Category: Careers

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Q&A with Ian Bragg

Meet Ian Bragg, University of Oregon SOJC alumni, who will be joining us for our PRSSA Panel and Mixer tonight! Following his graduation with a B.S. in Journalism with a focus in public relations and advertising, Ian spent a few years at Waggener Edstrom. He then joined the Edelman team to work on their Xbox account. Currently, Ian is a Senior Account Executive on the Earned Media team at CMD. As part of the Portland PRSA chapter, Ian works as the Director of New Pros where he brings his five years of large agency experience to new PR pros. 

We asked Ian some questions prior to the PRSSA Panel and Mixer. Get to know Ian before our event tonight:

Q: Did you have any internships while in college? If so, how influential do you think that experience was in helping you nail your first job? 

A: I did not have any internships while I was in college. However, I was involved in a variety of activities, including the student-run magazine, Oregon Voice, Allen Hall Advertising (AHA) and of course, UO PRSSA. Honestly, I was very lucky to get a job out of college without holding any internships. I believe they are extremely valuable to prepare yourself before entering the job market. There are even some internship programs that require candidates have at least two previous internships and/or a Master’s degree. It’s pretty competitive out there, folks.

Q: What was the application process like for you when looking for post-graduation options? 

A: My dad always taught me that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” This couldn’t have been more accurate during my application process. A family friend introduced me to a VP at Waggener Edstrom, which led me to an informational interview, and well, the rest is history.

Beyond my personal story, I can’t stress enough how important setting up informational interviews is. Simply applying for a job is sometimes not enough. Plus, not all jobs coming down the pipeline are advertised on the company’s website. If you can demonstrate your value during an informational [interview], you’d be surprised how much that helps your chances at landing a job.

Q: What shocked you the most when starting your first job out of college? 

A: The on-boarding process can be quite intense. I was lucky enough to start on the Microsoft account, so I had to learn all the ins and outs of the tech industry – right away. It’s exciting digging deep into the accounts you work on, but it’s mentally draining for the first few months. However, I wouldn’t give up that experience for anything in the world. Starting my first “real job” is one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt.

Q: What has been your favorite project or accomplishment?

A: I had the opportunity to launch Xbox One while I was working at Edelman. This experience was by far the highlight of my career. I worked harder than I ever worked leading up to the event, but it was worth every minute of it. I got to go to New York City to help with the launch, which included going backstage at Bloomberg, Fox Business and other broadcast publications with our top executive. I also ran the VIP/celebrity check-in and watched Macklemore perform for hundreds of Xbox fans attending the event. I was truly living the dream.

Q: How has PRSA benefited you as a professional?

A: As I mentioned above, it’s not what you know, but who you know. PRSA gave me the opportunity to meet and network with the leaders of the PR community in Portland. The PRSA New Pros specifically helped acquaint me with the numerous PR and marketing agencies in Portland. This knowledge helped me locate the most recent stage in my career – working on the Earned Media team at CMD.

Q: What are the top three skills PR students should try to obtain before graduation?

A: Writing/editing is probably the most important skill for a PR professional. Agencies and clients alike expect us to have strong writing skills and perfect grammar.

Social Media knowledge: As millennials, we are expected to have knowledge of emerging social media networks and how to leverage the existing ones. Today PR isn’t just about media relations, it encompasses all forms of communication.

Networking: It’s amazing how small the PR community is across the nation. By getting to know others in the industry, you will give yourself a leg up on the competition when job searching. 

Q: What are some first steps students should take to build their networks?

A: Leverage your professors. They have more connections than you can imagine. Beyond that, join professional networks in the cities you are planning on working in. For example, PRSA New Pros and similar groups are a great way to get to know other young professionals and the various PR and marketing agencies in your community. And don’t be shy. Roll to a few meet-ups solo – chances are there are five other talented people in the room who are in the exact same boat. Finally, keep your LinkedIn updated and connect with the people you meet. LinkedIn is the number one way recruiters find candidates for jobs. You don’t want to miss out on that opportunity. 

Be sure to stop by Allen 141 tonight at 6 to meet Ian Bragg and other professionals as they share their insight with us! 

Lauren_JohnsonHall_thumbnailLauren Todd, Internal Events Director, plans internal events for UO PRSSA in effort to build relationships within the group. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys assisting with weddings and staying up to date on the world of pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @Lauren_Todd.

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Advice from Professionals to Secure Your Next Internship

I asked five professionals for tips on landing internships. Here is what they had to say:

Focus on the value you bring. The company you are interested in needs to understand how you can add value. Show you have initiative. Companies want to hire individuals who are independent and can hit the ground running. In an interview, it is important to communicate what you can achieve. Understand your strengths and accomplishments and have an example for each. When discussing your previous experiences, share what you accomplished and how you added value (hint: quantify your results).

Linda Williams Favero, program director of alumni career services at UO Career Center and Student Affairs

Stand out. Show your passion for public relations and for the company you are applying to. Companies are looking to hire someone who works hard and has previous experience. Think about how you use your time outside of school to work towards your career goals. Keep in mind that the work that you do for various clubs might be relevant – figure out how to leverage the experience you have. And don’t forget to follow up! Be persistent but not desperate. To do so, send a handwritten thank you card reiterating why you’re interested in the company.

Caitlin Albaugh, public relations manager at adidas America

Engage with the company on social media. If you continuously interact with the company, someone will likely notice. This does not mean favoriting every tweet the company posts. Treat the company like it is someone you want to be friends with. If the company tweets out a question, respond with an answer! And don’t hesitate to tweet your own questions to the company. Also, make sure to follow the company on each of your social media profiles (as long as your profiles are professional).

Samantha Luthra, senior account executive at Bread & Butter PR

Learn to code. The more you understand how information travels and how the Internet works, the easier it will be to conceptualize how things operate. Aside from the professional benefits, learning to code offers a host of personal benefits as well. Learning to think “algorithmically” will help you stand out in the job market, and allow you to think and solve problems creatively.

John Gillooly, lead data strategist at MSLGROUP

Become a well-rounded candidate. Over time, try to gain experience through a wide variety of internships. You don’t want three internal communication or media relations internships. You want multiple internships that offer a range of experience – from media relations and social media to investor relations and marketing. The broader skill set and range of work samples you can provide, the more attractive you are to potential employers.

Josh Netzer, administrative program director and Portland Senior Experience program director

Do you have any additional tips to secure an internship? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Kaitlyn Chock is a PRSSA project manager for the 2013-14 school year.  You can contact Kaitlyn at kchock@uoregon.edu.

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How To Stand Out in an Interview

Landing an interview is  the most exciting and nerve racking experience in a new graduate’s life. In this day and age, we face extreme competition not only from our classmates but also from kids across the country. This is why it is important to do your homework before heading into an interview. Here are a few tips to impress an employer at your next interview:

Research. You should never underestimate the importance of research. Your insight will show your employer that you have come to the interview prepared. Most importantly, it will demonstrate your ability to problem solve and give them confidence that you can complete assigned tasks.

Bring Questions.  Have at least five questions written down that you can refer to in case they slip your mind. Make sure your questions show you looked into the company and you have a good understanding of how the company operates. Something you might ask is, “I see that your company’s motto is … can you explain to me how that is seen in day to day operations?” This will show that you have done your research and that you are assessing whether or not this company is right for you.

Take a deep breath. Everyone knows that interviews are scary and stressful, but you want to appear calm and collected. Deep breaths help to calm you down so you can think more clearly, and a calm demeanor will show confidence in your abilities.

Send a thank you note. It may sound old school, but it is always good to follow up with a hand written thank you note after the interview. Thank you notes show you appreciate the opportunity to interview and handwritten notes will set you apart from other candidates. Start off your letter by thanking the employer for taking time to meet with you. Then in the body talk about things you learned from the interview and referring to your relevant skills. Conclude by thanking them again and encouraging them to contact you if any questions arise.

The job market is full of stiff competition and you need stand out. If you enter an interview with a solid understanding of the company and bring good questions, you will be sure to make a good impression. What are some of your interview tips? Feel free to leave them in the comments.

Austin Zerbach is a senior majoring in public relations. Austin plans to pursue a career in event management post graduation. You can contact Austin at austinz@uoregon.edu.

 

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The Best and Worst Aspects of PR

A career in public relations is like a roller coaster: the ups and downs are almost always unpredictable and sudden. Aside from the dinners, parties and exclusive events, there are many other perks to working in the industry.

You hear news first. Public relations professionals are responsible for monitoring and disseminating news about their clients to the media, meaning you would be the first to hear breaking news about your client or organization.

Your hard work is visible. Whether you win a bid on a campaign or successfully implement one, as a public relations practitioner you can “see” your hard work.

Your job is never static. You won’t be writing or looking at the same material day-in and day-out. Even when you’re working with only one client, the work is guaranteed to change drastically and rapidly throughout the job.

Now let’s get to the worst aspects of PR.

Your relationship with the media is unpredictable. Even if you have connections with the media, there is no way to ensure your event or client will make the news. Additionally, media coverage is not always positive.

You’re always tuned in. With the advent of the Internet, news operates on a 24-hour cycle. Therefore, you must stay connected to your phone or laptop outside of the standard eight-hour workday. The work doesn’t stop when you leave the office, but if you love your job this won’t be a downside!

You will be stressed. Forbes ranked the public relations executive the sixth most stressful job of 2014. The nature of the media, news cycle and clients means public relations practitioners must stay on their toes at all times.

If you find yourself loving the best aspects and embracing the worst, a career in public relations might be for you!

Do you have any good or bad aspects to PR that you’d add to the list?

Photo credit: NYC PR Girls

Heather Yount, external relations committee member, is a senior studying public relations. Follow her on Twitter at @yountstr_monstr.

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Make a Successful Transition from College to Career

For many of us, graduation is around the corner. That final day in spring is full of excitement, happiness and fear. The monumental transition into the real world can seem daunting, so, here are tips to help you along the way:

Make goals. As public relations professionals, we know a lot about the importance of planning. Pretend that you work for an agency and the client is yourself. Make a plan with long-term and short-term goals. Ask yourself reflective questions to help you plan your future, but always leave room for change and opportunities you don’t expect. 

Land that first internship or job. Landing a job right out of college can be overwhelming and discouraging, especially when you don’t get a job you thought you were qualified for. The trick is to stay optimistic and keep your options open. Apply for jobs that could lead to your dream position. As a young professional, you have time to try out plenty of options and you never know which experience could lead your ultimate goal.

Manage your money. Now that you have a new job with a real salary and expenses, you need create a budget and stick to it. iReconcile, Expenditure, MoneyBook and Mint are great apps to help you track your budget.

Continue to network. Building a strong network is about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and will vouch for your character. A professional network will help propel your career forward and strengthen your resume. Personally, networking can connect you to your new community and help build a balanced life.

Keep learning. College may be over, but knowledge is still out there. Ask questions, this will demonstrate passion and commitment to your employer. Seek out new experiences to bring more to the table – personally and professionally.

Hopefully these tips will help ease your anxiety. Just remember that every executive started out as a scared recent graduate just like you.

Continue this list of tips or comment with your own concerns for the transition from student to professional.

Ruby Hillcraig, external relations committee member, is a senior at the University of Oregon studying public relations. Ruby hopes to pursue a career in fashion and beauty PR when she graduates in spring 2014. You can reach Ruby at rubyh@uoregon.edu.

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How to Write a Standout Cover Letter

Although writing a cover letter can often be frustrating, it is the first and most important thing a potential employer sees. The right cover letter can get you one step closer to an interview. Here are a few tips to make the writing process easier and your cover letters more successful:

Keep your cover letter well organized and easy to read. Use the first paragraph to explain why you are contacting the organization. Be sure to include any mutual acquaintances and mention your interest in the company or a specific position. In two to three concise body paragraphs, elaborate on your relevant skills, experience, knowledge and expertise. Conclude the cover letter by reiterating your interest in the company and mentioning a call to action, such as “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Tailor your descriptions of skills and experiences to fit the position. Use the job posting as a guide to identify two or three key skills that the employer is looking for. Then, brainstorm the ways in which your skills or experiences illustrate those reoccurring themes. By using key terms from the job posting, you can show that you not only understand what the job entails, but that you’re the right fit for the position.

Remember, they want to know what you can do for them. The more clearly you illustrate how you can benefit the organization, the more likely they call you for an interview. Consider concluding each of your body paragraphs with a sentence summarizing how the skill or experience you mention is relevant and how it will impact the employer.

For more advice on writing a standout cover letter, read this post on the seven-step resume makeover and this article on the mind trick that will help you write a more creative and passion-filled cover letter.

What has been your most successful trick to writing a unique cover letter? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Photo credit: Kazuho Okui via Flickr

DSC_0093Hannah Osborn, external relations committee member, is a junior pursuing a double major in public relations and magazine journalism. Follow her on Twitter at @hannahmarieoz.

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10 Interview Tips

So you have finally landed the interview. Now what? Here are 10 tips to help you overcome anxiety and land any internship or job with ease:

1. Come prepared. Do your research about the company or the person interviewing you. When they ask you why you want to work for them, you can talk about work they have done for clients or campaigns that inspired you. Also, bring a pen, paper and a copy your resume.

2. Know your resume like the back of your hand. Chances are, your interviewer is not going to read through your entire resume before the interview. They will be glancing over it throughout your conversation and asking you to speak more directly about experience that intrigues them. Practice elaborating on key points on your resume the night before your interview.

3. Come with three great questions. When your interviewer asks you if you have any questions at the end of your interview, you have a chance to ask more about what really interests you about their company. Try to avoid sticking to questions about the internship position itself.

4. Arrive early, but not too early. Try to walk into the lobby about five minutes early.

5. Map out your route the night before. Know how to get to the company that you’re interviewing at and how long it will take to get there.

6. Prepare an interesting elevator pitch. If you only had 30 seconds to tell someone about yourself, would you just parrot information that they could get from your resume? Be creative but strategic.

7. Dress to impress, but keep company culture in mind. Even if the company you are interviewing at is casual, you should show in your attire that you take the interview seriously. Typically for a casual company, you don’t have to wear your nicest suit or heels. Find one formal piece, such as a blazer, and balance all of your less formal items around it.

8. Be confidant. You have to believe in your abilities before anyone else will.

9. Smile. Show that you want the job and that you are happy to be there. An interview is really just a conversation between professionals – not a hostage interrogation session.

10. Say thank you. Write a hand-written card thanking your interviewer for considering you for the position the day after your interview. It shows that you’re detail oriented and makes you stand out.

AmeleaBioPhotoAmelea Renshaw is the 2013-2014 University of Oregon PRSSA operations director. She is currently a junior double majoring in advertising and public relations. You can contact Amelea at amelea@uoregon.edu and follow her on Twitter at @amelearenshaw.

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Six Tips for Finding an Internship

A common issue among public relations majors is landing an internship. Although seeking out a public relations internship can be intimidating, especially if you have little to no experience, it is possible. Here are some quick tips to get you started.

  1. Use job search tools daily. Although checking the career center website every once in a while is a step in the right direction, checking frequently gives you a much better chance of finding the right position for you. Plus, while many internships have deadlines, it never hurts to apply early. If you happen to be right for the job, they may hire you before the deadline has even arrived.
  2. Think outside of the career center. While the SOJC does a fantastic job providing internship and job opportunities to students, these opportunities tend to be much more competitive because every journalism student has access to them. In addition to checking the career center’s website regularly, check out indeed.com (that is how I found my first internship) or Monster.com. If you are a dues-paying PRSSA member, check out the job and internship database available for PRSSA members! A smaller pool of applicants means better chances of getting hired.
  3. Reach out to non-profits. Although these are not always the most glamorous jobs, there are so many opportunities to help out organizations that really need assistance. Plus, working at a non-profit is a great way to develop a wide variety of PR-related skills.
  4. Keep your social media presence clean. This is crucial. You do not want to miss out on a great opportunity because you posted too many photos from Halloween on your social profiles. Be yourself and show that you have interests other than PR, but always air on the side of caution.
  5. Cross your t’s and dot your i’s. When sending out resumes and cover letters, check for misspellings, typos and formatting issues. Keep cover letters as brief as possible and resumes to one page. If you’re not quite sure how to write a killer cover letter or a stand-out resume, be sure to attend PRSSA’s Winter Workshop series next term — we will have an entire night dedicated to this very subject.
  6. Do not give up. It is easy to get discouraged when getting turned down, but there are many more opportunities ahead of you. Although you may not have the right experience for a particular job that does not mean that you are not well suited to another position.

With strategic searching and persistence, you will have an internship in no time.

AmeleaBioPhotoAmelea Renshaw is the 2013-2014 University of Oregon PRSSA operations director. She is currently a junior double majoring in advertising and public relations. You can contact Amelea at amelea@uoregon.edu and follow her on Twitter at @amelearenshaw.

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The Importance of Networking

Networking is an important career tool, but it’s one that some undergraduates overlook. According to a 2011 survey from Adecco Staffing US, 29 percent of recent college graduates wished they had better prepared for the job market by spending more time networking while in college. Networking is a time-consuming endeavor, but it can increase your chances of employment, connect you with experts in your field, and open up new opportunities. Here are four tips to help you network effectively:

1. Make yourself visible. You can’t network from behind your computer screen. Email and social media are great ways to maintain relationships, but don’t underestimate the value of face-to-face contact. Set yourself apart from the constant barrage of emails and tweets.

2. Cultivate real relationships.  Meaningful relationships require a lot of energy. You need to invest time and build a rapport with your contacts before you can ask for a favor or referral. Learn about them, try to find common areas of interest, and, most importantly, remember that relationships need to be mutually beneficial. Successful networkers give as much as they receive.

3. Diversify your network. Networking is about more than employment opportunities and collecting business cards, so develop a variety of relationships. Through networking you can build a reputation in your industry, find a mentor, learn about workshops and seminars, and meet new people with similar goals. Professional organizations, peer groups, and online networks are a wonderful source of information, support, and advice.

4. Maintain your network. Your network will require maintenance, which means you need to be proactive about reaching out. You can do this in a variety of ways, but here are a few ideas to get you started: send thank-you notes, extend invitations to industry events, share relevant articles, or arrange meetings.

Networking can help you grow within your industry and give you a competitive edge after you graduate, so start developing professional relationships now. PRSSA and the SOJC provide opportunities to network throughout the year. How have networking events had an impact on your career? Share your experiences in the comments below.

LoveallChloe Loveall is a writer, an artist, and a slave to the creative process. After spending two years traversing the globe, she has temporarily settled down to study journalism and advertising at the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter at @ChloeLoveall.

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Six ways to find a job on Twitter

As June approaches, graduating seniors are anxious to finish their final classes and finally dawn on those green caps and gowns. But then comes planning for life post-grad. Navigating job listings can often be frustrating. but Twitter can be a great way to find recent job postings. Here are six Twitter resources to help you land a great job:

1. Follow @PRSSANational. Lauren Rosenbaum, PRSSA Vice President of Public Relations, regularly tweets about internships and jobs that are on the PRSSA internship center.

2. Follow @SOJCCareers. The SOJC Advising Office tweets about many local jobs and internships, as well as some national opportunities.

3. Follow @ComeRecommended. Come Recommended is a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. They tweet helpful job-hunting strategies, and occasionally tweet about national job opportunities.

4. Follow companies that you want to work for. Sometimes those brands will post job openings, but even if they don’t, it is good to learn about that company and what a job might look like with them.

5. Follow professors such as @KelliMatthews. SOJC faculty members often tweet job search advice, as well as any local jobs and internships she learns about.

6. Follow job-listing aggregators, such as @marketjobsUSA, @comminternships, and @EntryPRJobs. These are excellent resources for the newest job listings across the country.

Even if you aren’t looking for a job, it’s helpful to know what sort of skills are necessary for your dream job. Take the time to browse current listings, identify the companies and positions that catch your eye, and make your job search efforts count.

Post by Aimee Gregg, UO PRSSA member for the 2012-2013 school year. You can contact Aimee through our blog editor at cgisler@uoregon.edu!