Guest Post: How to Survive PRSSA National Conference

Image via PRSSA 

With the 2014 PRSSA National Conference behind us, our Regional Conference Coordinator Katelyn Pecorelli has a few tips to offer for anyone attending next year:

• Go in with an open mind: I went by myself, so I had to make friends, but even if you go with others from your school talk to everyone. These were some of the nicest people I have ever met and talking PR with other people that were as passionate about PR was incredible. 
• Prepare something for roll call: It may seem scary especially if you are on your own, but I wish I had more time to prepare and had actually done something, because some schools were very creative with it. 
• Don’t be afraid: Talk to everyone, including the professionals. They are there for us to learn from and want to hear our opinions. 
• Do as much as you can: There are so many experiences at National Conference and so much to learn, try to take it all in.
• Talk to everyone: Especially on your own you may be shy, but talking PR with other people that are as passionate as you is incredible. 
• Don’t sleep in: You will be tired and you will want to skip some speakers or opening. Don't. It is worth it to go and you or your school is paying for you to be there, make the most of it. 
• Go out and have fun: Again, you will be tired, but going out with new friends helps to solidify the relationships you built. 
• Keep in touch: It may seem as if you will only know the people you meet for the next few days, but it is completely possible and reasonable to keep in touch with them for extended periods of time. The more connections you have the more opportunities, especially if they are spread out across the country.

Special thanks to Katelyn Pecorelli for sharing her advice! 

Buzzword: Personal Branding

Image via EMU PRSSA

Lately, “personal branding” has been touted as the most important thing that a person can do to secure a job and be well respected.

Branding has been used as a marketing tool for years, but now personal branding is coming to the forefront as a necessity to anyone on social media.

Everyone has a personal brand, whether they realize it or not. Every interaction and post on social media immediately contributes to your brand—or what people see as your digital footprint.

There are two options, you can define your own brand or you can let others define it for you. The former is more preferable because of the control you have over it. So, it is important to make sure that all your social media has a consistent message and displays your skills.

Forbes puts it simply, “What do you wish for people to associate with you when they think of your name?”

Image via Jay Palter

They also speak to the importance of strategy in building your brand: “Every tweet you send, every status update you make, every picture you share, contributes to your personal brand. It is an amalgamation of multiple daily actions. Once you understand how you wish your brand to be perceived, you can start to be much more strategic about your personal brand.”

Strong personal brands are innovative, purposeful and strong, or as Forbes says, “a strong personal brand is dependent on a strong narrative.” Everything you say about yourself reflects on your brand, so you should be saying positive things that build up your narrative.

More than ever, public relations professionals need to build not only their clients’ brands, but also their own; to be more credible, hirable and resourceful, a personal brand can lend help, especially to new grads.

What are the best ways to start building your brand?

Well, start with transparency of both the good and the bad in your life. If you are not building your brand, others are doing for you whether you like it or not.

Your digital footprint is forever, so think before you post because one small mistake can haunt you for the rest of your life.

Tim Massie, current ‎Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations at HealthQuest, gave students four steps to self-promoting when he spoke at a workshop as part of Marist College’s Emerging Leader’s Program.

1. Define your objective:

•      You want all your actions to demonstrate ability and passion

•      Ask yourself, what defines you as a person? What sets you apart?

2. Discover your current brand:

•      How do the people around you describe you?

•      You need to promote and influence the perception of your brand.

3. Define your message:

• What do you want to be?
• You have your current brand and your target brand, what will cause a change to reach your objective?

4. Choose your tools:

• Each social media tool has its own value.
• Massie suggested that on Facebook you should determine the purpose of your page, and Twitter is a place to start conversations—not air your dirty laundry

But Massie cautioned that nothing can help your brand more than face-to-face communication and networking in person. The bottom line? Personal branding sets you apart from all the other candidates out there. If you can create a strong brand, you will have the ability to influence opinions and be a credible source to others.

Follow Massie on Twitter for insightful information @tcmassie

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.