PRSuccess

Hugh M. Culbertson Chapter Ohio University PRSSA Spring 2009 Edition

Events remain as effective promotional tool

Sandi Combs company’s products and services.” on investment.
Don’t let the word “market” In order for such success to
Lately, the popular topic in deter you from this tactic’s appeal. be accomplished, logistical planning
the public relations field is use of Public relations is about building must take place. For example,
social media; however, while the relationships between a brand an event should not be held on a
online world presents a wealth of and its consumers. Because the national holiday or pseudo-national
opportunity to heighten awareness purpose of event marketing in holiday (e.g. Super Bowl Sunday).
of the client, PR pros should also some way always goes back to that It is also important to integrate a
look to connect with audiences goal, it clearly belongs under the thoroughly developed strategy into
offline through the use of special public relations umbrella, especially all aspects of event planning and
events, also known as event when its effectiveness is taken into production.
marketing. consideration. One way to be strategic and
What exactly is this tactic? Hosting an event is an get the most bang-for-your-buck
Business strategist Eugene Loj extremely effective way to foster in staging an event is to employ
explains on his Web site that event brand awareness because it successful PR tactics in promotion.
marketing is “using an event…to allows the consumer to have first- Not only are you building brand
engage perspective consumers, hand experience with the product, awareness among those who
build awareness, or market a service or company, making it more attend the event, but you are also
memorable. building it among television news,
According to newspaper and social media
Inside this edition the 2009 annual audiences. Furthermore, the brand
survey of should be considered through
Staying invovled in PR over summer 2 everything, from the venue chosen
corporate sales
Org. Comm. major potential alternative 3 and marketing (i.e. is it luxurious or simple) to
Keeping in contact with professionals 3 executives the activities (i.e. carnival-esque
conducted games or wine-tasting) to the free
The “Blog” debate 4 by Meeting souvenirs (i.e. a product sample).
PaRtners Conferece recap 5 P l a n n e r s Events are mediums
Snippets of where Seniors are headed 5 International, through which brand messages
23 percent of are communicated. Although the
Memories of a successful year 6 respondents Internet allows people to connect
Helpful faculty mentors 7 chose event with one another anytime and
marketing as anywhere, the value of face-to-face
Tips to have a positive first day 8
the marketing interaction is still extremely high.
Huelsman elected to national committee 9 discipline that Successful PR professionals will
Studying abroad helpful to PR students 11 provides the know to incorporate both into their
greatest return strategic plans.
Page 2 PRSuccess Spring 2009 Edition
Beyond internships, break provides opportunities for growth in PR
Nicole Bersani
Internships may
be one of the best ways
to gain experience;
however, some students
need to make money, do
not have time because
of other activities, or may
not have been hired for
an internship. While other
students might be interning
in PR roles, either creating
press releases or just
getting coffee, no student
should fall behind in public
relations experiences
because of the summer
break.
The summer is
a great time for working
on those professional
networks built from the
previous school year,
asking for informational
interviews, researching
interesting companies,
working on social networks
and finding shadowing
opportunities.
Hartley Mikus,
Account Executive for
Fahlgren Mortine and an
Ohio University alumna,
said when contacting
professionals in networks,
“take the time to type up
an e-mail telling them
things about yourself and
asking them how things
are going—just catch
up—or if they are in the
same area as you, get
coffee or lunch. It’s always
good to keep building your
network and reinforcing
those contacts.”
Mikus advises
students also to seek out Executive for Financial YouTube and blogs
informational interviews Dynamics. Also, keep (whether creating or
with professionals that up on blogs and online reading) are just a few of
may not be in the field media sources such as many social media tools
students are directly prdaily.com, flacker.net, PR students can utilize.
studying. For this reason, prweek.com, mediapost. Tressa L. Robbins,
she recalled in college, com, and ragan.com, Vice President for Media
she thought she would recommended by Mikus. Contacts at BurrellesLuce
never work in an agency, It is good to said “it’s a good idea to
and now she is working understand the basics get on Twitter and begin
for one of the largest PR of the PR world—how “shadowing” (stalking) PR
firms in the nation. to utilize it and how to pros—young and old—to
“Not only is contribute—however, it is gain perspective and
it important to do good to learn about PR knowledge of what’s going
informational interviews, it from different views as on in the industry. Be sure
is important to do them with well. Mikus said that PR to follow the #PRentry and
a variety of people,” said students should learn the #PRintern hashtags so
Mikus. b a s i c s , that when you are ready
“Before but also to intern, you’ll already
you talk “It’s always good to keep specialize have a good idea of what
to them, building your network.” in a folks are looking for and
g i v e s u b j e c t what kinds of internships
them a -Hartley Mikus they are are out there.”
time limit interested Robbins also
and be respectful of that in such as nonprofit suggested joining the
time limit. Business cards organizations or a sports LinkedIn group for public
and writing thank you team. This way, you have relations internships and
letters are great as well.” the roots within PR but entry-level jobs, which are
Bryan Blaise, also have the option to extensions of the Twitter
Account Executive branch out into a field you hashtags previously
for Fleishman Hillard, know best. This also goes mentioned.
explained informational hand-in-hand with what Just remember,
interviews are important Barkulis said about finding there is a difference
but “learning or further a related field to PR. between “managing”
developingsolid “Know something these social networks
transferrable skills should besides PR and know it and having one in the first
be the goal of your well. Know it in addition place.
summer.” to communication,” said “In social media,
Developing these Barkulis. “Communication manage your online
skills could include reading is your first and foremost visibility,” said Hartley.
books such as The skill, but know something “Even in college, you do
Tipping Point by Malcolm else as well.” not have a professional
Gladwell, recommended Social networks and then a personal
by Blaise, or The Elements are another great way profile—they are the
of Style by Strunk and to keep up with PR same. Be cautious; don’t
White, recommended skills. Twitter, LinkedIn, complain on Twitter. Your
by Alexandra Barkulis, P R O p e n M i c ,
Assistant Account Facebook, Flickr, Continued on page 10
Spring 2009 Edition PRSuccess Page 3
Organizational Communication major provides alternative to PR
Kathleen Haney
In today’s competitive
corporate world, PR professionals
are expected of to possess strong
written and verbal communication
skills. The ambiguity of these
credentials begs the question to
many students: Which major will
provide the best preparation for a
job in PR?
Traditionally, students who
wish to pursue a public relations
degree will declare Journalism
Mantaining professional networks important for student growth
Adria Courtot
Network, network, network.
Everybody who has listened to
weekly PRSSA speakers has
heard about the importance of
networking. Maybe you’ve joined
Twitter, cleaned up your Facebook,
and made a LinkedIn profile, but
now what? There are plenty of
opportunities to make contacts with
professionals, but more importantly,
how do you keep them?
The first step in networking
is the initial contact. With the help of
social media sites, such as Twitter
or LinkedIn, this has become as
easy as clicking a button. However,
simply following someone on
Twitter does not constitute “making
a contact.” Introduce yourself, leave
a message, make an impression
and your presence known.
Another great place to make
contacts is readily available at the
weekly PRSSA meetings. Not only
do meetings provide the opportunity
to network with other members,
the featured speakers make great
additions to any network. Speakers
often stick around after meetings, so
majors. However, some students
have opted to take a different
approach.
The School of
Communication Studies is an
alternative for students, who
wish to study the fundamentals of
communication, while pursuing a
“related field” to supplement their
major. The school is divided into
three programs: Organizational
Communication, Communication
and Public Advocacy, and Health
Communication. Typically students,
instead of grabbing a business card
and rushing out, wait around and
introduce yourself. This will come in
handy if you intend to contact them
in the future as they will be more
capable of putting a face with your
name.
While making contacts can
be difficult, especially for those who
are timid, keeping contacts is the
hard part. Once people are in your
network, it will take some effort on
your part to keep them there.
Engage with your contacts,
whether that means asking
questions or starting a conversation
in response to something they have
said. Utilize your contacts as sources
in schoolwork or extracurricular
activities; it will flatter them that you
think of them as a knowledgeable
source. Heather Farr, a freshman
in PRSSA, uses interviewing as a
successful networking technique.
“When I interview, I almost
always do it by phone because I
feel that it is more personal” Farr
said. “Also, I don’t keep it strictly
business. After the interview, I ask
other questions for my own personal
use and this almost always strikes
who select public relations as
their specialized area, declare
organizational communication
majors.
Career Services Adviser,
Brandon Bute attributes student
interest in communication studies
to the flexibility it offers.
“Students view it as a more
versatile degree. It gives them more
options and doesn’t lock them into
one particular path,” said Bute.
A graduate of the
Continued on page 4
up a conversation.”
Be sure to stay on top of
news, specifically industry news.
If you see something about the
success of a known client of your
contact, send them a quick email of
congratulations. This is a great way
to keep in touch without asking for
something from the contact.
If you are traveling, check out
what contacts work in the area. This
could be a great way to experience
the location while meeting up for
lunch with your contact.
Finally, keep your contacts
up-to-date on about what you are
doing. Did you land a great internship
or job? Are you moving across the
country? Let your contacts know
about these changes, especially if
they served as a reference or helped
you along the way. A personal
update is often more appreciated
and more remembered than a
LinkedIn status update.
Remember that
professionals have been in your
shoes at one point in time. Keep it
personal, and let them know that
you are a better student for having
them in your network.
Page 4 PRSuccess Spring 2009 Edition
To blog or not to blog?
Heather Farr
Essays, speeches, exams,
club meetings, a part-time job, a
social life; with so much to worry
about already as a college student,
who in the world has time to blog?
With blogging becoming a
growing phenomenon, “to blog or
not to blog” has been the question
on many students’ minds.
Bryan Blaise, Senior Account
Executive at Fleishman Hillard
International Communications,
advocates student blogging
because it gives individuals “a
chance to practice one of the most
essential skills you will use day in
and day out, while becoming an
expert on a specific topic.”
“Fantastic writers, like prima
ballerinas or star quarterbacks,
are made, not born,” Blaise said,
“A natural talent for writing is
only improved through continual
practice, and with today’s ease and
accessibility to blogs, there’s no
reason for a young PR or journalism
student not to blog.”
Aside from improving upon
one’s written communication skills,
blogging proves to be an indicator
to potential employers that a person
is participating in new media. Dr.
Robert Stewart, the associate
director of the E.W. Scripps School
of Journalism, believes that the only
reason a student should not blog is
if they want to risk not having a job.
“I’ve heard more that one
person in the industry say that
they’ll ask about blogs when hiring
because they automatically assume
you blog,” Stewart said, “Employers
in the industry want to hire people
who are participating and can
function in the Web 2.0 world.”
Although Stewart advocated
Continued From page 3
Communication Studies program
offers a fresh perspective. Megan
Richards, owner of MRichards PR
located in Chicago, says while in
school she questioned her major
choice. However, after college,
things fell into place for her.
“I would recommend
doing as many internships as
you can. You need to have some
sort of experience in the field as it
becomes more competitive these
days,” said Richards.
She also suggested getting
the obvious benefits of this new art
to the incoming Journalism School
freshmen, less than 30 percent
actually took the advice.
“Blogging isn’t for everyone.
There’s an art, science and
dedication required, and many
people won’t commit to that,” Blaise
said, “The opportunity is there for
everyone to blog, but doing so
half-heartedly or without purpose
or strategy will do more harm than
good.”
M.J. Clark, Communications
and Leadership Consultant at M.J.
Clark Communications, agrees that
“it does you more harm to start a
blog if you don’t keep up with it.”
“Blogging is great if you
consistently update it; if you don’t,
you’re creating your own negative
PR for your own personal brand,”
Clark said, “It’s something that
really needs to be thought out. If
you’re not a blogger and think it’s
not something you can keep up with
or something you’re passionate
about, it does you more harm.”
Stewart, on the other hand,
believes that although there is some
risk involved, “there is way more
risk in not doing it.”
“If you have a talent, you
do things with it,” Stewart said,
involved with various organizations
around campus to expand
networking opportunities.
“Find people in your
desired field who you admire and
seek their advice and ask them
questions. Use them as a mentor,”
said Richards.
Whichever route is taken
to study PR at Ohio University,
the same rules apply: network,
seek advice, and find ways to gain
valuable experience. It is not about
the path that is chosen, rather the
experiences and skills that are
developed along the way.
“Employers don’t want to hire
people who bury their talents.”
A common fear students
have about blogging is that a
mistake or a sentence that is not in a
potential employer’s style of choice
will cause that potential employer to
look the other way.
“College is about getting
mistakes out of your system. It’s
better to learn lessons as a college
student than to have to start trying to
learn at a job and making mistakes
there,” Stewart said, “Also, no one
is expecting blogs to be in AP style.
Newspaper bloggers don’t follow
AP style and sometimes even write
in first person.”
Blog writing is actually more
conversational and more personal,
according to Andrew Revkin, a
reporter for the New York Times.
“[Blogging is] a journey
towards understanding,” Revkin
said, “I don’t know what’s going
on; I know some people who have
a decent idea, but they could be
wrong, too. So why not come along
on the ride?”
Many students argue that
they simply have nothing to write
about, but the reality is that there
Continued on page 10
Spring 2009 Edition PRSuccess Page 5
Conference united Graduation spreads seniors across the globe
students with pros Alyssa Mehling
Sam Bartlett
On Saturday, April 18,
Capital University hosted this year’s
PaRtners Conference with the
theme of PR 2.0. Nearly 70 students
from Ohio University, The Ohio
State University, Otterbein, Ohio
Dominican University and Capital
University attended. Although the
directions to Capital University were
more difficult than Ohio attendees
expected, the information students
gathered was worth the trip.
The conference was
centered around the idea that new
media is as important as traditional
media. Keynote speaker Craig
Friedman from 10TV, emphasized
how much he relied on Twitter and
other online resources to get new
and current information. It isn’t just
the behind-the-scenes employees
who use Twitter and other online
sources to find new leads on
stories; co-anchor Kurt Ludlow also
spoke at the conference on how
the media is changing. He spoke of
how he often Tweets live during his
broadcast.
After the 10TV keynote
speakers, students split into
different sessions. In the first
session, students had the choice
of attending “Agency Life 101” with
Monique Bowman, from Fahlgren
Mortine, and Diane Hurd, from
Cochran Group Incorporated; or
students could attend “Social Media
Strategy: Developing a Strong
Campaign” with Jamie Timm, from
the Columbus Chamber.
The second session
included “Corporate Social
Media,” with Kelly Malone from
Alivia would like to use her PR
Kelsey Brown plans to
marry this summer and then move
to Chicago with. In the Windy City,
she will continue her job search.
Callista Conzett will spend
a week on vacation with family
before starting work as an event
planner for the Ohio Academy of
Family Physicians in Columbus.
Brianna Lutz will continue
her internship in Internal
Communications at The Sherwin-
Williams Company while carrying
on her job search.
Paul Matson will either
accept a position in Boston
or Cincinnati as an Assistant
Account Executive or as a Digital
Communications Specialist.
Ultimately Paul hopes to begin his
own agency in Boston that serves
clients involved in healthcare
technology and cancer drug
research.
Alivia Nuzzo will train for
her position with Teach for America
in Philadelphia this summer and
then will move to Washington
D.C. in August. After her two-
year commitment to the program,
Real Living Incorporated; “Sports
Communications,” with Kate
Kastenholz from the Greater
Columbus Sports Comission; or
students could learn about “Media
Relations in a Digital Age,” with
Justin Falce from MARC USA.
The final session included
“Social Media Campaigns,” with
Lara Kretler from Fahlgren Mortine
PR; “Inject Social Media into Ohio
State Government,” with Erie Meyer
from the Ohio Attorney General’s
Office; or students could gain the
knowledge of “Entertainment/
Special Event PR,” with Andy
experience to focus on public
policy concerning education.
Layne Palmer has
accepted a position with Teach for
America in New York City. She will
be teaching elementary school
and will begin graduate school in
the summer. She plans to return to
PR after her two year commitment
and hopes the experience will
inspire her PR in the future.
Anastasia Pronin is looking
forward to a month-long vacation
to Europe this summer. She will
then move to Manhattan and start
her career at Financial Dynamics
as a junior associate.
April Prior will continue
interning with Ohio University-
Chillicothe and Sports Media
Challenge while volunteering
in Cleveland. She will keep on
searching for a job in sports or higher
education communications.
Krista Sanford will spend
two weeks with her mother in
Europe after graduation and will
start her career in Columbus as
an account associate at Fahlgren
Mortine.
Dearth from LIVE NATION.
These eight different
presentations were all informative
in how each of these individuals
use social media and traditional
media. Each offered their advice,
told students about their daily tasks
and answered any questions.
Kelly Malone spoke about
how her company has hired an
intern to help her fix their Web sites
and begin blogging for them so they
reach a larger community. Many
companies are hiring employees
Continued on page 12
Page 6 PRSuccess Spring 2009 Edition
Chapter president recalls memorable year
Colleen Veeley
This academic year has
been filled with new tips, tools and
gadgets for students in the public
relations field. From teaching about
Twitter and Facebook, to Google
and LinkedIn, this year’s PRSSA
has contributed to the success of
its members.This year’s speakers
have shared the inside scoop in
the changing field of PR that has
benefited all the members.
President of PRSSA Paul
Matson shared memories of his
favorite speakers from this year.
Associate Vice President
of Fahlgren Mortine Aaron Brown
returned again this year to share
his growing knowledge. Matson has
listened to Brown’s presentations
since his freshman year at Ohio
University.
“Aaron has lots of charisma,”
said Matson. “Year after year, he
continues to give great insight and
fresh ideas.”
Matson and other members
admire Brown’s passion and the
way he shares it with others. He
has talent and isn’t afraid to give
students a little piece of what
has made him such a success at
Fahlgren.
Another favorite in the long
line of speakers was Paul Roetzer
of PR 20/20. He was an inspiration
and great contact to future public
relations professionals because
of his ability to break away from
traditional media tools and utilize
new media. Roetzer created his
own business model, which is
something Matson has never seen
before. Matson said that Roetzer is
in the “front line of technology and
has turned it into marketable tools
for social networks.”
Similar to Brown, Roetzer Thank YOU
expresses extreme humility and
passion for his field of work, which to our speakers
is inspiring to the members of
PRSSA.
Mary Garrick, recent OU Zachary Bingham
graduate and personal mentor for Aaron Brown
Matson, was also a great speaker
this year. Currently working at SBC Christina Capadona-Schmitz
Advertising in Columbus, Garrick
brings new ideas to the table for M.J. Clark
her company to keep it relevant in a Sarah Irvin Clark
new media world. Matson admires
her because she is practical about Mary Cusick
what she knows. Her insight was
extremely helpful for the seniors Matt Dickman
who will be entering the work force Tracy DiMarino
next year because she was in their
spot not too long ago. Garrick was Terri Erlenbach
the CEO of ImPRessions during her
time at Ohio and knows how to relate Jessica Hamlin
to the questions one might have Anietra Hamper
when searching for jobs, making
contacts and creating a network. Jamie Heberling
This year’s PRSSA stood
out from the past for Matson. Ashley Heilman
“Watching the Mary Garrick
underclassmen get excited about
getting involved, now that’s what Wendy Jakmas
I’ve worked for all four years.”
Matson said that enthusiasm Sally Linder
is contagious, and passionate Laura McCoy
people make others passionate as
well. One quote that is inscribed in Pete McGinty
each member’s mind is from Matt
Dickman, digital marketing and Hartley Mikus
social media guru. He gave the Amy Peach
advice that, “there’s so many new
media tools out there. The trick is Tammy Roberts Myers
just to do it, essentially.”
As a final thought, Matson Paul Roetzer
wrapped up his past years here by Ashley Sanders
stating, “It is easy to see why Scripps
is so well known and credited.” Todd Sharrock
Matson said he hopes that
next year’s speakers will continue Shannon Stucky
to reach out to the members of Molly Sustar
PRSSA and continue its success.
Spring 2009 Edition PRSuccess Page 7
Honald and Frith serve mentors, resources for Scripps students
Krista Meyer
As students stress
about grades, jobs and
internships, they turn to
the people who offer them
advice and support.
A l t h o u g h
everyone knows about
the importance of having
a mentor, a lot of students
don’t know who to turn to
for this support system.
Each professor in the
E.W. Scripps School of
Journalism can be helpful,
even if they teach in a
different sequence. did freelance for a few
An assistant
professor in the E.W.
Scripps School of
Journalism within the
magazine sequence,
Cary Frith, encourages
her students to fail every
once in awhile.
“As academically
successful students
in such a competitive
program, people don’t
want to fail,” said Frith.
“You learn a lot by not
succeeding and you
shouldn’t be afraid to take
risks.”
Frith began her
undergraduate studies at
Depaul University. She
eventually transferred
to Ohio University to
continue her study of
journalism in the Honors
Tutorial College.
“I always wanted
to write,” Frith said,
“Journalism gave me the
opportunity to write about
diverse topics for a diverse
audience, and get paid.”
After she received
her undergraduate
degree, she went on
to serve as editor of a
magazine for Compu
Serve, the first major
internet service provider
in the United States.
Through working with this
company, she was able
to learn how to adapt to
new technology. She now
passes this information on
to her advisees.
After two years
with Compu Serve, she
years in Virginia. She
then went on to work with
educational publishing for
UNC Chapel Hill.
After years of
work as a professional
magazine journalist, Frith
decided to return to Ohio
University as a professor.
“I like the fact that
the journalism program
values practical skills and
critical thinking,” she said.
She is not only a
professor and mentor to
many students at Ohio
University; she is the
faculty adviser for the
Society of Professional
Journalists on campus.
Although she
misses the interesting
people she met when she
worked as a magazine
journalist, she finds
mentoring and teaching to
be extremely rewarding.
“It is important to
find a mentor who cares
about your goals and
wants to help you obtain
them,” Frith said.
She helps the
students she mentors
by understanding their
long term goals and
encouraging them to be
adaptable and flexible in
order to achieve them.
“Always continue
to make steps toward your
dream,” she said. “Even if
they are just baby steps.”
One of the most
respected and qualified
public relations mentors
at Ohio University is
Professor Michelle
Honald. She received her
undergraduate degree
from Penn State in
International Studies.
After college,
she got her first job
working for a state
senator in Pennsylvania
and discovered that the
skills she acquired were
very similar to the skills
necessary for public
relations. She then went to
receive a Masters degree
in Communications from
Colorado State.
She became an
experienced professional
in a wide range of public
relations functions. She
had jobs with a non-
profit organization, a
governmental agency,
corporate and a start-up
agency. Students often
find her to be a helpful
mentor because she
has a very extensive
professional background.
After realizing that
she would enjoy being a
professor, she went back
to school to receive her
PhD.
“I was interested in
teaching at OU because
the journalism school was
a top ten ranked school
and I was very impressed
by the faculty I met,”
Honald said. “Meeting
Scripps students sealed
my decision to teach here
though.”
As a professor
and the faculty adviser for
PRSSA, she has met many
different students and has
given advice about jobs,
internships and building a
professional network.
“If someone
says take my card and
contact me, do it,” she
said, explaining that
professionals give out
their information because
they want students to
contact them.
She encourages
her students to find
mentors who are not
only professors who are
interested in you, but also
with professionals that you
meet through meetings
and internships.
Professor Honald
stresses the idea that it is
okay for students to have
more than one mentor.
“I’m not sure one
person can be everything
for a student,” she said.
“It is sometimes very
beneficial to have multiple
mentors.”
Page 8 PRSuccess Spring 2009 Edition
Professional advice to have an successful summer internship
Rachel Csaszar
One of the most important
things that a PR student can do is
impress on the first day of a new
job or internship. When it comes to
starting a new job, there are many
pieces of advice that you can utilize
on the first day.
A professional piece
of advice comes from M.J.
Clark, owner of M.J. Clark
Communications based in central
Ohio, who said, “Keep your ears
open and your mouth shut. Don’t
befriend anyone too quickly.”
While this may seem a little
foreboding, it’s valid advice. When
you are starting a new job, it is very
important to listen to everything
that is going on. You are the “new
kid,” and it is important for your
other co-workers to see that you
are invested in what is happening
around the company with which
you are interning or working. Also,
it is important to note the last
part of M.J. Clark’s advice; while
it is important to be friendly and
approachable, there is a fine line
between being too friendly and
PRSSA members make ‘Puppy Chow’ to sell to start a new fundrasing campaign. Efforts will continue throughtout next year
being professional. You want your
co-workers to take you seriously,
and it is important to be seen as a
strong and confident addition to the
office.
Allie Osmar, a social media
analyst for Edelman in Chicago, said
speaking up is an important part of
being a good intern. “Don’t be afraid
to ask when you don’t know, you
won’t know everything right away
and that’s okay,” she said.
A lot of students are afraid to
speak up when they’re confused on
their first day. You must remember
that your bosses were once in your
position. While they do expect a lot,
you must keep in mind that they
would rather have you ask a question
than mess up repeatedly because
you didn’t clarify at the beginning.
Make sure you ask questions when
confused, but make sure they are
relevant and important questions
to ask, otherwise you may be
overstepping your boundaries.
Another piece of advice that
is important is to make sure you
do your research. When you are
starting a new job or internship,
you want to appear knowledgable
about the organization. Do a
simple search online of the
company’s home page, news
articles about the company, and
on the interesting projects it may
be doing. This way you will sound
imformed and intelligent about the
company you are with and impress
your superiors.
One last important piece
of advice is to stay positive, not
everyone will have a perfect first
day. There are many different
things you may have to learn, and
that cannot be done in an eight
hour workday. If you stay positive
you will be much more accepting of
all the tasks and information being
thrown at you. Plus, your bosses
will see that you are an easy-going
person.
Overall, starting a new
internship or job can be very
stressful and intimidating, but you
should never let that stop you from
doing your best. Remember that
you were hired for a reason, and
the skills you have are valuable for
the company.
Spring 2009 Edition PRSuccess Page 9
Huelsman elected to National Committee
CONGRATS April Prior
to our 25 dues- Ohio University Junior
paying graduates Janelle Huelsman has been
elected as one of only nine students
nationwide to hold a position on
the PRSSA 2009-2010 National
Shannon Ashford Committee.
Huelsman will serve as the
Aaron Baer Vice President of Advocacy. She
Kristen Bishop is responsible for maintaining and
promoting the Public Relations
Kelsey Brown Student International Coalition
(PRSIC), a group of organized
Callista Conzett individuals dedicated to educating
Alissa Curtis and sharing public relations
awareness worldwide. She will
Natalie Farinacci also promote the PRSSA Diversity
Initiative, as well as be responsible
Jennifer Hug for creating a forum for current
Heather Kasunic events/issues facing the public
relations profession. Additionally,
Brianna Lutz Huelsman will participate in
Paul Matson directing PRSSA National through
her committee position.
Matthew Noonan Voting took place on March
28 at the PRSSA 2009 National
Alivia Nuzzo Assembly in New Orleans. The
Layne Palmer Assembly is a four-day event during
which students elect a new National
April Prior Committee, vote on proposed
changes to the Society’s bylaws
Anastasia Pronin and attend leadership training
Ashley Rollins workshops. This year’s event was
the largest in three years, attended
Krista Sanford by more than 200 PRSSA members
across the United States and from
Melanie Seiser Argentina. Each PRSSA 2009–10
Cari Steiner National Committee member was
elected by majority vote of Assembly
Kimberly Suntala delegates, those students selected
Rebecca Verner to represent their Chapters.
“We are incredibly proud,
Kathrine Walter but not at all surprised at Janelle’s
most recent achievement,” said
Mallory Wiggins Michelle Honald, PRSSA adviser
Sierra Williams and public relations professor in the
E.W. Scripps School of Journalism,
“she has
long been a
role model
for
students
other
and is the
perfect
person to
promote
advocacy
and ethics
a m o n g
P R S S A
members.”
O n
campus,
Huelsman
is CEO of
the award
winning
student-run public relations firm,
Impressions. This year she has
expanded the firm with its first
national client, Bob Evans restaurant
chain. Huelsman is responsible for
overseeing the activities of over
100 student members, each of the
10 accounts and the professional
advisery board. She also represents
the firm in PRSSA executive board
meetings and the E.W. Scripps
School of Journalism student
council.
Recently, Huelsman was
the only student panelist at the
2009 Schuneman Symposium on
Photojournalism and New Media.
She has worked as the director
of public relations for Scoop 08,
a grassroots journalism program
run by students to provide unique
coverage of the 2008 election.
Huelsman has been part of
the Global Leadership Center.
Additionally, Huelsman is a campus
tour guide and student supervisor at
the Ohio University Ping Recreation
Center.
Page 10 PRSuccess Spring 2009 Edition
Continued From page 2
life online will be there forever.”
Managing Twitter or
Facebook accounts does not mean
that students have to decrease
their creativity. Be creative but keep
in mind that having a strong social
media appearance can help gain a
stronger network, as well as create
a network with new professionals.
“Your network is your most
essential weapon in landing your
first job and moving onward and
upward. And networking is easy.
You know the topic of discussion—
them,” said Blaise. “People love to
tell you about themselves, and all
you need to do is listen, connect
with a part of their story, and grow
the relationship.”
Keep looking for those
internships this summer—some
are still out there. In the meantime,
students should seek out shadowing
opportunities. Spending the day
with an account executive or even
another intern is a great way to
get a feel for the organization,
build relationships, and strengthen
knowledge of the PR atmosphere.
Or, ask to volunteer around a non-
profit office for a couple of hours per
week. It will keep students involved
in the community as well as keep
them from laying on the couch all
summer.
“Just like your first car
probably wasn’t a Rolls Royce,
your first home wasn’t a mansion,
and your first date was not Brad
Pitt, your first internship most likely
won’t be a major corporation or
agency,” said Blaise. “Always try for
those opportunities—you may be
surprised—but you can find great
learning opportunities and network
contacts at local non-profits,
religious organizations or on your
school campus.”
Continued From page 5
“I have actually learned
are an endless amount of “blog- a lot from students. If you have
able” topics. confidence then you should know
“Blogs are a chance to that your opinion matters and
communicate your perspective people in the industry may know a
on just about anything you want,” whole lot less than what you know
Blaise said, “I would encourage right now about new media,” Clark
young professionals to blog about said, “Students have an insight
topics or situations relevant to and need to know that they can
[their] desired career goals.” have a worthy contribution.”
Although Blaise suggests If not done passionately
that students steer clear of topics or with good intent, blogging may
such as “the latest Gossip Girl prove to be destructive; however,
episode or your newest pair of if done with thought, maintaining a
Manolos,” he does agree that a blog can offer benefits to students
blog does not have to read like a that students of “older media” could
textbook. have never enjoyed in the past.
“Communications can “Every post, Tweet, or wall
be found in almost anything, so comment is a testament of your
if you’re set on having a fashion personal brand, and you can not
or sports blog, consider blogging be flippant about what, where, and
about the communications how you communicate online,”
activities of companies within that Blaise said, “However, experience
industry,” Blaise said. in the strategic application of new
Another common media is a major asset that new
misconception students have is professionals can bring to the
that they do not know enough table and set themselves up for
about the industry to blog. quick and great success.”
The 2009-2010 Executive Board
President: Ali Myers
Executive Vice President: Maranda Saling
CEO of ImPRessions: Janelle Huelsman
VP of Finance: Alyssa Mehling
VP of Public Relations: Heather Farr
VP of External Relations: Kelsey Spellman
VP of Internal Relations: Adria Courtot
VP of Member Relations: Bethany Scott
VP of Programming: Mary Quinn
Spring 2009 Edition PRSuccess Page 11
Expereince abroad can be valuable for developing professionals
Amanda Recce
April Prior
Success in the field of
public relations is contingent on
experience. Classroom lessons and
case studies help build strategic
thinking skills. Internships and
professional experiences provide
insights into how the working world
operates. However, some of the
best experiences to prepare for a
career in public relations can come
through extended travels abroad.
Ohio University’s office
of education abroad provides
numerous programs each year
for students to study overseas.
Partnered with the Scripps College
of Education there are opportunities
to travel to Denmark, Botswana,
South Africa and Malaysia through
various programs. Students can
also choose a destination in which
they would like to travel and then
apply to a program in that location.
Executive Vice President
Anastaisa Pronin pursued this
opportunity in her sophomore year.
She studied in Leipzig Germany
through the OLEC Program (Ohio-
Leipzig European Center). Her
program centered on art and art
history. And while her coursework
didn’t focus on public relations, she
still learned life lessons that have
prepared her for her future.
“Living in a different culture
was a challenging experience in
which I had the opportunity to learn
much about myself and what I was
capable of,” said Pronin. “Having
no prior German experience at the
beginning of the trip, I was often put
in situations where I had to struggle
to communicate with other people
or find my way around.”
Pronin explained that these
struggles greatly helped her improve various groups of people, one of
her skills as a communicator. the most important skills needed in
“I learned how to build mutual public relations.
understanding with a variety of For students considering
other people from different cultures, studying abroad, both of these
by discovering both our differences soon-to-be graduates strongly
and our commonalities.” recommend it.
In addition, Pronin said “Don’t let your various
through her travels she was able worries and concerns hold you back,
to build lasting relationships with you will not regret the experience,”
people overseas, and in a way, said Pronin.
network. However, these contacts Pronin said to keep in
are much more than just names mind that traveling abroad is more
in a rolodex, they are people with affordable while in school, as many
whom she shared a life changing scholarships and loans are still
experience. applicable. Also, there may never
Sometimes, a quarter or be a time in life that you can devote
two abroad is just not possible to spending three months or more
to fit into a student’s schedule. If in a different country.
this is the case, students should “Immerse yourself fully in the
still consider traveling abroad, culture! Try things you would never
possibly on volunteer projects or try at home, eat food you cannot eat
for internships. here and make your best attempt
Alissa Curtis, vice president to learn as much as you can about
of member relations, has traveled another culture,” said Curtis. “If you
to Costa Rica for a volunteer project don’t gain anything that you can
and India with friends. “As a student apply to PR, I guarantee you will
volunteer, I worked with nine other at least learn something new about
college students from the U.S, yourself.”
London and Canada to help better So whether it is through Ohio
the conditions of schools and the University Education Abroad or
rain forest in a small community,” another endeavor, public relations
Curtis said. students should consider all the
It was the volunteer experience they can gain through
experience that helped Curtis studying abroad.
realize her passion to help others
and really get involved in non-profit To learn more
PR. about study abroad
“The people in the programs offered
community were extremely grateful through Ohio
for all we accomplished, and it was
University, visit the
the first time I actually realized how
much I could personally make a Office of Education
difference in someone’s life.” Abroad in 185 Lindley
Like Pronin, Curtis stressed Hall or their Web
how her experiences have helped site at www. ohio.edu/
her overcome language barriers educationabroad/
and communicate effectively with
Page 12 PRSuccess Spring 2009 Edition
Continued From page 5
who can do such tasks and almost
all of the speakers suggested to
students to make sure they are very
technologically savvy.
Bethany Scott, a freshman
from Ohio University, who attended
the PaRtners Conference said
that she has learned that the most
important aspect of social media is
that it’s the future.
“Social media is, more than
likely, going to dominate traditional
media in no more than 10 years,”
Scott said.
During lunch, Bill Balderaz
from Webbed Marketing, gave a
presentation on his company and
their innovative campaigns. His
example was a popular video his
company produced for his client,
Shizuka NY Day Spa called “The
Bird Poop Facial.” This was an
explanation for their Geisha Facial
which contains bird poop. This
video was an excellent example of
how by putting good material into
the hands of the right bloggers, a
campaign can be overwhelmingly
successful.
After lunch students met
individually with professionals.
During this time students could
ask any more questions they might
have had as well as discuss and
review their resumes. Meeting with
these individuals was a great way
to network with local Columbus
businesses as well as get students
feedback on their resumes.
“Andy Dearth was explaining
that you don’t have to know what
you want to do in your career right
off the bat,” said Scott. “There
are so many possibilities and any
interest you have there is probably
something you can do with it. He
also told me that it isn’t just what
you know, it’s who you know.”
At the same time as the
Freshman Bethany Scott talks with Vince McMorrow at the PaRtners Conferece
review sessions were going on,
students could network with
other students as well as listen to
different speakers. There were
three speakers and presentations
during this time: Andrea Slesinski,
from Northlich, talked about PRSA
membership, Jamie Timm talked
about an online program that has all
of Columbus’ internships available
for students, and Ashley Sanders,
from SBC Advertising, talked about
agency life and what she expects
from interns. This part of the day
was probably the most important,
because in PR the most important
thing is networking.
After the presentations and
review sessions ended, Capital
University set up a panel to talk
about whatever questions the
audience and students had about
relevant PR topics, cover letters,
resumes, interviews as well as the
job search in general. The panel
was composed of Dan Orzano,
Scott Peacock, MJ Clark, and Susan
Merryman, and was moderated by
Vince McMorrow. Although some
of the panelists did not agree on
every aspect, they did agree that
you should never post anything
online that would conflict with your
future and the most important thing
students can do is make sure their
resume has perfect grammar and
structure.
After the panel, the PRSA
Liaison Committee sponsored a
networking event by putting two
professionals together with three
or four students. As each group
worked to figure out a case study,
it not only was a hands on event to
use social media and our classroom
knowledge, but also put students
with the professionals on a more
personal basis to network.
“Attending this networking
event, I’ve really grasped that
public relations is a skill set; when
you get your degree it doesn’t mean
you stop there,” Scott said. “There
isn’t a set field you have to work
in, you can find work in basically
anything.”
In all, the 2009 PaRtners
Conference went well and students
learned the importance of social
media as well as connected with
local Columbus professionals and
other students in Southern Ohio.