Marist College PRSSA Hosts Al Golin Skype Session for PRSA/PRSSA National Ethics Month

Al Golin Speaks to Students About PR Ethics; Live Tweeted with #MCOM347

MARIST COLLEGE PRSSA HOSTS AL GOLIN SKYPE SESSION

FOR PRSA/PRSSA NATIONAL ETHICS MONTH

Marist College Communication Students Participate in Q&A Session with Industry Legend

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (Sept. 21, 2014) — The Marist College Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted industry legend Al Golin on September 17 for an interactive Q&A session titled, “Trust and Relationship-Building,” in support of PRSA/PRSSA National Ethics Month.

Al Golin is founder and chairman of Golin, a leading large-sized public relations agency with more than 35 offices around the world. He is credited with coining the term "Trust Bank" as well as authored the book, "Trust or Consequences." He has been recognized with numerous industry awards during his more than 55-year career including the Public Relations Society of America Gold Anvil, the Arthur W. Page Society Hall of Fame Award and the Alexander Hamilton Medal from the Institute for Public Relations. He also was named one of the "100 most influential public relations people of the 20th century" by industry trade magazine PR Week.

The hour-long Skype session moderated by PRSSA Faculty Adviser Jennie Donohue covered topics including Golin’s revolutionary “Trust Bank” concept, the importance of transparency and business ethics, as well as the need to build interpersonal relationships in today’s high-tech, low-touch culture. Golin left students with a reminder to “be curious, knowledgeable, stay current and be well-rounded.”  He also highlighted that embracing change is necessary and doing the unexpected—in a strategic way—is a good thing.

Approximately 50 students from the Marist College School of Communication and the Arts attended the event, which was live tweeted using the hashtags #MCOM347 and #MaristPRSSA. More than half of the students in attendance were active PRSSA members. The Marist College PRSSA Chapter also used this event as a recruiting opportunity to gain new members for the 2014-2015 academic year.

About Marist PRSSA

The Marist Red Foxes PRSSA Chapter was founded in 2006. Now in its eighth year, it has more than 100 members and conducts a variety of events to help foster a clear understanding of the public relations industry and prepare members for life after graduation. Follow Marist PRSSA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Blogspot and Pinterest.

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Contact:

Jennie Donohue | Faculty Adviser | Jennie.Donohue@Marist.edu

Julianna Sheridan | Director of Public Relations for Marist PRSSA | Julianna.Sheridan1@Marist.edu

5 Ways to Revamp Your Resume

Image from Flickr

1. Consider the job that you are applying for: Every job is different and your resume should reflect the field that you want to work in. For instance, in creative industries you can rework your resume to reflect your aesthetic while still keeping it professional. You always want the most relevant and important work that you have done at the top.

Tip: Keep an eye out on job listings for “required skills” and if you possess any of them, use the keywords in your resume to help stand out when online software is looking for specific words.

2. Focus on accomplishments, not just duties: Employers want numbers and goals. Show them that you can meet benchmarks. The more numbers you can include the better because it serves as a reinforcement of your personal traits. It shows what you can bring to the company and your ability to problem-solve.

Image from Buzzfeed

3.  Use “power vocabulary”: Make every bullet an action and avoid clichéd words. Use industry specific terms to show knowledge. Check out this list of power words that can help you. On a very important note, always proofread for grammar and spelling mistakes.

4. Include modern elements: We live in a digital era, so it is important to highlight any skills that you have, especially with social media. If you’re comfortable, create a digital resume that links to your blog, portfolio, LinkedIn, Twitter and any other relevant accounts. The key is not to overdo it and keep it professional.

5. Show your personality: You want to stand out in a pile of resumes, so always add something that makes it your own. Whether it is a small pop of color, a photo or an interesting layout. Offbeat resumes are becoming more accepted, so experiment and do what feels right for you, all the while keeping a professional eye in mind.

Check out this Buzzfeed post for inspiration 

10 Things To Do To Make the Most of Your Internship

Image via Moraine Valley

With college students heading back to school this month, many are finishing up summer internships or starting one for the fall. Internships are a chance to understand an industry and gain valuable experience that can be used in future positions. Here are 10 things that you should do to make the most of your internship experience.

1. Ask Questions

Internships are the best time to learn about the industry that you want to work in one day. Do not be shy to ask questions. Not only does it show that you are proactive, but it also shows that you are interested in what is happening. If you do not understand something, be sure to ask someone. They would much rather answer a question than fix a mistake because you didn’t speak up.

2. Network

This is the perfect time to meet professionals and learn from your surroundings. From people in the office, to parties and events, there is always a time to network during your internship. These relationships can lead on to future connections at companies. You never know what could come of introducing yourself to someone at a professional function. Always take the chance and meet as many people as possible.

3. Take It All In

Although you are the bottom of the food chain at the company, this is the time to take it all in and find out what you do and don’t like about different job roles. It can be overwhelming being in a new environment, but it is important to not lose perspective and understand that you are there to learn.

4. Research, Research, Research

Image via CUNY

Research your company. This includes past work, their client list, and important people to know. Research the industry. Know the latest trends in the market, read trade magazines and papers and know the basics before you start. It will show initiative and leave you well prepared to answer questions and complete tasks.

5. Set Goals

Set both professional and personal goals. Sit down with your supervisor and ask them what they will expect from you while you intern. At the same time set personal goals on what you hope to take away from the experience, be sure to share these with your supervisor so they can help you achieve them. This will give you some structure to base your internship on.

6. Accept That Not Everything Will Be Fun

Because you are the intern, do not expect every task to be fun. You may get coffee, you could answer phones, and you will probably file papers. Although these are likely to be a part of the experience, the rest of your internship will be filled with interesting and educational projects. Once you learn to put your best effort into everything you will enjoy the experience much more. If you are doing more clerical work than projects, ask your supervisor for more responsibility.

7. Maintain Professionalism

This means follow the company dress code. You would rather be over dressed than underdressed. Err on the side of caution your first couple days. Maintain a positive and professional attitude. Do not let internal or external drama affect your work.

8. Be Enthusiastic

Always accept opportunities to go a step further. A positive attitude will help you move forward in your position as an intern. You could be asked to take on more responsibility as a result, and a full-time job could be in the cards if you maintain a relationship with the company.

9. Take Initiative

If you’re free, take every opportunity that is handed to you. Not only will you learn more, but you will be proactive and motivated. If your supervisor is not offering any new work, ask. You will not get anything if you do not ask. Show initiative.

10. Have Fun

Above all, make sure you are having fun and enjoying the experience. You are still a student so this is the perfect time to ask questions, make mistakes and take everything away from the internship that you can.