and do different things is exciting and keeps the work life interesting. 

4. Work with companies you already love

Many of the companies you already love need people to do PR for them and you could be one of those people. Whether you’re doing social media for a makeup company like Maybelline or for a nonprofit such as United Way, all organizations need some PR.  It’s great to be able to do work for a company you are already passionate about and it makes doing the work a lot easier. The possibilities are endless as all the companies you love and support need a PR person and it could be you.

5. Creative industry

The PR industry is full of creativity allowing you to be innovative in different ways. Your creativity can shine through promotional materials such as flyers and brochures, through social media posts or even website design. PR gives you numerous opportunities to express your imagination. 

It’s rewarding to be a PR professional, what are some reasons you’re thankful for PR?

It’s who you know: tips for professional networking

By: Julia Amting

CMU’s Department of Journalism and PRSSA chapter are hosting an internship fair on Nov. 6 in the UC Rotunda. 

You, the reader, may be shooting for an internship this summer. You may be a sophomore who is trying to figure out what internships are all about. You may be a freshman who has never been to a career fair and not even sure if you want to pursue PR. Either way, this article is for you.

Regardless of where you are in your educational career, it’s never too early to start networking and making connections to help you later on. Here are a few reasons why networking is important, and a few methods if the idea is overwhelming. 

Remember the importance of every connection.

No interaction is insignificant. Your professors, classmates and group project members are all not only human beings worth knowing, but potential professional connections that could be a recommendation or a resource when looking for an internship or career opportunities. As a general rule, remember to never treat any body as if they are insignificant, even if you are older or have more experience. 

Use every networking opportunity you have. Speak to your professors after class, take a minute to thank a guest speaker or hand out your business card at an event. You never know what opportunities could come from it.

Have the conversation. 

It can be scary to approach people, especially at career and networking events. Have planned in advance what you’re going to say. Figure out your networking style and how you connect best with people. If fairs aren’t your scene, consider reaching out to professionals via LinkedIn or setting up one-on-one meetings over coffee. 

Be authentic.

Be honest about what you’ve achieved and who you are. One of the easiest ways to destroy credibility is to stretch the truth simply to sound impressive. Be yourself and don’t try to be someone you are not. Dress for success, know how to carry yourself well and be able to talk about your experience or the experience you hope to gain. 

Connect across industries and majors.

Even if the person you are talking to is not a PR professional, this is something almost every organization needs. In a competitive field like public relations, every connection can be helpful. 

Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Remember to be yourself. 

Use these tips and get ready to network at the internship fair on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Professional attire: dress for success

By: Kasia Naessens

How you dress for professional events like interviews and job fairs can make or break your opportunity to be selected for a desired position. The internship fair is approaching quickly, so let’s talk about appropriate attire. 

Females: 

1. Blouses

Blouses can come in a variety of colors and styles. Express yourself through your shirt choices, but make sure it is appropriate. Avoid low-cut and cropped shirts, and thin straps. 

2. Blazers

Typically, professionals wear neutral colors: navy blue, black, white, brown and gray. Wear a blazer over your blouse to appear more professional. Employers will be impressed.  

3. Suit pants or skirts

Both suit pants and skirts are acceptable in the professional setting. When shopping for skirts, make sure they are about knee length or longer.

4. Dresses

There are plenty of business professional dresses at many stores. When selecting a dress, stay away from those with elaborate patterns and colors. It is okay if they contain little dabbles here and there, but do not get too bright of a dress. It is also important to ensure the dress is not low-cut or too short. 

5. Shoes

Stay away from open-toes shoes. Neutral colors are usually the best option: black, nude and brown. Your shoes can be flat or contain a heel. Avoid stiletto heels. 

Males: 

1. Suits

A suit contains a coat and a pair of pants. Avoid crazy colors and stick with neutral tones. Be sure to see a tailor so your suit fits perfectly. A suit that is too big or too small may appear less professional to employers.

2. Dress Shirts

Dress shirts are an opportunity to express yourself. It is okay to add a little pop of color in with the suit, but avoid anything too vibrant and stick with light colors. White shirts are always a good choice if you’re unsure. 

3. Undershirt

Make sure you purchase a white, plain t-shirt to wear underneath your dress shirt. Many dress shirts are see-through, and potential employers do not want to see your six-pack. 

4. Ties

Even if you need to buy a clip-on tie, get one. The tie is like the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. You can get fun and festive with the ties, but for interviews and job fairs, be sure to stick with a solid neutral color. 

5. Shoes

Forest Gump says, “...you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes...” and this is very true. Make sure you have a nice pair of dress shoes, usually black or brown. Polish them and avoid scuff marks so you look your best.

There are plenty of places in Mt. Pleasant that offer professional clothing. First Impressions, located in the UC, is a great resource or if you do not want to break the bank, go thrift shopping. Often times, places like Goodwill and Salvation Army will have dress pants, skirts, blouses, dress shirts and shoes. 

After you have the correct attire, head over to the internship fair on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the UC Rotunda to network with various companies and show what you have to offer.

How to craft the perfect elevator pitch

By: Lauren Hendrick

Elevator pitches are very important when trying to land an interview or a job. An elevator pitch is an introduction of who you are and the skills you acquire. It should be a short persuasive speech showing the best professional parts of yourself.

What not to include 

Make sure you do not ramble on about yourself. Keep it short and sweet so they do not lose interest. The person you are talking to is most likely a very busy person, so respect their time.

Don’t include every little detail about your past jobs, or about the education you have received. Wrap up your experiences at these places in a sentence or two.

Try not to make your nerves obvious. This means don’t twirl and play with your hair, tap your foot or pull on your clothing. Stand tall and hold your head high with confidence you are right for whatever opportunity you are pursuing. 

What to include 

Think about an elevator ride. It’s usually never over a minute long, so make sure your pitch matches that time frame. 

An elevator pitch should start with an introduction of who you are, what you’ve done and what you want to do. Give a summary of your education, background and work experience. Also, include any strengths and skills you have. 

You should then start to explain what you want, whether it’s an interview, internship or job opportunity. Explain why you would like to work for their company. 

Finish with giving them your resume and business card, and thank them for listening to you.

And the most important thing, remember to be yourself! 

Now take advantage of these tips to create your own elevator pitch to use at the internship fair on Nov. 6.

Internship fair: what to bring

By: Rachel Bednarz

CMU PRSSA’s internship fair is Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UC Rotunda and students often find themselves wondering, “what exactly do I need to bring?” Being prepared will make you feel more confident and ready to tackle the fair. Here are five things you should bring to the internship fair.

1. A positive attitude

Companies coming to internship fair are interested in your experience and work, but above all they want to see you are eager and ready to learn. If you don’t have a portfolio or a premium resume yet, a positive attitude can make a huge difference on how you are remembered in their eyes. Remember to show up, smile and don’t get discouraged if this is one of your first professional events.

2. Your student ID

You’ll need your student ID for check-in so make sure to bring it with you.

3. Business cards

Business cards are a good way to leave your mark on a company by showcasing a little bit of design ability. Don’t clutter your card with details. The only necessary information is your name, your school and your phone number. From there, companies can get back in touch with you or find you on LinkedIn to get more information.

4. Your resume

Leaving a resume with someone lets them know you are interested in hearing from them in the future and you’d like to be considered when hiring time comes. Your resume should be clear and concise with information that is pertinent to the field. Including information like prior work, volunteer and leadership experience is a good place to start when putting together your resume.

5. Your portfolio

A portfolio of writing and/or design pieces can showcase your skills and make you stand out. When putting together your portfolio include a letter of confidentiality, professional references and your best pieces of writing or design work. Use page protectors and dividers so you can search through it with ease.

Bringing these five things to the internship fair will make you stand out as prepared and professional when talking with prospective employers.

Seven benefits of attending an internship fair (even if you’re not looking for an internship right now)

By: Natalie Batten

CMU’s PRSSA chapter is busy preparing for the annual internship fair. There are more than 20 companies from all over Michigan coming to network with our students. For some of you, attending the internship fair may be a no brainer, but for others who might need a little more convincing, here are seven benefits of attending the internship fair, even if you’re not looking for an internship right now. 

1) The opportunity to get a job or an internship

This is an obvious benefit but still worth mentioning. All of the work we put in throughout our time in college is to graduate and get a job. An important step along the path is getting internships. At CMU, IPR students need an internship to graduate. Applying for jobs and internships is a lot of work and stressful because it can be difficult to get in contact with companies or know who to talk to. At the internship fair companies are coming to you and they’re attending because they are interested in hiring CMU students for a job or internship. This is one of the best and easiest opportunities you have.

2) The opportunity to network

With companies, agencies and even a baseball team attending, there will be plenty of different professionals to talk with. They are genuinely interested in getting to know you and by introducing yourself and making conversation, you will start to make a name for yourself. Even if you aren’t looking for an internship this year, attending the fair and connecting with companies will make professionals more likely to remember you in the future. They will appreciate your dedication to their company and building a relationship with them. 

3) You will gain confidence

For most people, the thought of putting yourself out there to established professionals and successful companies is a mix of excitement and nerves. Being able to network and engage in professional conversations are important skills that we will use often in our future careers. The internship fair is a great opportunity to start practicing these skills. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, you will gain confidence the more you do it, so take advantage of these opportunities to practice. The companies attending hope for you to put your best foot forward, but they also understand we are students who are eager to learn and gain experience. They remember what it was like to be in our shoes and they’re attending the fair because they want to help us.

4) It will be motivating  

In college it can feel like we are putting in a lot of work for a long time without any huge rewards. For some people it can be tough to see the big picture while you’re in the middle of the chaos of assignments, exams and club commitments. The internship fair is a great opportunity to re-ignite your passion for public relations and remind you why you are working so hard in the first place. For at least one day, it will bridge the gap between student life and professional life. It’s a great reminder that all of this hard work will pay off.  

5) It will help you decide what area of PR interests you

As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of companies and agencies attending the internship fair. This is the perfect chance to talk to professionals who do the type of work you are considering for your future. Remember, this gives us the opportunity to ask the professionals questions so take the chance to do so. Also, speak with some companies that aren’t your first choice. You may be surprised at who you end up connecting with and being interested in. If you end up not having any interest in the company then, it’s a great re-affirmation you are looking in the right place after all. 

6) There will be a lot of learning opportunities 

PR professionals attending the fair are eager to share their knowledge with students. They love answering questions, giving advice and even looking over resumes or sharing tools they use in their daily jobs. Although the internship fair is a slightly different setting, you will definitely pick up some tips and tricks. You will also learn a lot about what it is like to be in a professional situation, which will help you to be more successful in the future. 

7) It will give you an opportunity to show off your hard work 

As college students, we are working really hard to make our dreams come true and to land our dream jobs. It can feel like a lot of work, without a lot of recognition. Yes, getting a good grade on an assignment is an encouraging feeling, but sometimes loses impact if no one but your professor ever sees it. This is your chance to get dressed up, put your work together and show off everything you have been learning and creating. Be humble but don’t be afraid to show pride in your work. We put a lot of effort into creating the work that fills our portfolio, and now this is our chance to shine and show it to PR professionals who are genuinely interested in seeing what we’ve been doing.

Overall, the internship fair has something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a senior getting ready to graduate in December or a first semester freshman who isn’t even sure if PR is for you. This is a chance to make connections, gain experience and celebrate your achievements without a single dime coming out of your pocket. We can’t wait to see you at the internship fair on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. in the UC Rotunda.

Five tips to help you prepare for the internship fair

By: Bailey Talaska

The internship fair is an annual event hosted by CMU’s PRSSA chapter and the department of journalism. Companies from all over Michigan attend, providing students with networking and internship opportunities. Here are five things you should prepare to make it a successful experience. 

1. Update resume

Before the internship fair you should update your resume, portfolio and business cards, so they are ready to go when the day comes. It doesn’t hurt to update your LinkedIn as well.  You’ll want to have numerous copies of your resume and a stack of business cards to hand out to professionals. This will help to leave a tangible impression, advance the initial connection you made and maybe even land you an internship in the future. 

2. Prepare an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a short summary of your background and experience to introduce yourself to professionals. You want to include things like your major, your past experiences and what you want to accomplish in the future. Practice what you will say in the mirror or with a friend so when the time comes you will be prepared and less nervous. Your pitch should last no longer than an elevator ride.

3. Look good, feel good

Having an appropriate outfit prepared will make you feel more confident and will leave a great impression on the companies who attend. Professional clothes can be expensive, so if you are in need of some schedule an appointment with First Impressions. Located in the University Center, they provide students with one free professional outfit each semester.

4. Research companies

Before attending the internship fair, dedicate some time to research the companies that will be attending. This will allow you to know what each company is about as well as which companies you may be interested in. Follow @cmuprssa on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for internship fair updates and for which Michigan companies will be there.

5. Have your thank you notes ready

To make a lasting impression on the companies you speak with it is important to follow up afterward.  You can make it more personal by sending a handwritten thank you note. It not only makes a good impression on the company, but also helps you stand out and helps them remember you. Before the internship fair, buy stamps and some cards so you can send them  out right after the event. 

The 2019 internship fair is on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UC Rotunda. There will be more than 20 companies from around Michigan in the public relations, advertising, communications and marketing industries.  Use these five tips to help you prepare and follow @PR_Central and @CMUPRSSA for more details. 

Five tips for speaking publicly

By: Eva Steepe

1. Don’t memorize

Memorizing what you need to say and then reciting it is not effective or engaging for your audience. It’s important that you are present with your audience even if your presentation isn’t perfect. 

2. Don’t overthink

The audience is here to listen to you, not judge you. If you worry about what the audience is thinking, it may disrupt your speech. Instead focus on what you are talking about rather than what your audience is thinking. You are here to share what you need to share and that’s all that matters.

3. Don’t overcomplicate

Don’t use overly complicated words during a presentation. Often, simpler words are easier to understand, say and communicate what you need to. Professional language is perfectly okay and welcome, but it’s important you don’t cross the line between professional and robotic. You also want to take the audience’s vocabulary into consideration.

4. Don’t worry about messing up

Most audiences generally remember the gist of your presentation and not the specifics. They definitely won’t remember a few errors, so why worry about the possibility of them? As long as you present what you need to share, an error here or there won’t affect your meaning nor will it change your audience’s opinion of you.

5. (Try to) Have fun 

Remember that your time in front of an audience will be over sooner than you think, so focus on the importance of what you’re sharing. You’re communicating something for others that is important but you should also try to enjoy yourself while you’re doing so. 

Presentations are an important part of sharing what you know with others and once you get more comfortable with public speaking, they get easier and easier.

How to handle a crisis

By: Lauren Hendrick

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

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

Take responsibility

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

Check social platforms

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

Respond effectively

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

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

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

Resumes, cover letters, interviews, oh my!

By: Julia Amting

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

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

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

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

The resume

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

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

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

Cover letter

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

Interview

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

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

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

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

  • What’s the culture like here?

  • What kind of mentorship opportunities could I have?

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

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

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

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

You’ve got this. 

Five reasons why every company needs social media presence

By: Natalie Batten

1. Quick responses

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

2. Interactions with customers

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

3. Content promotion

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

4. Helps build an audience 

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

5. Helps companies stay up to date 

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

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

What to do when you're new

By: Bailey Talaska

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

1. Get in touch with your adviser

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

2. Get involved

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

3. Research the options within your major

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

4. Plan ahead

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

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

Lessons from the experts

By: Kasia Naessens

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

1. Make the mistakes here

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

2. Get involved

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

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

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

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

My journey to IPR

By: Julia Amting

The beginning

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

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

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

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

Changes

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

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

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

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

One year later

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

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

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

Lessons learned

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

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

Four benefits of volunteering

By: Bailey Talaska 

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

1. Meet people and make connections 

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

2. Help the community

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

3. Resume builder 

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

4. Bonding experience  

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

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

Five ways to make better cold calls

By: Rachel Bednarz

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

1. Plan ahead

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

2. Keep extra information on hand

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

3. Don’t make anything up

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

4. Follow up

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

5. Say “thank you”

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

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

Third time’s a charm

By: Lauren Hendrick

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go get that internship

By: Kasia Naessens

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

1. Internship fair

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

2. PRSSA Website 

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

3. LinkedIn 

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

4. Handshake  

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

5. Fastweb 

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

6. Do research 

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

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

Media pitching: what you need to know

By: Natalie Batten

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

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

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

Do research

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

How to pitch

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

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

Do:

• Provide photos for a story

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

• Pay attention to the news and pitch relevant stories

• Personalize your pitches to the reporter and media outlet

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

Don’t:

• Send pitches too close to the deadline

• Leave out essential information

• Send generic pitches

• Suggest how the story should be written or reported

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

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

Benefits of joining a PRSSA committee

By: Grace Berndt

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

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

Professional Development

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

Interested in joining? 

Contact the directors of professional development:

• Terzah Dyer at dyer1tb@cmich.edu 

• Jenna McDonnell at mcdon1jn@cmich.edu

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

Publications

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

Interested in joining? 

Contact the director of publications:

•  Alexis Schuchert at schuc1ar@cmich.edu

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

Chapter Events and Fundraising

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

Interested in joining? 

Contact the directors of chapter events and fundraising:

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

• Kamryn Lowler at lowle1kh@cmich.edu

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

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