Soon graduation… May 22, 2012

Soon graduation will be here and we will take the next step in the journey and pursue our desired careers. This term I have been coming to the scary but liberating realization that I may not want to work in the public relations field. 

When I came to the University of Oregon in 2007, I had intended on getting a business degree but wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do after graduation. In looking for other degree options I came across public relations and thought it sounded like a perfect fit for me. In my PR classes I was engaged and finally enjoying what I was learning. Working in the PR field has been a different experience.

 

I was told that PR was a writing intensive field but I didn’t realize just how much of your day to day tasks are writing assignments. I love my internship and have learned so much in this short amount of time but I am not sure this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I always thought I would be perfectly content working a 9 to 5 desk job, now that I’ve tried it, I am not so sure. This is the scariest thought ever. I’ve spent so long working toward this goal, how can I just give up on it? I can’t just completely change my plan, right?

If there’s one thing I’ve realized this term it’s the fact that I am not sure what I want to do with my life, even though just a few short months ago I was sure I did. I’ve decided that what I need some time to reevaluate my life and what I want to do with it. There is a good chance that I will come back to the public relations field but I’ve decided that it’s OK if I don’t.    

What have your experiences been this term? Have you realized your field is exactly where you want to be or have you discovered that it may not be for you? Do you ever see yourself switching careers down the road?

Shannon Sloan

Getting Started April 12, 2012

So I’ve settled into my new place, found the grocery stores and figured out the TriMet system (at least my routes) without any major hiccups. I knew adjusting to a new city wouldn’t be easy but I was more worried about the transition from student to intern.  I told myself there was no point in being nervous (it didn’t help, I still was) and that I would go in to work each day and do the best work I could do and learn as much as I possibly could.  It’s only my second week but I’ve learned a lot already.

My favorite aspect of my internship is getting to learn more about the nonprofit world. It’s been great to see all the different parts of the organization and how they work together.  I saw this first hand when I sat in on a meeting the development was having with an email marketing specialist.  He had some great tips about segmenting our donor list, as well as, when and how often to reach out to different audiences. I was fascinated with the way each team member was involved and took into account their respective specialties.   The program systems specialist would ask questions that I could barely comprehend and the database assistant could come up with a response to almost any question asked when it came to facts and figures.

I learned so much from sitting in on that meeting and was thankful that my boss had invited me to do so. My PDXSX experience is off to a great start. I look forward to learning more about the non-profit world and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.

Shannon Sloan

Getting Started April 12, 2012

I’ve settled into my new place, found the grocery stores and figured out the TriMet system (at least my routes) without any major hiccups. I knew adjusting to a new city wouldn’t be easy but I was more worried about the transition from student to intern.  I told myself there was no point in being nervous (it didn’t help, I still was) and that I would go in to work each day and do the best work I could do and learn as much as I possibly could.  It’s only my second week but I’ve learned a lot already.  

My favorite aspect of my internship is getting to learn more about the nonprofit world. It’s been great to see all the different parts of the organization and how they work together.  I saw this first hand when I sat in on a meeting the development team was having with an email marketing specialist.  He had some great tips about segmenting our donor list, as well as, when and how often to reach out to different audiences. I was fascinated with the way each team member was involved and took into account their respective specialties.   The program systems specialist would ask questions that I could barely comprehend and the database assistant could come up with a response to almost any question asked when it came to facts and figures. 

I learned so much from sitting in on that meeting and was thankful that my boss had invited me to do so. My PDXSX experience is off to a great start. I look forward to learning more about the non-profit world and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. 

Shannon Sloan

Getting Started April 12, 2012

I’ve settled into my new place, found the grocery stores and figured out the TriMet system (at least my routes) without any major hiccups. I knew adjusting to a new city wouldn’t be easy but I was more worried about the transition from student to intern.  I told myself there was no point in being nervous (it didn’t help, I still was) and that I would go in to work each day and do the best work I could do and learn as much as I possibly could.  It’s only my second week but I’ve learned a lot already.  

My favorite aspect of my internship is getting to learn more about the nonprofit world. It’s been great to see all the different parts of the organization and how they work together.  I saw this first hand when I sat in on a meeting the development team was having with an email marketing specialist.  He had some great tips about segmenting our donor list, as well as, when and how often to reach out to different audiences. I was fascinated with the way each team member was involved and took into account their respective specialties.   The program systems specialist would ask questions that I could barely comprehend and the database assistant could come up with a response to almost any question asked when it came to facts and figures. 

I learned so much from sitting in on that meeting and was thankful that my boss had invited me to do so. My PDXSX experience is off to a great start. I look forward to learning more about the non-profit world and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. 

Shannon Sloan

April 12, 2012

April 12, 2012

Transparency Pays December 2, 2011

In How to embarrass the embarasser, or how transparency turns the tables, Gerald Baron highlights the importance of transparency and how it builds trust with the public. He tells the story of the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) and the bold pre-emptive tactics used by LAANE Executive Director, Madeline Janis.

When Janis found out  the organizations’ records were being looked into by her opposition, she decided to beat them to it. She requested copies of every file and made them available to the public.  The buzz built and LAANE ended up receiving positive coverage in the LA Times op-ed article by Jim Newton, even though the article did point out some of the organizations imperfections. Including the fact that “In 2008 and 2009, it underreported the amount of time and money it spent on lobbying, but it corrected those figures in its 2010 tax return.”

There is no doubt that LAANE came out as the winner of this battle. As Newton points out in his article, “the inquiries were almost certainly aimed at unearthing some embarrassing tidbit that would, at best, make LAANE look bad or, at worst, cast some doubt on its tax-exempt status.” By promptly addressing the issue they were able to turn potentially disastrous media coverage into good publicity.  Turns out there wasn’t anything too incriminating in the records and they had already addressed the issues that were uncovered.

According to Baron, the article “ends up making LAANE and its executive director positively virtuous, while the research firm who requested the records ends of looking pretty sleazy.” I don’t know if I would go this far.  Whoever requested these records obviously is not pleased with the results of their efforts or the money they wasted on the attempt. But I wouldn’t say they come off looking sleazy or embarrassed.

However, I do agree with Baron when  he says that the moral of the story  is that “transparency builds trust.” I also agree that  ”if you have something bad to reveal its a heck of a lot better coming from you.” That is a good lesson to learn. Its good public relations, and its good personal relations. Just something to think about.

Tips for PR majors December 2, 2011

 In her article, How to make the most out of a PR major, Alexis Morgan, gives six        great tips for your college career that will benefit you in your professional life. She makes some great points and her article made me reflect on my college experience       as well as think of some tips of my own.

Tip # 1  – Gain as much internship experience as possible

This is a lesson I wished I learned sooner. I pushed it off for the first couple of years,  saying I would look for internships later on.  I would look for opportunities but   as a full-time student working part-time to support myself, I found it hard to work an internship into my schedule. That was my worst mistake.   The first piece of advice I would give to any college student is start right away and make it a priority. Gaining experience outside of the classroom is an important part of making the most out of  your education.

Tip # 2 – Practice how to write, especially a good pitch

In our industry, good writing skills are essential. My advice for PR majors is to get                                                                       familiar with AP style. I have always struggled with grammar, growing upwas always taught MLA format so getting used to AP is something I am still adjusting to.  As students we always thought the longer the better. And as the page length requirements on our assignments hit double digits, we became masters of fluff. Not any more. Cut the fluff and get to the point.  Be concise.

Tip #3 -  Knowing how to pitch well is also important

Being able to pitch your ideas is an important skill to have in the business world. Practice as much as possible in order to build confidence.

Tip #4 - Be familiar with multiple ares of expertise.

Alexis points out that “people who can fulfill two job roles are twice as likely to find one.” Makes sense, right? This also goes hand in hand with gaining experience. The more areas you have experience in, the more valuable you are to an employer or client. It also gives you a chance to explore different industries and specialities to find what really draws you in.

Tip #5 – Be well versed on news topics

This was a hard one for me to adjust to. I was never a news junkie but I have realized the importance of staying up to date on current events, especially PR news.  I’d recommend setting up a news feed. I set up a Netvibes account, tailored it to my interest, and now check it daily to keep up to date.

Tip # 6 – Stay on top of trends

This is key, especially in the public relations industry. I have personally always strayed away from social media, I liked Facebook as much of the next person but when Twitter came around I decided to steer clear. This term I have been working on expanding my social media presence and expertise. Social media isn’t going anywhere. It’s an important tool in our industry, learn to love it.

Portland Senior Experience Here I Come! December 2, 2011

I am still in shock. I recently found out I was accepted to be a part of the spring 2012 cohort of the Portland Senior Experience. PDXSX is a program run through the School of Journalism and Communication and is designed to help students gain work experience while also finishing up classes.   This year I am one of the lucky 25 students who will be partaking in this incredible opportunity.

As excited and grateful as I am for  being accepted into this program, I am extremely nervous about all that comes with it. I will be moving to a new city, away from my friends and significant other. I will have to find someone to take over my lease and find a place to rent in Portland, hopefully a place that will let me bring my adorable little puppy Charley with me. On top of that I will still be taking classes as well as finding internship work.

As nerve-wracking as it all is, it will be a great transition into post-graduate life. I had always planned on moving up north after I completed school. Being able to explore the city and network with local industry professionals before graduation will be extremely beneficial.

While moving to Portland is an adventure in itself, I am most excited about gaining internship experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my college years and have learned so much both in and out of the classroom. It was a long journey, it took me a while to find a career path that really excited me. I have been studying public relations for the past couple of years and I am excited to put everything I learn in class to good use.

With my graduation date drawing nearer and nearer, I have been constantly asking myself, ‘what’s next?’  Its a scary and uncertain time, the possibilities are endless. Now that I will be attending this program, I feel like I have a clearer path. My goal for spring term is to experience as much as I can and learn from all the experienced professionals I will be working with in and outside of the classroom. I am no longer fearing life after graduation, I’m preparing for it. Its time for the real world and I am ready.

Days later, my mind is still racing with everything I will have to do before the spring. Little hints of self-doubt are also sneaking in. Then I realize how lucky I am and how much I will be learning and then I starting jumping for joy like a little school girl. Get ready Portland, I’m coming for you!

The Worst Response is No Response December 2, 2011

I really enjoyed this read, I look forward to more installments. In Trying to get a straight answer from PR people, Jim Romesko does just that. In the first post from the series he poses questions to two large restaurant chains, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A, letting both know he had plans to share their responses in his blog. What we get are some great Do’s and Dont’s for the PR professional.

First, he took on Chipotle. He emailed Chris Arnold, Chipotle director of communications,  about their newly available brown rice option and inquired as to why they hadn’t done this sooner. Chris gets an A+ in my book for  his timely and appropriate response. Not only did he respond within the same hour of receiving the inquiry, he answered the question directly while also taking the opportunity to showcase the company’s values.

The response from the PR team at Chick-fil-A received an F, but that’s only because there was no response. Granted his question was a little more hostile, asking if an employee of theirs (who was obviously gay, according to Jim but also confirmed by a co-worker) was purposely hired to diffuse criticism about the chain being anti-gay.

The company, who has made sizeable donations to anti-gay groups, may not have been able to defend themselves against the anti-gay allegations, but at least use it as a way to showcase that you make no discriminations in sexual orientation when hiring employees.   It may be a tough question but you have to respond. Especially when you know your response (or lack of one) will be reported.

In fact, the tough questions are the most important ones to address. It’s easy to boast about your company when the public loves you. When your company’s image is on shaky ground,  open communication on the issue is key.

I can’t wait read more from this series, quite entertaining. I hope the PR team over at Chick-fil-A sees this and learns the lesson that no response, is the worst response of all.