PRecedentPublic Relations Student Society of America

Issue Three November 30, 2011 The University of Georgia Drewry Chapter http://ugaprssa.org

India Pender

As the clock keeps ticking, we all wish we knew the secrets to landing that first job or internship. During the “Six Months In” session

at this year’s ADPR Connection, professionals shared the inside scoop about the first few months on the job. Here’s a recap of some tips for setting yourself apart.

The session was led by three recent Grady graduates: Chelsea Gattung from JWT Atlanta, Michael Gray from Porter Novelli and Nicole Foo from the Atlanta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

When asked how they set themselves apart, panelists agreed that their hard work and determination impressed managers When interviewing, Gattung recommended being comfortable and confident. “Self-confidence is huge. Don’t ever doubt yourself,” she said.

Next, each panelist shared common newcomer mistakes to avoid. Gattung said small things such as basic grammar errors in press releases were often overlooked. Foo said that she tried to figure things out on her own instead of tapping into the groundswell of knowledge and support from her co-workers. Gray wished he had put more effort in crafting cover letters to express his

skills and set himself apart.At the end of the session, each panelist offered some advice for those about to enter the job search. All three panelists agreed that living at home after college was a smart and cost effective plan. Gray also

said that if you don’t have a job immediately following graduation, enjoy the break

and take the time to figure out where you really want to be; “Don’t settle for a job offer you’re not passionate about,” he advised.

“The Six Months In” session was a great opportunity to learn from professionals and

gain insights for getting ahead in our first jobs. Thank you to the Grady graduates and ADPR Connection staff who gave us the inside scoop!

Six Months In

Chelsea Gattung, Michael Gray and Nicole Foo, all recent Grady grads, talked about their first few months on the job.

A look at an ADPR Connection panel

Self-confidence is huge. Don’t ever doubt yourself.

4

JuneJuly } Brainstorm

event, ideas and theme

August{Determine

theme, budget and timeline;

form committees

Sept. 27}

Invite professionals for career fair, determine total cost

of Tate, finalize workshop participants, finalize event logo

Oct. 4 {

Finalize budget, create registration, create invitations, create wordpress,

facebook and twitter

Oct. 11{Registration goes live, send out formal invitations, distribute fliers, design the program, purchase gift bags for professionals

ADPR Connection Timeline

Look Behind the Scenes:

Scott Williamson, Coca Cola, was a panelist at the “Branding You” session.

A career fair was held after the workshops where students could network with professionals and hand out their resumés and business cards.

When attending a career fair and networking event, we often never stop to think about all the planning and effort behind it. It’s easy to overlook the fact that there are people who

spend days, weeks or even months of their time to make sure that the day goes smoothly. However, as public relations students, event planning is one of many tasks we will likely have to do in the future, so, we need to pay attention to these behind the scene details.

With ADPR Connection now behind us, it seems appropriate to look back at the amount of time students spent planning this event before it took place on November 8.

Organizing an event like ADPR Connection is no small feat. For those of you who were not able to attend, it consisted of nine sessions of workshops paneled by professionals, resume critiques, a career fair of close to 50 companies and an optional mixer held downtown.

There were many components necessary for the success of ADPR Connection. The event’s three co-directors Paula Bryant, Katelyn Fish and Paige Garson began the initial planning for the November event mid-summer and later called upon four committees to help execute their ideas. Dr. Jones and Dr. Strausbaugh served as the faculty sponsors and were there in case questions or problems arose.

In August the event’s theme, budget, timeline and committee members were set. However, from there came the more difficult part.

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Oct. 18

TimelineContinued...{

Secure panel speaker bios, design nametags, send out press release, continue posting on facebook and twitter

Nov. 1}

Registration closed, finalize numbers with

Tate and Catering Company, send reminder

emial to professionals

Nov. 7

{Reminder email to students, print and assemble programs and name tags

Nov. 8}

Day of event! All committees and co-directors arrive at 9 a.m. and event begins at 11 a.m.

ADPR Connection 2011

Recent Grady grads Michael Gray and Courtney Garmhaus returned to share about their new job

experiences and life after Grady.

PRSSA Professional advisor Jessica Laiti represented Cox Enterprises at the career fair.

In the two months leading up to the event, directors had to execute plans and secure professional participants. This is when stress began to sink in for all involved.

Each of the co-directors emphasized that what people didn’t see in attending the event was the stress behind it. Perhaps the most stressful were the situations that were simply out of their control entirely.

“It was hard to deal with professionals calling and canceling last minute, but that’s how the industry works. It’s fast paced and more important things come up,” Garson said.

However, during the event no one could have sensed anxiety. The day ran smoothly, which is truly a testament to the level of work Grady students are capable of putting forth.

Despite the stress, countless emails to professionals and many, many meetings, those involved in ADPR Connection’s planning were satisfied with their decision to take on this project. Even more rewarding was the positive response to the event. Several professionals were so kind as to say that this was one of the best and well-run professional events they had been to in years.

Bryant said of her and the two other co-directors, “We managed, we delegated and were really stressed out at times, but together, with all of the committees, we were able to make an awesome event possible.”

Hailee Sosnowski

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Hey Mom and Dad,

I’m sending a big hug from Athens. I only have one m

ore

week of classes and I’m star ting to study for finals. I’m

pretty sure I will end up with at least three A’s. I have

been spending a lot of time applying for internsh

ips for

next semester. I wanted to give you a few ideas for gifts

for this holiday season. All of these are items I will need

as I star t my new career. I included QR codes so you can

just scan them with your phone and it will take you to the

website.

Upgrade my PRSSA membership to professional PRSA $60

This Erin Condren life planner is the best $50

To improve my SEO skills,

I need to get my Google cer tification $50

A professional headshot for my

por tfolio and social media profiles $20

Apple iPad $499

The PR Holiday Wish List

2011 AP Stylebook $23 Love you &

see you soon!

website.

Apple iPad $499

To improve my SEO skills,

Elizabeth Hagin 3

PRSSA Alums: Take advantage of every opportunity

Washington D.C. Agency TourFebruary 22-25, 2012Who: 16 PRSSA membersWhat: A trip to network with PR professionals, communicators and government offi cialsWhy: Students will experience the competi ti ve environment surrounding public policy and learn the importance of eff ecti ve communicati on while shadowing professionals in agencies, nonprofi ts and government offi ces.Apply: Submit an applicati on, essay and $100 deposit. Snap a photo of the QR code below to go to the UGA PRSSA website and then to forms to fi nd more informati on and the applicati on.Deadline: January 11, 2011

PRSSA is an extremely benefi cial organizati on to be a part of, and UGA alumni can defi nitely att est to this. Michael Gray, past PRSSA president, and Courtney Garmhaus,

past PRSSA executi ve board member had some interesti ng thoughts and advice to share with current PRSSA members.

PRSSA is a great way to meet people both within the UGA student body, as well as all over the country. “My favorite parts about being in PRSSA were the friendships and connecti ons I made with students in Grady and around the country. PRSSA provides numerous opportuniti es to get out there and meet people from all over,” Gray said.

PRSSA is also a great way to network and even meet possible future employers. “The connecti ons I made through PRSSA are the reasons I have my fantasti c job,” Garmhaus said. Both Gray and Garmhaus stressed how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity that PRSSA has to off er, such as att ending Professional Connecti on, because these opportuniti es could very well jump-start your career.

There are many trips that the organizati on off ers including the PRSSA Nati onal Conference and the Washington D.C. Agency Tour. Gray was parti cularly enthusiasti c about both of these. “PRSSA Nati onal Conference, though expensive, is the trip of a lifeti me. You get to meet so many people and learn some really fantasti c things, while having a blast,” Gray said. “Also, absolutely go on the D.C. Agency Tour. That trip was

one of the most amazing opportuniti es I had as a student. You get to traverse around D.C., and the connecti ons you make are invaluable.” Networking possibiliti es while having a good ti me? What are you waiti ng for? GO!

Creati ve Consultants is another great feature of PRSSA. Garmhaus shared that it is one of the best ways that you can begin to immerse yourself in the public relati ons fi eld. “It’s great to receive that extra educati on outside the classroom,” she said. It provided her with valuable experience that she was able to bring along to her current job.

What were Gray and Garmhaus’s fi nal pieces of advice? “Bring passion to everything you do, and don’t sett le for something you don’t truly love. As scary as the market looks now, there are always opportuniti es to get involved in what you love, and it all goes back to networking,“ Gray said. As for Garmhaus, “Being a member of PRSSA shows drive, ambiti on and interest in your fi eld. Stay involved and learn as much as you can because it will truly benefi t you when you enter the work force. I felt 100 percent prepared to begin my career aft er graduati on because of my experience in PRSSA.”

PRSSA’s infl uence on both Gray and Garmhaus reveals its importance as an organizati on. Make sure to stay involved in PRSSA while here at UGA because you never know what kinds of opportuniti es will come your way! Jillian Davis

“You get to traverse around D.C., and the connecti ons you make are invaluable.”–Michael Gray commenti ng on the D.C. Agency Tour

2

Rewind and Recall

Th e purple door is open

This semester has been an incredibly benefi cial and exciti ng experience with PRSSA. With each meeti ng we

have heard speakers who provided valuable informati on, pertaining to both new and veteran members.

The fi rst meeti ng featured Sydney Carroll from Lockheed Marti n. She briefed us on the Communicati ons Leadership Development Program, an amazing opportunity for any senior graduati ng this December or May.

At the second meeti ng, we heard from Brad Dodge, who is the CEO of Dodge Communicati ons and from Kaitlyn Dennihy from Engauge, and became more informed about digital media. This meeti ng was especially eye-opening seeing as Kaitlyn Dennihy is a PR graduate from UGA.

On October 19, we learned all about professional development. Marian Higgins from the Career Center and Debra Lassiter from Perfectly Polished taught us how to develop our careers while in college, along with the proper business eti quett e we should have in today’s world. Both of these women are valuable resources to use when enrolled at a university.

On November 2, Courtney Rembert from Jackson Spalding, Leslie Emanuele Thompson from Three and Christi na Schrempp, a senior PR student and former intern of Three, told us about working at an agency. This meeti ng

focused on obtaining internships, perfecti ng our resume and writi ng an eff ecti ve cover lett er.

At our most recent, we heard from Rob Baskin, president of Weber Shandwick Atlanta, and UGA graduate Mai-Lise Nguyen, who works for the same company in New York This meeti ng catered to anyone interested in learning about agency PR and possibly obtaining a career in New York.

Each of these meeti ngs was a valuable learning experience that us something valuable to take with us in our future endeavors.

The last meeti ng on November 30 will honor all PRSSA members, which may just make it our most important meeti ng of the semester. Without our amazing members, who are so moti vated and work so hard for this organizati on, UGA’s PRSSA would not be what it is today. All of our members are always engaged and ask questi ons when we hear from speakers at our meeti ngs; this is what keeps all of these presti gious professionals coming back year aft er year. A big thanks goes out to all of you, especially our executi ve board, without whom none of this would be possible. Lexy Farris

A review of this semesters’ professional speakers and topics

I had arrived at my news writi ng lab a few minutes early when, pen in hand, I casually asked my classmates if any of them knew Dr.

Diane Miller. One breath later, I could barely write fast enough.

“She’s so helpful!” “She completely talked me through getti ng into Grady.” “I love her—she’s the best!”

Dr. Miller is the Director of Undergraduate Services in Grady. Put another way, she’s the leader of the “A-Team.”

“There are a lot of things that separate Grady from all the other schools and colleges at UGA, and our advising staff is one of those things,” Barry Hollander, associate professor of Journalism, said. “Our advisors are amazing, and Diane Miller may be the most amazing of them all.”

Miller fi rst came to UGA in 1992 as a doctorate student. Years later she returned to get a second master’s degree in counseling. She has worked as an advisor in the speech communicati on department, the Honors Program and now Grady.

Working with students one-on-one is Miller’s passion, and she always encourages them to come to her with their questi ons and

problems. “They may not get what they want necessarily, but they will feel cared about and respected and heard—whether or not I can actually fi x whatever problem they have,” Miller said. More oft en than not, however, Miller does fi nd a soluti on for the students who come to her—and she’ll do back fl ips if necessary.

Senior Meagan Kelley said she gives Miller all the credit for getti ng her into PR—coaching her on her statement of interest and advising her throughout the chaoti c process of discovering the right major. “Dr. Miller has a heart of service and it is obvious to see her love and dedicati on for pre-Grady and Grady students,” Kelley said.

She even extends her helpful spirit to pre-UGA students. Before she transferred to UGA, PR major Jessica Joris made an appointment with Miller to make sure she was on track for her Grady major. They stayed in contact throughout the gauntlet of applicati ons. Even now that Joris has sett led in, she sti ll stops by Miller’s offi ce simply to say hello and update her on what’s going on in her life.

No matt er the reason, the door of Miller’s offi ce, painted her favorite shade of purple, is always open to anyone who knocks.

“I just want Grady students and pre-Grady students to know me and to always feel like there’s someone they can turn to,” she said. Christine Boddy

PR Students praise Diane Miller for her dedication to them and all Grady and pre-Grady students

7

Informative blogs to add to your subscription lists:Well, Thanksgiving break is over. Back to the last projects and papers of the semester before we start stressing over fi nals. This four week stretch at the end of the year can be a lot of work and seem to last forever. If you feel like your brain is about to explode and would like a distracti on, here are some great blogs to follow that focus on PR, marketi ng, and other social media. Hey, it’s a cool way to be producti ve while not actually studying.

NYC PR Girls:

This is a fun blog maintained by three 20-something New York women,

all of whom work in the PR world. The entries are smartly writt en,

personal and give an exciti ng look into what working public relati ons in New York is like. They showcase

their favorite blogs, talk about internship disasters and post tons of

behind-the-scene pictures.

R Squared:

http://nycprgirls.com/

Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. This blog focuses mostly on insights in marketi ng and social media, relaying jaw-dropping informati on concerning the industries. For example, one entry discusses the future of adverti sing and explains only corporati ons with losing

products will buy into ads as social media slowly becomes the eff ortless

adverti sing of the future.

Ponder on that.

http://someprtips.wordpress.com/

http://www.pr-squared.com/

Social Media PR Tips:

The PR Coach:

This blog focuses on ti ps of the PR trade. It follows current PR events/disasters,

as well as how the PR job market is evolving and how you can adapt. One blog entry

in parti cular, writt en by the “coach,” addressed the “10 PR Truths” that can make anyone into

a public relati ons pro.

#9: Tend to the details- sweati ng the small stuff is a habit.

http://www.theprcoach.com/pr-blog/

One of the more informati onal and useful blogs I’ve read, it follows both social

media and public relati ons, and breaks down its specifi c areas. Author Lance Kissler gives

advice on how to be human, diligent, relevant and thoughtf ul while using the diff erent

aspects of social media. Example, “Develop a persona; have a consistent voice if possible.

Be playful, but professional, matching your brand’s communicati on style.”

Sarah Bailey

Fall Schedule: Tate 480, 6:30 p.m.Nov. 30: Member Appreciation

2012 Important Dates:Jan. 11: D.C. Agency Tour Applications dueFeb. 17: Real World ConferenceFeb. 22-25: D.C. Agency Tour

Happy Holidays from the PRSSA e-board! Good luck on your fi nals and have a wonderful holiday break!

If you want any blogs published over the Holidays, email them to meaganrkelley@gmail.com or Kef2012@gmail.com

PR ecedent

2011-2012PRSSAExecutive Board

PresidentCarly Nashcarlynash@gmail.com@carlynashVice PresidentSarah Varnersarah.varner89@gmail.com@sarahvarnerCreative Consultants Director Hannah Berlehannahberle@gmail.com@hberleTreasurer Dave Adamsjdadams@uga.edu@daveadamzSocial Media DirectorKatelyn FishKef2012@gmail.comPR DirectorHeather Kevernhkevern@gmail.com@HLKevernHistorian Katie Strasbergkstrasberg@gmail.com @kstrasberg89

Publications EditorMeagan Kelleymeaganrkelley@gmail.com@mrkelley

SecretaryTina Theriaulttinat.mtr@gmail.com@tinatheriault

Faculty AdvisorDr. Betty Jonesbetjones@grady.uga.eduCreative Consultants AdvisorKristen SmithKMSmith@uga.edeProfessional AdvisorJessica Laitijessica.laiti@coxinc.com@jlaiti

8

Kelsea OlsonTwitter

Tweets:For a sati rical approach to AP style, @fakeapstylebook off ers a laugh (or two) during a hecti c day of cramming for fi nals. “If you’re worried about having

no exploding turkey story to run, put trace amounts of C4 in your editor’s deep fryer.”

@fakeapstylebook

“Will Ferrell company GARY SANCHEZ PRODUCTIONS hiring #intern in #LA”

@internsushi

Follow @internsushi and visit their website, internsushi.com, for a new approach to snagging dream internships and jobs in one of the four citi es they cover: NY, LA, CHI and SF.

@gradykidproblem provides a place to vent about the hiccups of being a Grady student, which are oft en very funny, and very true. Follow them for a comical reassurance that you are not the only one with “Grady kid problems.”

“PR Coordinator Needed ASAP!!!!! at Creati ve Group (Atlanta, GA) #PRjobs #Atlanta”

@PRjobsAtlanta

If interested in pursuing a future career in the Atlanta area, @PRjobsAtlanta supplies a number of PR job leads, as well as resume and interview ti ps.

“Grady advising is moving? But I already can’t fi nd the offi ce…”

@gradykidproblem