Category: PRSSA News

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UO PRSSA’s Top 20 Twitter Influencers

It started as a simple question to a professor: “Who should I be following on social to keep up to date on the industry and learn more about PR and media in general?” From there, it blossomed into an idea to compile a list of people and companies students in the SOJC should be following in order to learn outside of the classroom. Each account was chosen by professors in the SOJC (with a few bonuses added by myself) and includes a small blurb about why students should be following. In no particular order, these accounts will give students a diverse range of profiles so they can learn about the media climate, techniques to use and the wonderful, crazy world outside of Eugene.

Lydia Polgreen: @LydiaPolgreen

She is the editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post. She is believed to be the first woman of color to head a major news organization. She has an international perspective as a former foreign correspondent who grew up in Ghana. She was quick to adapt to digital news and is a prolific Twitter user. She’s working to reenergize a newsroom that had previously had only one editor—Arianna Huffington, the organization’s founder.

Fast Company: @FastCompany

Originally a monthly magazine, now a popular news website, Fast Company focuses on business, technology, and design. Fast Company operates as a network of websites online that focus on a variety of issues from the environment to the economy. Students should follow if they are considering entrepreneurship in their future.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Kelli Matthews

Brian Stelter: @BrianStelter

He is the host of CNN’s @ReliableSources and is a senior media correspondent. Students should be following him because he will help them to understand the latest developments in modern media. He is especially knowledgeable about media coverage of the political landscape.

Recommended by Journalism Professor Damian Radcliffe

Kelli Matthews: @KelliMatthews

She is a PR professor at the SOJC, but is known nationally for her social media know-how. “She’s the first person I thought of in terms of Twitter importance. I’ve learned so much from her.”

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Dean Mundy

Gini Dietrich: @ginidietrich

Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich. She is very involved in the PR world and has authored books and blogs on the subject of digital marketing communications. She operates “Spin Sucks,” which students should also follow.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Kelli Matthews

Salena Zito: @SalenaZito

She writes for The New York Post and The Washington Examiner. She accurately predicted that Donald Trump would win Pennsylvania when no one else did. She is now a commentator for CNN. She lives just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which takes her out of the bubble that tends to envelop media based in New York and D.C. “I’ve found her reporting and perspective highly valuable over this year.”

First Draft News: @firstdraftnews

The account is for a non-profit working on solutions to challenges with trust and truth in news. Following will teach students about social media reporting, verification tips and case studies.

Recommended by Journalism Professor Damian Radcliffe

Arik Hanson: @arikhanson

Arik Hanson is the head of ACH Communications. He focuses on a blend of digital and traditional PR through multiple marketing channels. He has been in the communications industry for more than 20 years and has worked with Fortune 500 companies as well as small boutiques. Students should follow him to learn about theory and different parts of the industry.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Kelli Matthews

Karen Freberg, Ph.D: @kfreberg

She is from Louisville. She’s amazing and provides a ton of great information on Twitter. I’ve learned so much from her.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Dean Mundy

Spin Sucks: @SpinSucks

Founded by Gini Dietrich, Spin Sucks intends to “change the perception people have the PR industry.” Tweets focus on how to use PR without becoming a “shark” and to be respected in the industry.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Kelli Matthews

Margaret Sullivan: @Sulliview

She’s a columnist for The Washington Post and former public editor for The New York Times. She is one of the sharpest media analysts working today. She tweets links to her own work as well as other noteworthy links and engages with followers. “I don’t miss anything [she] writes.” She’s an important figure as the media learns how to handle the Trump administration. “An essential follow for any student who wants to be an engaged citizen of the world. I don’t say that lightly.”

Recommended by Journalism Professor Lori Shontz

News Whip: @NewsWhip

The account offers news, trends and insights from the world’s most advanced content intelligence platform. It has great data on social, including analysis of campaigns, platforms, publishers etc.

Recommended by Journalism Professor Damian Radcliffe

Corey duBrowa: @coreydu

He is a University of Oregon alum and the current VP of Communication for Starbucks. He’s great on Twitter. He not only represents Starbucks well, but has a great Twitter personality overall.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Dean Mundy

PR Daily: @PRDaily

Advertised as, “your one-stop shop for news on PR, marketing, social media & more,” PR Daily has everything and anything a PR major would need to know about the industry. It is important for students to stay updated on what is occurring on a daily basis in order to stay current in an ever-changing market.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Kelli Matthews

Jay Rosen: @jayrosen_nyu

He’s a journalism professor at New York University. He is one of the smartest media analysts and critics working today. He tweets links to his own work and shares other noteworthy links. He engages with followers on Twitter and his blog. “I don’t miss anything he writes.” He is an important press figure in the media in terms of politics. “Essential readings for students who want to be engaged citizens of the world.”

Recommended by Journalism Professor Lori Shontz

Bulldog Reporter: @BulldogReporter

“Bulldog Reporter serves PR professionals by delivering industry news, opinion and analysis.” Students should be following because the account is produced by PR professionals for PR professionals and will help students establish career techniques and principles that they will be able to take with them when they enter the job market post-undergrad.

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Kelli Matthews

Tina McCorkindale: @tmccorkindale

She is the President and CEO of the Institute for PR. She is an amazing leader (and all-around amazing person), great Twitter personality and provides a ton of great resources that bridges academics and practitioners. She was the PRSSA national adviser. (I’d also recommend following the Institute for PR. It is a great organization with many resources.)

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Dean Mundy

Pew Research Center: @pewresearch

Data. Data. Data. PR is based on results in so many ways. By following Pew Research Center, students can learn about data and analysis on “issues, attitudes and trends” in the U.S.  Following will help students stay up to date on the latest trends. 

Recommended by Public Relations Professor Kelli Matthews

Juan-Carlos Molleda: @GlobalPRMolleda

Students should be following the Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication for a multitude of reasons:

1) To learn more about the happenings at UO and #LifeAsAJStudent.

2) To learn about the PR industry as Dean Molleda has years of experience working professionally.

3) To get a more global perspective from a very worldly person.

University of Oregon PRSSA: @UOPRSSA

Follow the University of Oregon chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America in order to stay up to date on our events and meetings and gain firsthand experience networking with local professionals. Engage in our workshops and learn about navigating the SOJC!

Recommended by author/PRSSA member Jillian Niedermeyer

 

 

 

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UO PRSSA’s Guide to Dining in PDX

Portland is known for it’s foodie scene and, lucky for you, this year’s PRSSA National Assembly is happening right in the middle of it! We put together a list of ten of our favorite Portland eateries so you will be sure to get a taste of the best that the Rose City has to offer, all within walking distance of the PRSSA National and PR PDX venues.

Barista
529 SW 3rd Ave #110
We know stopping at the nearby Starbucks is tempting, but Portland has so many great coffee shops that you’ll definitely want to stretch your legs a little bit to try something new. A local favorite, Barista is the perfect place to get your coffee fix.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters
128 SW 3rd Ave
What would a trip to Portland be without a visit to the city’s most renowned coffee company? If you’re attending our PR PDX event on Saturday, make sure to stop by Stumptown Coffee Roasters just a few blocks away.

Mother’s Bistro
212 SW Stark St
Mother’s Bistro is another local favorite known for its incredible breakfast offerings. The breakfast menu is served from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. so head there for an early breakfast prior to the National Assembly programming or even after PR PDX if you’re craving breakfast for lunch.

Café Yumm
SW 3rd and Morrison
If you’re looking for affordable options, you’ll definitely want to check out Café Yumm. Started in the University of Oregon’s hometown of Eugene, the unique Yumm Bowls served here are hard to describe, but delicious – trust us! This Eugene favorite comes highly recommended by the UO PRSSA chapter.

Veritable Quandary
1220 SW 1st Ave
Since it’s only a block away from the Marriott, I had to recommend my personal favorite brunch spot along the waterfront. It’s one of the more expensive options on this list, but well worth every penny.

Lúc Lác Vietnamese Kitchen
835 SW 2nd Ave
To get a sampling of the international cuisine Portland specializes in, head to Lúc Lác Vietnamese Kitchen just five blogs from the Marriott. Our vice president recommends their pho. Plus, it’s open till midnight – perfect if you’re looking for a late night meal!

Rock Bottom Brewery
206 SW Morrison St
Looking for a sample of Portland’s craft beer scene? Rock Bottom Brewery is just off the waterfront and offers a selection of craft beer brewed in-house and delicious food. This is also a great place to catch the Blazer game Friday night!

Portland City Grill
111 SW 5th Ave
Known for its spectacular views of the city from the 30th floor of the US Bancorp Tower, this is one Portland restaurant you won’t want to miss! Stop by for their affordable happy hour from 4-7 p.m. or after 9 p.m., make sure to order their Kung Pao calamari and enjoy the views!

Hot Lips Pizza
1909 SW 6th Ave
Hot Lips Pizza is another Portland favorite. The closest location to National Assembly is on the Portland State University campus, but it’s worth the trek if you’re craving great pizza!

Voodoo Doughnut
22 SW 3rd Ave
Last but not least, if the Portland classic Voodoo Doughnut is on your must-visit list, there’s a location not too far from the Turnbull Center, where our PR PDX activities are taking place.

To make exploring Portland as simple as possible, we’ve put together a map with all of the PRSSA National Assembly and PR PDX venues as well as the locations on our dining guide. Check it out below!

DSC_0093Hannah Osborn, Public Relations Director, is a senior pursuing a double major in public relations and magazine journalism. She manages all UO PRSSA social and digital media platforms. Follow her on Twitter at @hannahmarieoz.

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3 Benefits of Becoming a PRSSA Member

As the finance director for UO PRSSA, I am often asked, “Why should I become a dues paying member?” Well, of course, I’m going to do my best to encourage you to pay the membership due and become a part of what I see as one of the best organizations on campus. But you deserve the facts. So here are my top three reasons why you should become a dues paying member of the PRSSA National Chapter:

Enhance your education.
Events, competitions, leadership opportunities, scholarship and awards, writing practice, and current news are all provided once a member of the National PRSSA chapter. All of these opportunities provide members with the chance to network and interact with other public relations students around the country. Experience is one of the best ways to enhance your education so use these PRSSA benefits to your advantage.

Broaden your network.
The National PRSSA organization provides students with many ways to network and meet new people. They organize events, start discussions via social media platforms and provide students with access to the Champions for PRSSA directory, which gives students access to a network of dedicated professionals.

Launch your career.
Ultimately, we all hope to graduate from college with the security of a job position. The National PRSSA organization provides students with three databases to help launch their career. Once a member, students have access to the PRSA Online Job Center, an internship database and the PRSA Associate members’ list.

Interested in becoming a member of the national PRSSA organization and beginning to work towards your public relations career? Membership dues are $80 per student annually and are due by February 18. You are welcome to pay with cash or check – please make checks out to ‘University of Oregon Foundation.’

Sophie_Outside1_thumbnailSophie Lair, Finance Director, manages and prepares the chapter’s budget for the academic school year and collects annual dues from members. Sophie is currently majoring in public relations with a minor in French. Follow her on Twitter at @sophielair.

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6 Things We Learned at PRSSA National Conference

PRSSA National Conference provides the opportunity for members to develop public relations skills, network with professionals, and learn how to succeed in a competitive industry.

From Friday, Oct. 25 to Monday, Oct. 28, UO PRSSA stayed in Philadelphia for the 2013 PRSSA National Conference, where we learned a lot from the industry’s top professionals. Here are 6 things we’d like to share with you:

  • Develop a personal brand. Nothing is more important than branding yourself through social media platforms. From your Twitter to your blog to your online portfolio – make sure to show character while maintaining professionalism.
  • Tell a story. Learn to tell a story through data and make a lasting impact.
  • Read, read, read. Stay current with what is going on around the world. Read local newspapers, PR news, industry publications and the NY times daily.
  • Think before you send. Mary Beth West of Mary Beth West Communications emphasizes that “the devil is in the details.” It’s crucial to look over everything you produce before clicking send, whether it’s social media, an email or press release. Typos and grammatical errors matter, so pay close attention to everything.
  • Build genuine relationships. Get involved today, whether it’s through PRSSA, intramural sports or student government. Networking with others can uncover common goals or interests that build lasting connections.
  • Prepare an elevator pitch. Always have a 30-second elevator pitch about yourself on hand. Highlight who you are and what you’ve done. An interesting pitch will make you memorable to anyone you meet.

What tips do you have for pre-professionals?

Kathleen

Kathleen Nguyen, finance director for the 2013-2013 school year, is a senior at the University of Oregon studying public relations. You can reach Kathleen at knguyen3@uoregon.edu.

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Benefits of a PRSSA Membership

As membership dues quickly approach, students frequently ask about the benefits of becoming a PRSSA member. While students don’t need to be dues-paying members to participate in PRSSA meetings or activities, there are a number of benefits to paying dues! According to PRSSA National, here are a few reasons why you should become a member:

  • Enhance your education – events, activities, competitions, scholarships, leadership
  • Broaden your network – events, social media, PRSA chapter
  • Launch your career – PRSSA internship center, PRSA job center

Once you become a member, you have access to:

  • PRSSA National scholarships and awards – Individual scholarships and awards are given to PRSSA members who demonstrate ethics, advocacy of professionalism, leadership and involvement.
  • PRSSA National news publications and web resources – PRSSA National provides news about the public relations profession.
  • PRSSA National internship center and PRSA job center – The internship and job center offer listings of openings available to PRSSA members.
  • Professionals – UO PRSSA works with PRSA and other PR professionals to encourage communication and insight among members from each organization.

In addition to these benefits, you are eligible to join PRSA as an associate member for $60 – compared to $225 for non-members – up to five months before or two years after you graduate.

Membership dues are $80 per student annually and are due Monday, Oct. 21 by 5 p.m. in the UO PRSSA mailbox on the second floor of Allen Hall. You are welcome to pay with cash or check – please make checks out to ‘University of Oregon PRSSA.’

If you have any questions, shoot us an email at prssa@jcomm.uoregon.edu!

Kathleen

Kathleen Nguyen, finance director for the 2013-2013 school year, is a senior at the University of Oregon studying public relations. You can reach Kathleen at knguyen3@uoregon.edu.

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National Leadership: Q&A with Ellie Boggs

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Boggs poses with the 2013-2014 PRSSA National Committee.
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UO PRSSA Exuective Board members Ellie Boggs and Callie Gisler attended the event in New Mexico in early April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Say hello to a new “generation” of PRSSA leadership. The 2013 PRSSA National Assembly was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from April 4 to April 7. The event marks an important time for the organization, as delegates vote on bylaws and leadership for the coming school year. Current UO PRSSA chapter president Ellie Boggs was elected to serve as the National Vice President of Career Services for the 2013-2014 term. UO PRSSA is incredibly excited and proud for Boggs as she moves forward into her new role! Here is what she had to say about her new position and her thoughts on leadership: 

Q: What inspired you to apply for a position with the National Committee?
A: I first started thinking about applying to the National Committee during the National Assembly last year where I was the UO PRSSA delegate. The National Committee is a group of students who are so passionate about the PRSSA organization and the overarching ideas and plans that make the society run; I wanted to be a part of implementing those big plans. Leadership is also something that I enjoy immensely, so the decision to take the next step and apply for a national leadership position was an easy one.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as the vice president of career services?
A: My No. 1 goal is to increase the number of PRSSA students who are given the opportunity to complete an internship. Every student deserves the chance to practice and improve their learned skills through internships, and serving as vice president of career services puts me in the position to help more PRSSA students get that practical experience.

Q: What is your definition of a successful leader?
A: I think a good leader is someone who knows how to listen, as well as act. Balancing these two qualities is essential but quite difficult. If the team you’re leading knows that you will listen and care about their concerns, they are more likely to work hard on your behalf. On the other hand, a good leader also should know when to take action and get things done.

Q: How do you think this experience will shape your future as a professional?
A: This is a really exciting position, because I get to interact with chapters and students, as well as businesses and professionals. Essentially this position is all about making connections in order to expand the PRSSA Internship Center, so it will help me develop the skills to interact on a professional level, instead of just a student level.

Q: Why is it important for students to seek out and apply for leadership positions while in college?
A: Leadership pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I’d venture to say it does that for most students. Learning to lead effectively takes practice and hard work. In your professional career, you most likely won’t have the opportunity to lead and manage people for several years, so learning to lead while in college will put you a step ahead.

Q: What advice do you have for other PRSSA members who might be interested in applying for a similar leadership position?
A: Start leading on a small level. Like I said before, learning how to lead effectively takes time and practice; it doesn’t happen overnight. Try seeking out a leadership position in your university or local PRSSA chapter. Then, once you’ve taken on several smaller leadership roles, you can begin researching leadership positions that allow you to take on larger responsibilities, such as the PRSSA National Committee. Be sure to do thorough research when applying to these positions. I prepared my application for several months before submitting it, and the time spent preparing was definitely paid off.

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The Real World Benefits of PRSSA Membership

It’s that time of year again: PRSSA registration and dues time. In the spirit of the season, I’d like to take a moment to remind current and potential members about the wealth of benefits that PRSSA membership has to offer. PRSSA membership will allow you to develop professional skills, learn from current public relations professionals and create industry contacts while you’re still in college.

But don’t just take it from me. Learn from current account supervisors and public relations specialists from around the country what PRSSA did for them and what it can do for you.

“Without a doubt, PRSSA was the most valuable networking opportunity for me in college and the connections I made with professionals and fellow students remain to this day, ultimately leading to my first job in the field. This didn’t happen on its own, but rather through active involvement and a consistent presence at local, regional and national events throughout my collegiate career. Anyone studying public relations without joining PRSSA is doing themselves a disservice, and they may wind up answering questions from interviewers like me who really value what the organization does for students.”

– Kevin Saghy, Public Relations & Marketing Specialist, Chicago Cubs.

“My PRSSA membership without a doubt is the most impactful decision I’ve made in my life. It has determined the city I live in, the friends I keep up with, the job I go to every day and even the woman I am going to marry. Professional development that PRSSA offers helps separate members from their peers. Most importantly, networking opportunities with industry practitioners, educators and other members will provide members with a mosaic of best practices to utilize and job leads to explore.”

– Ryan McShane, Senior Account Executive, Taylor.

“PRSSA was the key to unlocking many doors for me during my time studying PR in school and onto the first few years on the job. PRSSA helped me to identify mentors, expand my network as well as land my first few internships, which eventually turned into a full time job at a PR agency. I strongly encourage students who are interested in working in the PR field to join PRSSA to get a head start on the competition and level the playing field when it comes to job searching.  When I interview potential intern candidates and I see that they actively participated in PRSSA, they jump to the top of the list.”

– Joseph Tateoka, Account Supervisor, Corporate Technology, Edelman (Chicago).

“When you’re in college, the one thing you work toward is getting a job. PRSSA prepares you in college to get a job through personal and professional development at conferences, workshops, meetings and other fun activities. When you graduate college as a PRSSA member, you can transition in to PRSA anywhere you choose — this is the network you want to join to meet people in any area and the network you want to join to help get you a job.”

– Lauren K. Gray, National President, PRSSA, 2012-2013

“Being an active member of PRSSA is the your gateway of opportunity to pursuing a career and landing a job in public relations. Given my participation on the Chapter and national level of PRSSA, I was able to secure my first job post-graduation through relationships I made with professionals while being a PRSSA member. My PRSSA membership, activities, involvement and accomplishments within the Society gave me a competitive advantage allowing me to stand out from other candidates. Paying your monthly dues is simply not enough to leverage all the benefits PRSSA membership offers. Taking advantage of every leadership opportunity within your Chapter and PRSSA national, attending local, regional and national events and staying engaged in your Chapter is the key to effectively landing your first job after graduation.”

– Brandi Boatner, Digital Experience Manager, IBM.

“PRSSA has ensured me that this is the career I need to be in. With all of the opportunities i have come about through events, workshops, networking with industry leaders, etc., I was able to grasp specific knowledge and guidance within the specific path I wanted to take in the industry. PRSSA serves as a full service organization and always produces nothing but the best.”

–  Hilary Jurinak, National Vice President of Internships and Job Services, PRSSA.

Want to become a dues-paying PRSSA member? Shoot me an email (eboggs@uoregon.edu) to get the details.

Special thanks Kevin Saghy for inspiring me to write this post, and a big thank you to all those who shared their PRSSA experiences with me so that I could create the post.

11-300x217Post by Ellie Boggs, chapter president for the 2012-2013 school year. She is a senior at the UO studying public relations. You can reach Ellie at eboggs@uoregon.edu.

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Benefiting from PRSSA Membership

Over the years many students have raised questions about the true benefits of becoming a PRSSA member. This question arises because students can still participate in PRSSA activities and events, even if they aren’t due-paying members. However, there are a multitude of benefits from becoming members that can help students with professional development. According to PRSSA National there are three major benefits for becoming members:

  • Enhancing your Education- Events, competition, leadership, scholarships
  • Broadening your Network- Events, social media, PRSA sponsor chapters, champions for PRSSA
  • Launching your Career- PRSA job center, internships, PRSA associate membership, PRSA sections

Changes we are making this year:

There are certain changes that we are making this year that give PRSSA members more benefits. We are planning on taking agency tours to Portland and possibly Seattle this year and we are only allowing members to take these trips. Agency tours are a great way for members to see the professional environment, network and talk to professionals in our industry.

Professional development:

There are numerous benefits that come from becoming PRSSA members. It not only gives students more opportunities for professional growth and development within public relations, but also gives them the opportunity to gain more professional experience.

Helping students receive jobs:

Many professionals say that nowadays having the words “PRSSA membership” on a resume makes a big difference. It shows that students can commit to a club that is related to their industry. It also shows that students are making a greater effort outside of internship opportunities and classes to gain more professional experience and network.

Post by Megan Bauer, Chapter Treasurer for the 2012-2013 school year. She is a senior at the UO studying public relations and advertising. You can reach Megan at meganbauer1@gmail.com!