By Hanna Moore So, you’ve just declared a major in public relations. Do you know what you want to do with it yet? If not, that is totally normal! Many of us only found out what we wanted to do with public relations after working on campus and gaining experience. Here are some ways to gain real-world experience while you are still a student here at Kent State: Join PRSSA Kent. As a member of PRSSA, you get the chance to network with different professionals, but most importantly you are joining an organization made up of people who share the same interests as you. PRSSA allows you to meet new people who will be able to help you as you continue your journey through college. Having PRSSA on your resume can help give you a leg up on the competition when applying for internships and jobs. If you’re interested in event planning, you can join the Homecoming Committee, Communications Connection committee or the YouToo Social Media Committee. You can also join the Promotions or Web and Social Media committees to help us design, write and produce promotional flyers and content for our newsletter, website, blog and social media channels. For more information about PRSSA Kent, visit http://www.prssakent.com. Find an on-campus PR job. PR students at Kent State are fortunate because we have a variety of paid, on-campus public relations and marketing jobs available to us. You can work with your peers in a professional environment to improve your communications skills and build your portfolio. There are a variety of paid public relations and marketing positions available, including the following: Colleges and Schools: All colleges and departments on campus need a good PR team, and many of them need help from talented public relations students. The Department of Recreational Services, College of Business Administration and College of Communication and Information have hired public relations students on their team to write, design promotional materials, run social media accounts and plan events. CCI’s schools also have marketing assistant positions open to students, including the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the School of Communication Studies. Flash Communications: Flash Communications is a student-run PR agency located on campus in the University Communications and Marketing office. Students work alongside PR and marketing professionals, gaining real-world experience writing, editing, researching and implementing internal and external communications for the university. Students who work at Flash communications build their portfolio with pieces written for e-Inside, Kent State Magazine, eFlash, Wick Poetry Center, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Division of Human Resources, the Alumni Relations and the Kent State Website. IdeaBase: IdeaBase is a student-staffed, full-service integrated marketing communication firm, located in downtown Kent. Here, top-performing students from Kent State University assemble to solve actual client problems. The team is composed of visual communication design, public relations, advertising, computer information systems, digital sciences, marketing and communications studies students. For more information about on-campus public relations opportunities, visit http://www.prssakent.com/on-campus-opportunities.html. Work for student media. Kent State offers a variety of award-winning student media organizations that public relations students can get involved with. Below are descriptions of all of Kent State’s student media organizations: The Kent Stater: The Kent Stater is an award-winning student-run newspaper. Reaching more than 15,000 people per issue, the Stater keeps the community up-to-date with campus, local and national news, sports and features. The Stater publishes on Monday and Wednesday and publishes an entertainment section on Thursdays. PR majors can write, design and edit for the Stater, as well as implement social media and marketing as a part of the marketing team. TV2: TV2 is Portage County’s only local television station. TV2 reaches more than 26,000 homes on Time Warner Cable channel 16 and more than 7,500 Kent State students on campus television channel 2-2. The station is also streamed live at www.TV2KSU.com. TV2 is Kent State's source for anything the Kent community wants to know. PR majors can be on air, work behind the scenes and produce for TV2, as well as implement social media and marketing as part of the marketing team. KentWired: KentWired.com is the hub of all Kent State student media. Featuring top news, entertainment, community and campus news, sports and video, KentWired is the place to turn to for everything Kent. The site also features classifieds, daily podcasts, newscasts and live streams to TV2 and Black Squirrel Radio. PR majors can write and edit for KentWired, as well as implement social media and marketing as part of the marketing team. Black Squirrel Radio: Black Squirrel Radio (BSR) is a student-run radio station located on the main campus of Kent State University. Known for its large selection of urban, rock and local music, BSR also showcases numerous local bands and entertainers for in-studio performances and interviews. BSR is available via www.blacksquirrelradio.com, as well as several stream options. BSR has a popular following with more than 3,200 Twitter followers and 3,000 Facebook fans. PR majors can host a show on BSR, as well as implement social media and marketing as part of the marketing team. Kent State University Independent Films: Kent State University Independent Films (KSUIF) is a production company and student organization that allows students with a passion for film to gain real-world experience. KSUIF works as a student-run production company, producing a wide variety of content including webseries, short films, award-winning music videos, documentaries, TV shows and feature films. PR majors can assist with production of films, as well as event planning and marketing as part of the marketing team. A Magazine: A Magazine is Kent State's publication for all things fashion, beauty and culture on campus and beyond. A focuses on both women's and men's fashion and has a companion website that is updated regularly, providing students with the latest fashion industry and more. PR majors can write, edit and design for A Magazine, as well as assist with event planning and marketing as part of the marketing team. The Burr: The Burr, an independent, award-winning magazine and its companion website, burr.com, allows students the opportunities to do original reporting and write feature articles and personal essays. PR majors can write, edit and design for The Burr, as well as assist with event planning and marketing as part of the marketing team. Fusion, Kent State's first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning magazine, has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for excellence. PR majors can write, edit and design for Fusion as well as assist with event planning and marketing as part of the marketing team. Luna Negra, Kent State's literary publication, offers a blend of poetry, prose, photography and illustration. PR majors can write and edit for Luna Negra, as well as assist with event planning and marketing as part of the marketing team. Uhuru is an award-winning magazine focused on matters concerning minorities, with an emphasis on the Pan-African experience. PR majors can write, edit and design for Uhuru, as well as assist with event planning and marketing as part of the marketing team. For more information about student media opportunities, visit http://www.kent.edu/jmc/student-media-1. Work for Her Campus. Her Campus Kent State is a national online magazine for college women and professional development. We publish editorial and social media content on a weekly basis and hold campus wide events. At Kent State, there is an editorial team, social media team and event planning team. Her Campus focuses on empowering college women to feel confident about their academic career by creating a community on campus that helps develop social and professional skills needed to help you feel ready and confident in taking that next step toward your career. At Her Campus Kent State, you learn valuable skills, build your portfolio and resume, network with your peers and industry professionals and have the support of a national organization. At the same time you also become part of a close knit group of women right here at Kent State. Beyond your individual team responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to participate in team bonding events and our on and off campus events. For more information about Her Campus Kent State, visit http://www.hercampus.com/school/kent-state. Work as the PR director for a student org. Almost all student organizations recognize the importance of good public relations and community outreach and have at least one position on its executive board dedicated to it. Being on the executive board of a student organization is a great way to gain leadership experience, while also using the skills you learn in your PR classes in a real-world situation. For more information about Kent State’s more than 350 student organizations, visit http://www.kent.edu/csi/student-organizations. Work at the Writing Commons. Kent State’s Library has a writing commons located on the 4th floor. It gives students the opportunity to get help on all kinds of writing assignments, no matter what the class or topic. Working as a writing tutor not only helps other students write better, but improves your writing as well. Becoming a writing tutor can be very rewarding. It also is a good leadership/teaching experience to put on your resume! You can also gain experience with social media and event planning by joining the marketing committee. For more information about the Writing Commons, visit http://www.kent.edu/writingcommons. Become a Campus Rep. Many large corporations hire students as campus representatives to interact with students and raise awareness of their brand. Some of these include Amazon, Victoria’s Secret PINK and Starbucks. By becoming a campus brand rep, you can gain experience with social media, media relations and event planning. For a glimpse into the life of a campus rep, check out current Victoria’s Secret PINK campus rep Taylor Pierce’s blog post about brand training: http://www.prssakent.com/blog/prkent-at-pink-campus-representative-brand-training. Hanna Moore is a senior public relations major and PRSSA Kent’s web and social media manager. Contact her at [email protected].
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By Nicole Zahn “Oh you’re majoring in public relations…what is that?” If I had a dollar for every time someone gave me a confused look or questioned me when I told them I’m majoring in PR, I wouldn’t need a degree. When explaining to friends and family what exactly Public Relations is, I instantly think back to the Principles of Public Relations course I took freshman year and fish through the numerous definitions. According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” Simple enough. Once explained, some friends and family act as if they know exactly what I’m talking about, but I can tell they still don’t. That is when I resort to the infamous Chipotle E.coli example. “Do you remember when Chipotle had the E.coli outbreak and they closed for a day to re-analyze their company?” That’s when I see a light bulb turn on. Public Relations is not only benefiting or fixing a company’s image to its public, but also keeping those relationships they have with them. Many people have negative perceptions about PR professionals, stating that we SPIN information and participate in unfairness. That certainly is not that case today. When speaker Cheryl Lambert, Ph.D. spoke at the PRSSA “How It’s Handled” meeting Wednesday, she explained how she breaks down PR to her friends and family (who many to this day still ask her what she does). “I usually explain PR as a magazine,” said Lambert. The cover of the magazine can be viewed as public relations and the back of the magazine is more of the advertising. The front cover is the story that was pitched to the media by a public relations professional, which has more credibility with the general public. The back of the magazine, advertising, is the result of advertisers, who have more control over their message, but less credibility. When the E.coli crisis communication occurred at Chipotle, public relations professionals researched and conducted a plan to keep its customers happy. At first, they didn’t try to cover up their mistake. They admitted to the issue during a press conference, following the closing of more than 2,000 Chipotle restaurants. This bold action proved to the public how serious they were about the situation. Their second plan of action: Chipotle announced a $10 million program that would help local food suppliers understand new safety regulations and offered fully paid sick days to its employees. The third part of the plan: Bringing their customers back into the store. What better way to do that? Free lunch. Chipotle offered a free burrito to anyone who texted “rain check”. The Chipotle example is just one of millions of PR crisis communication strategies that provides an adequate example of what those PR professionals may do. We engage, we communicate, we build relationships, we plan, and most importantly, we create. Nicole Zahn is a junior public relations major and PRSSA Kent's VP of Fundraising and Community Outreach. Contact her at [email protected]. Erin Zaranec, President What’s your major and minor(s)? I am a Public Relations major who is infamously known for declaring (and dropping) seven different minors during the first three years of my undergraduate career. Where are you from? My hometown is Brunswick, Ohio. What year are you in school? I am a senior graduating in Spring 2017. What’s something most people don’t know about you? I have an unhealthy obsession with Fall scented candles and never light less than five of them at once. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? This summer I attended PRSSA National’s Leadership Rally in Scottsdale, Arizona, with approximately 100 other Chapter Presidents. Leadership Rally allowed me to represent our Chapter and learn about best practices and national trends for PRSSA Chapters. I had the chance to meet people from across the country who I can’t wait to reunite with in November at PRSSA’s National Conference in Indianapolis! What’s your Starbucks order? My go-to is a caramel iced coffee with light ice and soy milk… but the second the leaves change I basically live off of pumpkin iced coffee and / or Pumpkin Spice Lattes (all with soy!) Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? I have a love / hate relationship with calling Franklin Hall my second home. Between PRSSA and working for The Kent Stater, it’s not uncommon for me to spend more time in Franklin than I do with my own roommates… but it is a such a beautiful building full of such great people, so I can’t complain! Brenna Parker, VP of Professional Relations What’s your major and minor(s)? Public Relations and Visual Journalism Where are you from? Columbus, Ohio What year are you in school? Senior What’s something most people don’t know about you? I was a child actor. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? Meeting my best friends and attending National Conference in Atlanta. What’s your Starbucks order? Oprah Chai Tea -- I don’t always drink Starbucks, but when I do I want to give back to girls education. Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? I love walking downtown. Brittney Prather, VP of Membership What’s your major and minor(s)? Public Relations major with Marketing and Fashion Media minors Where are you from? Originally Chicago, but recently moved to Michigan What year are you in school? Junior What’s something most people don’t know about you? That I went to State 3 times for Track and Field What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? My favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far was the Cavs game that we got to attend! What’s your Starbucks order? S'mores Frappuccino Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? My favorite place to hang would probably be the walking path down behind Ray’s Place and the train tracks Gabrielle Gentile, VP of PR What’s your major and minor(s)? Public Relations Where are you from? I went to high school at Dublin Coffman in Dublin, Ohio, and I live in Rocky River now on the west side of Cleveland. What year are you in school? Super Senior--doing my victory lap! What’s something most people don’t know about you? I am a really big runner and am running the Columbus Half Marathon in October. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? My Favorite memory of PRSSA Kent is going to the Cavs game with the team and watching the game from the First Energy box. What’s your Starbucks order? I actually don’t really like Starbucks or Chipotle for that matter *pause for gasp* Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? Franklin Hall is my home. Since I am commuting to Kent now, If I am in Kent I’m in Franklin. Nicole Zahn, VP of Fundraising and Community Outreach What’s your major and minor(s)? Public Relations major; Marketing minor Where are you from? The 412 baby! (Pittsburgh) What year are you in school? Junior What’s something most people don’t know about you? I love to cook and bake. I used to want to go to culinary school and become a pastry chef. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? Attending a Cleveland Cavaliers game in a box suite where we were able to network with PR professionals. Such a cool experience and amazing opportunity! What’s your Starbucks order? I don’t usually drink Starbucks but if I do it’s a simple black coffee or a lemonade iced green tea. Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? The trails behind University Edge. Perfect place to run or sit by the reservoir when you need a break from studies. Alyse Rohloff, Intercampus Liaison What’s your major and minor(s)? I’m Public Relations major with a Fashion Media minor Where are you from? I’m from Toledo, Ohio, but more specifically Northwood, Ohio What year are you in school? I’m a senior and I’m very sad about it! What’s something most people don’t know about you? I was a cheerleader from fifth grade until I was a senior in high school (which no one ever seems to believe). My team placed second in the state my senior year. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? My favorite memory has definitely been going to National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. It was such a great experience to not only get closer with other PRSSA Kent members, but also members of other chapters around the nation. I loved meeting so many people and being able to explore Atlanta. What’s your Starbucks order? My favorite drink is actually only offered in the fall but, contrary to most, it’s the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino! Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? Although I love being around my friends and seeing classmates around campus, at the end of the day, I love to just go home to my four roommates at our house in the woods (we call it the Pink Flamingo). Hanna Moore, Web and Social Media Manager What’s your major and minor(s)? I am a Public Relations major, with minors in Marketing and Information Design. Where are you from? I am from North Olmsted, which is a suburb on the West side of Cleveland. What year are you in school? I am a senior, graduating in May 2017. What’s something most people don’t know about you? I won my school-wide spelling bee when I was in 6th grade. It was the first and only spelling bee the school had ever held, so I am still the reigning champion to this day! The moment I won was the beginning of my obsession with spelling and grammar. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? I have really enjoyed going to National Conference for three years and getting to explore new cities with some of my best friends. Last year, I got to explore the Georgia Aquarium and CNN’s Atlanta headquarters, which I never would have done without PRSSA! What’s your Starbucks order? Typically, I order a grande caramel iced coffee with sweetener and nonfat milk, but during the fall, I always order a salted caramel mocha. Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? If I’m not at class, work or my apartment, there is a good chance you can find me at Fresco or Dunkin Donuts. Meghan McDonald, Secretary What’s your major and minor(s)? Public Relations major, Criminal Justice minor Where are you from? Canton, Ohio What year are you in school? Junior What’s something most people don’t know about you? I’m terrified of bats. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? Getting elected onto the executive board. It gave me the opportunity to get closer with the rest of executive board professionally and on a friendship level. It feels really good to be a part of something. What’s your Starbucks order? Peppermint Mocha :) Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? Starbucks. Daniel Henderson, Treasurer What’s your major and minor(s)? I am a Public Relations major with a minor in Political Science Where are you from? I am from Believeland, more specifically Solon, Ohio What year are you in school? This is my senior year, but I still have that victory lap to look forward to. What’s something most people don’t know about you? So, most people know that I am a Democrat, and I’m a bleeding-heart liberal. What they don’t know, is that I used to be very different. I was actually the president of my High School’s Young Conservatives Club, and planned on running for political office as a Republican. What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? Last year was my first year in PRSSA and as my first year as a PR major, so I didn’t know very many people. However, After the Government PR session last year, I ended up staying after for a while talking to the then-president of PRSSA about politics and The West Wing and the best city in the world (Washington DC). Her and I have stayed pretty close since then... What’s your Starbucks order? When I’m ordering for me? A Grande Mocha. If I’m ordering for my girlfriend? A salted caramel Mocha Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? Professor Smith’s office. She always has snacks and the conversation is always lively. You will always leave her office feeling inspired and ready to take on the world. Hannah Wagner, Editor What’s your major and minor(s)? Public Relations with a minor in Marketing Where are you from? Wickliffe, Ohio What year are you in school? Sophomore What’s something most people don’t know about you? I did gymnastics for eight years! I ended up quitting because I broke my toe and had to wear a cast for a few weeks! What is your favorite PRSSA Kent memory so far? Being on the YouToo Social Media Conference committee. I was able to network with a lot of professionals in the area and grow closer to the girls in PRSSA! What’s your Starbucks order? My order changes with the season. I have no shame ordering a pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha latte. Other than holidays, I usually get an iced vanilla coffee. Where’s your favorite place to hang out around Kent? I really enjoy hanging out in the CUE. I love the constant smell of coffee in the air along with the natural light from the big windows. At the beginning of August, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend PRSSA’s New York Alumni and Interns Summer Reception at its headquarters located in Manhattan’s beautiful Financial District. The evening was filled with great food, refreshments and conversations surrounding the public relations field. I met many seasoned PR professionals, as well as young PR professionals at the beginning of their careers. It was interesting to hear each individual’s career path and learn about other PRSSA chapters throughout the country. I walked away from the event with an awesome goodie bag, new friends, mentors and perspectives about my own journey within the field of public relations. I believe networking events are some of the most powerful ways young PR professionals can take the next steps in their careers. With that being said, it is important to make the most out of these networking opportunities, especially in larger cities. Here are some quick tips that will help you gain the most value out of future networking experiences: 1. Arrive prepared. This is the most important tip I can give you when prepping you for a networking event. Prior to an event, polish and print your business cards, as well as résumé. You never know who will ask you for your contact and experience information. Even if someone doesn’t directly ask you for your business card or résumé, offer him or her your information anyway. Consider preparing a 30-second elevator pitch about yourself to further impress professionals at an event. 2. Dress to impress. Professionalism is key. Although some networking events may be held in more laid back settings, such as cocktail hours, it is still important to look your best and display professionalism. Always act, speak and present yourself with professionalism to gain credibility and show others how serious you are about your career. I recommend asking event officials what attire is preferred prior to an event date. Business casual attire is usually a safe option. 3. Be confident. Don’t be afraid to engage with each individual at a networking event. Exude confidence by walking around the room and speaking with everyone. It is crucial to step outside of your comfort zone and show you have the personality to communicate with a diverse group of people. Kent State University’s PR Program has prepared you to stand out in the competitive world of PR, so show everyone the strength and versatility of a Kent State degree. 4. Ask questions. Never be afraid to ask questions. You never know when a simple question may lead to a future job opportunity. Seasoned PR professionals appreciate curiosity and critical thinking about the industry. I encourage individuals to think of two or three possible questions they want answered prior to attending a networking event; these may be broad or specific questions. Enter an event with a purpose. 5. Follow-up. PR is about cultivating genuine relationships. After a networking event, reach out to the individuals that you met, in order to continue conversations and further professional relationships. I also encourage you to connect with your newly acquired contacts via LinkedIn or other social media platforms. Reconnect with individuals within a week of a networking event to ensure you stay fresh in their minds. Victoria Manenti is a senior public relations major and marketing minor. Contact her at [email protected]. By Taylor Pierce When I joined the Kent State PINK Street Team last fall I never knew how much it was going to impact my life. Kent State PINK is a group of girls led by two PINK Campus Representatives, which work to promote brand awareness on campus through different events, giveaways and activities. I always knew I loved the PINK brand, but never realized how passionate I felt about it. After spending a year on the street team, I began to realize that PINK was a company I could see myself working for after graduation. I absolutely fell in love with the brand, and when it came time to apply for a Campus Representative position I did not hesitate! When I found out I was selected as one of the two PINK Campus Representatives for the 2016-2017 school year I was beyond excited! As a Campus Representative it is my job to work with my co-rep, Melissa Spetich, to promote the PINK brand on the Kent campus. We plan to do this by hosting fun events, giveaways and different activities scattered throughout the school year. We will also be recruiting a Campus Team to help us out this year! Campus Rep Brand Certification took place last week in Downtown Columbus, Ohio, and was easily one of the best weeks of my life! We learned all about the PINK brand, and how to spread awareness of it across our campus. We also learned what it truly means to be a PINK girl, plus tons of tips on how to increase involvement with the brand on campus. The week was filled with a bunch of PINK surprises, including meeting PINK model Rachel Hilbert, an appearance by the PINK pop-up shop bus, a private shopping event and tons of other fun activities! One of my favorite parts of the experience was the Campus Rep 101 training course, where we learned how to be the best Campus Reps ever. Another awesome part of Brand Certification was being featured on the official Victoria’s Secret PINK Snapchat! I was so nervous, and had to take like five different snaps before I finally posted one, but it was so much fun! It was super cool to me, because that’s the same account that the PINK models are featured on. The snaps on that account get thousands of views, so my co-rep and I were basically famous for a day. You can stay updated on everything PINK by following us on social media. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat through the username ‘KentStatePINK’ to make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun during the school year. We are really eager for the school year to start and are already planning fun ways to get Kent girls excited about the brand. We plan to have a table set up during Blast Off on August 28th for girls to stop by and learn all about Kent State PINK! Taylor Pierce is a junior public relations major at Kent State and a member of PRSSA Kent. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @taayyp or Instagram @taayp. Kent State PINK Social Media Handles: Facebook: Kent State Pink Twitter: @KentStatePINK Instagram: @kentstatepink Snapchat: KentStatePink |
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