Intern to Employee: Advice from Ali AAsum

UntitledOn Nov. 7, 2012, local PR professional Ali AAsum visited UO PRSSA to share the secrets of her professional post-grad success. AAsum graduated from the University of Oregon in 2009. While in school, AAsum garnished incredible professional and public relation experience at various internships, including The Ulum Group, City of Eugene Adaptive Recreation Services, and MR Magazine as an editorial intern in New York City. She currently works as an account executive at Bell+Funk in Eugene, Oregon.

In her presentation, AAsum discussed the hard work required get to where she is today. AAsum’s hard work and internship experience was a key part of securing her dream PR job post graduation. The young professional offered several key pieces of advice for current PR students looking to turn an internship into a job:

  1. Do your very best work as an intern. It reflects your potential as an employee.
  2. Be proactive in the work you do and never turn down a task, even if the time commitment seems tedious
  3. Research industry news that relates to the clients you are covering. Know what’s going on in your field.
  4. Hard work proves that you are serious about continuing your work for the company after your internship is over.

Interning – and doing it well – is an essential part to success in the professional world. AAsum’s presentation offered a realistic view into her profession, and the post-graduation path that many UO PRSSA students will soon face. You can follow Ali AAsum on Linked In.

Post by Andrea Feehan, PRSSA member for the 2012-2013 school year. She is currently a student at the University of Oregon. You can contact Andrea through our blog editor: cgisler@uoregon.edu!

Non-PR Classes for PR Students

It’s no secret that SOJC students are required to take a wide variety of classes — 116 non-journalism credits to be exact. These classes include literature, history, economics and a variety of other topics from the College of Arts and Sciences. As SOJC advisor Kelsey Parker explains, “Journalism majors need to be well-versed in a variety of areas.”

Current SOJC student Matea Merriman recommends ASL for a unique language learning experience.
Current SOJC student Matea Merriman recommends ASL for a unique language learning experience.

Have you ever wondered what classes to take in order to fulfill those pesky non-journalism credits? We asked current SOJC students what they have taken to meet these requirements. Junior Eri Mizobe recommends the world cultures anthropology class and psychology 202. “Psych and anthropology really tie in with PR and [the] understanding of how people react and think,” said Mizobe.

These classes can be used to satisfy the required additional blocks within the College of Arts and Sciences. If you are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or if you are simply interested in learning a new language, American Sign Language (ASL) might be the way to go. Those pursuing a Bachelor of Science can also use ASL classes to count for one of their additional blocks within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Current student Matea Merriman is happy with her choice to take ASL. “It’s awesome to learn about a new culture outside of the normal.”

A class in computer programming may be beneficial for your future in PR. Programming and web design skills are in high demand these days. Computer programming classes like CIS 110 or 111 offer a great introduction to the topic.

Current SOJC junior Eri Mizobe enjoyed her PSY and ANTH classes, which also helped to fulfill degree requirements.
Current SOJC junior Eri Mizobe enjoyed her PSY and ANTH classes, which also helped to fulfill degree requirements.

In a social media lecture taught by SOJC faculty member Kelli Matthews, she stressed the importance of having an understanding of programming. You can better communicate with a company’s IT and web department with a basic knowledge of what they do.

The SOJC offers a variety workshops that are great for gaining experience and earning elective credit. Event planning, Final Cut Pro, and professional speaking are just a few of the topics these workshops cover.

Alternatively, PE classes are great stress relievers. A multitude of dance classes are offered, but Mizobe highly recommends Jazz. The UO also offers a wide variety of PE courses, including scuba, rock climbing, flag football and ultimate frisbee.

Don’t all the non-journalism credits needed for graduation intimidate you, there is a wide variety of interesting classes offered at the University of Oregon. Branch out and do not be afraid to try something different. Who knows, you might even pick up another major or minor.

Post by Kaitlyn Chock, PRSSA member for the 2012-2013 school year. She is currently a student at the University of Oregon. You can contact Kaitlyn through our blog editor: cgisler@uoregon.edu!