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Recently, I took an interview with a PR agency for a post-graduation job oppurtunity. One HR director and four employees in 60 minutes; I was nervous.

Before the interview, I sent the HR director my resume, and the four employees had the oppurtunity to review it and Google me online. After about 10 minutes with the HR director, it was time to meet this first two employees; both account directors for different clients. After initial “hello’s” and “how are you doing?,” the first thing one of the account directors said was, “I really enjoyed reviewing your resume and your website. It was nice to have something other than a resume to see what you’re all about.”

I was automatically thankful that over the past six months I had kept my online portfolio and blog up-to-date.

There are many times we hear from professors, current students, and graduated students from the School of Journalism and Communication mention that having an online presence is huge. Having a website that houses your work puts you ahead of the game, and connecting it your blog is a major plus. Often we find this to be time consuming, especially with all the work we’re constantly doing for our classes, keeping a website up-to-date is difficult.

I get it. Designing the site, reviewing your work before you upload it, and putting just the basics up seems like a weekends worth of time that could be used doing other things that have hard deadlines.

If I told you that one of the reasons I moved forward in my interview process was because of the work presented on my website, would that change your mind about it? I bet it will make you consider it.

I was on the fence about creating my own site for a year, until I heard a similar story from three of my friends who graduated last year. They’re now working for two national PR agencies; the top-dogs of PR agencies.

I’m not saying having a website is going to get you a job. An online portfolio and blog will give an employer more of an insight to see your skillset that may not be all on your resume.

Here are three tips to help you get started with your online portfolio and blog:

1. Utilize the blog writing assignments in your early journalism classes. 

Yes, I’m talking about that WordPress blog you had to create in J452, or the guest-student blogs you had to write in a topics class. These are writing samples. Take them seriously, but also take advantage of the opportunity. If you’re anything like me, you’re not a blog writer. Maybe because you don’t like writing blogs or maybe you don’t feel as though you have the time. That’s OK. Classes that freely give you the chance to write a post that will be publishes online is something you should be excited about, not dead.

2. Look at current or graduated students’ websites and blogs for inspiration.                                                                                                        

 Chances are, many of the assignments you are currently doing has been given to students before you. Not everyone presents themselves the same way. Find inspiration from either online portfolios or blogs on WordPress and Squarespace. Once you can imagine how your website will look, it’s a lot easier to actually see yourself owning one.

3. Grab a few friends to help create the site.

If you don’t have a website because you feel as though you aren’t “creative enough” or you “don’t have design skills,” open your eyes to the peers you’re surrounded by. Many of your friends in the journalism school are talented folks. If you’re struggling with creating the basics of website, and I mean just creating a WordPress account and becoming familiar with the interface, grab a friend to help show you the ropes. Don’t know how to code or you’re confused on how to get an image on the site? Chances are someone in your class has done it before. Looking for a design guru? Ask an advertising major for some recommendations.

Think of your website being on extension of your personal brand. Your resume can’t tell your entire story. Your online website can.

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Abigaelle Mulligan is currently a senior at the University of Oregon, majoring in public relations and minoring in business administration. Upon graduation, she is joining the Grow Marketing Team in San Francisco. She enjoys learning about upcoming digital and experiential marketing and how it affects the public relations and advertising realm.

Internships are a great way to start your career in the public relations industry. Most of us focus on how to get an internship and how to excel during the internship, but the importance of what you should do after your internship is over is often overlooked. Here are five things you can do to ensure that you get the most out of your experience.

1. Don’t forget to say ‘thank you’

Remember to say ‘thank you’ to everyone you feel necessary. Send well thought out, handwritten letters to the company stating specific reasons you are appreciative for the experience. Remember to also thank specific people you worked with while you were there.

2. Don’t lose touch

Keeping in touch with fellow interns, co-workers and managers can be a great way to build your network. These people can also potentially get you connected with other great career opportunities. Be sure to send them an email occasionally to see how they’re doing or ask them out to coffee every once in a while.

3. Ask for feedback

Your boss can give you solid advice on your development as both a student, and a new member of the workplace. Show that you are open to constructive criticism and ask for feedback on how you are doing in the company. This will also show that you truly care about the work you are doing and strive to do better.

4. Ask for a letter of recommendation

Once your internship is over, don’t be too shy to ask for a reference or a letter of recommendation. Even if you realize that you do not want to pursue the field that your internship was in, your boss can still express your dedication, intelligence and overall work ethic. If you ask for a general letter of recommendation based on your performance, you can use it for multiple opportunities.

5. Don’t badmouth anyone

If you weren’t completely pleased with the way your internship went, it’s best not to vocalize it publicly. Keep your professional reputation in mind and never talk poorly about your employer on any social media platforms. Word of mouth can travel faster than you may think and the last thing you want to do is burn bridges within your network.

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Baylie Waller is originally a Chicago native who is interested in brand management and fitness and nutrition public relations. She can one day see herself working in Portland or Seattle.

A little less than two years ago, I sat in a large introduction to public relations class. Hundreds of students sat in desks around me, and I’ll admit, it was a bit intimidating looking at how many of my peers would be going into the same job market as myself. How was I going to stand out? How was I supposed to know how to land an internship or job? What did I need to focus on during my time in the School of Journalism and Communication? I was brand new to the program, and although I didn’t know what the future of PR would hold for me, I was eager to learn everything I could to succeed in the industry.

Fast forward. It’s my last term of college, and I just returned home from a full day of work at my PR and marketing internship. Two years have flown by, but I learned so much and took on many opportunities to get where I am today. For me, it was mostly trial and error, figuring out the answers to those questions I asked myself in that big classroom.

If you are one of those students who is just starting out on the PR track feeling nervous like I did, I have some great news for you. You can get all the inside scoop about classes, instructors, internship tips and more by doing one simple thing. Join the PRSSA mentorship program! I am taking the time to tell you about this incredible program because I was not fortunate enough to be a mentee during my time of need. If I had a mentor during my journey through the PR sequence, my questions would have been answered by a peer who already went through the same experiences. Your peers are often some of the greatest sources of knowledge when it comes to the process of working your way through the sequence and on to the professional world.

I’m going to switch gears to address those of you who have already embarked partway through the PR sequence. The mentorship program is just as important for you as it is for those students just starting out. Become a mentor! I started in the program as a mentor, and it has been such a rewarding experience. Not only are you able to give advice to a peer just starting the sequence, (who doesn’t feel good when helping someone out?) but you also learn from them as well. I’m confident my mentee and I will continue to stay in touch. We learn from each other and encourage each other as we take on new opportunities, which is an awesome connection to take away from this experience.

There’s nothing better than Ducks helping Ducks, and this program gives PR students a way to start building those relationships while you’re still at the SOJC. For more information about the program, check out the PRSSA website.

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Kati VanLoo is a senior at the University of Oregon graduating in June. She has interned in both the corporate and agency settings, including her current position she holds as a part of the Portland Senior Experience. During her time at the SOJC she was an account supervisor for Allen Hall Public Relations, a writer for Her Campus Oregon and a mentor in the PRSSA mentorship program. Check out her PR lifestyle blog or follow her on Twitter at @Katelyn_VanLoo.

 

Networking is a tool that can help you open many doors by educating people on who you are and what you are interested in. Sometimes networking can be awkward, but there are ways to combat this. Here are some key ways to help you start networking today.

1. Create a LinkedIn account

This may seem obvious, but when you create your LinkedIn account spend some time tailoring it to showcase who you are. You are not only updating it’s content, but you are also making connections with professors, acquaintances and professionals. By using LinkedIn, you are showing professionals that you care about your brand and how you are representing yourself to the masses.

2. Follow professionals on social media

One of the easiest ways to connect with professionals is by following and engaging with them on social media. Find professionals whose interests align with yours and make an effort to engage with them and their content. It is an easy way to build relationships with people who may not be in your immediate vicinity.

3. Promote your personal website and or blog

If you have a personal blog or website, be sure to promote it across your social media platforms and on your resume. If you are producing quality content, you can attract professionals who are interested in the same topics. It is a quick way to build credibility with professionals by showing them that you are dedicated to producing engaging content on schedule.

4. Set-up informational interviews

Informational interviews help you make new connections and show that you are passionate about what the company does. Reach out to a company via email and express that you are interested in learning about the industry and what they do on a daily basis. They may not be hiring at the time, but when conducting informal interviews, you could possibly be building connections with them. When the company is hiring, you may come first to mind.

5. Utilize events

Take advantage of on-campus events. Many jobs and internships are already filled because of a personal connection to the company. Networking can help you obtain these connections. Events provide people with the atmosphere to have a conversation with a professional. Whether the event is put on by the UO Career Center or PRSSA, they are there to help you make these connections. When at these events, come prepared with your personal business cards and make it a point to get theirs as well.  Be sure to follow-up a few days after the event and bring up something you remember talking with them about. Don’t forget to thank them for their time because it’s all about making a great impression!

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Lauren 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.

It is no secret that college graduates should be skilled in interviewing, time management, organization and budgeting (although I haven’t quite figured out how to budget my coffee obsession). Those close to entering the real world have heard numerous times to hone these skills. Here are five skills to acquire before graduation; whether or you want to hear them or not.

 1. Professional Email Writing                                                                                                                               There is a major difference between emailing your mom and emailing your employer. A professional email should be short, concise and to the point. It should remain free from dreaded run-on sentences, and should include a touch of friendliness. This blog provides a few tips on writing a professional email.

2. Professional Eloquence                                                                                                                                       Take a few moments the next time you’re eavesdropping to note how often people use filler words and phrases such as, “you know,” “like” and “uh.” The more you pay attention to how often others use fillers, the more aware you will become of your own bad habits. Eliminating filler words will make you sound sophisticated, professional and concise. Because like, you know, your future boss will like really um, appreciate that.

3. Building a Professional Wardrobe                                                                                                                 The business casual garb you are accustomed to wearing at work may or may not be acceptable for the professional workforce. As we approach graduation, take stock of your business casual and business professional outfits. In the real world, employees cannot come to work wearing mini-skirts, cargo pants, strappy heels or plunging necklines. Building a professional wardrobe takes time, so get started today!

4. Self-Care                                                                                                                                                                 Do you ever feel exhausted from a long day at your internship? Do you continue stressing about work responsibilities once you’re home to your cat and lounging in your cozy pajamas? Don’t worry, these are common problems caused by, “the grind” and yes, a solution does exist. That solution is called “self-care.” Self-care is a concept that most professionals do not completely understand and do not take advantage of it. The trick to proper self-care is to brainstorm and plan activities that are beneficial to your mental and emotional health. Practicing yoga, reading novels, journaling, taking hikes, and relaxing while watching Netflix with a pint of ice cream are examples of this. My advice is to become familiar with this practice before entering the professional world so that you don’t get burnt out.

5. Meal Planning                                                                                                                                                       You may be thinking, “Why is meal planning so important?” Planning meals ahead of time will save you money, make your waistline happy, and can serve as a creative outlet. I recommend choosing healthy, flavorful and easy recipes that can be divvied into multiple Tupperware containers for a grab n’ go “lunch al desko.” My recent favorite meal to prepare is Greek pasta with ground turkey. It’s best when you top it off with fresh parsley and feta, and you are good to go!

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Anna Williams, external relations committee member, is a senior studying Family & Human Services. She’s obsessed with craft beer, avocados and everything about Seattle, and is pursuing a career in Food + Bev PR. Follow her on Twitter @annaleighwill. 

 

 

Hannah Santucci, a University of Oregon graduate and a previous PRSSA member, has had quite the adventure since receiving her degree in 2012. She was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to explain her journey and share some helpful tips with current public relations students.

Santucci started her journey by spontaneously moving to California after graduation in search of a career. In October 2012, she landed a job with a start-up company, Become.com. After a few months at her first job, her career path changed course and she became the junior marketing programs coordinator at the CMO Council. After testing out the waters, she came to the conclusion that this position was not what she envisioned and she continued her search for a career that she could be passionate about.

In October 2014, Santucci found success in her job hunt. She was hired as a member of Old Navy’s Field Communication Team and continues to work for the clothing company today. As a member of its field communications team, she receives, stores and relays messages from business partners and executives. She then edits, repackages and publishes these important messages on the company’s internal portal.

Hannah’s Tips for Graduating Seniors:

1. Not only do employers want to see what you’ve done on your resume, they want to see how well you can talk about those experiences.

2. Be confident, be passionate, be a Duck.

3. Begin to apply for jobs months before graduation.

4. Take all interviews seriously.

5. Have an intriguing resume layout.

6. Clean-up your social media accounts.

Thank you Hannah for sharing your story and your valuable PR tips! Feel free to follow Hannah on Twitter, @hannahsantucci.

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Shelby Nelson, External Relations Committee, serves as a project manager for the PRSSA blog. She is a senior pursuing a Public Relations degree. Feel free to follow her on Twitter at @shelbybriann.

UO PRSSA and Greenhill Humane Society partnered together on Oct. 30 to put on the Ducks Love Dogs event on the Memorial Quad lawn. Ducks Love Dogs allows students at the University of Oregon to “rent” dogs and play with them from 15 to 60 minutes. It’s a great opportunity for students whose housing does not allow animals as well as students who miss their own dogs at home to receive a little puppy therapy. Proceeds from this event benefited both UO PRSSA and Greenhill Humane Society.

Greenhill Humane Society is a local animal shelter in Eugene that saves more than 2,000 animals a year. The shelter provides a safe place for animals without homes and is committed to making sure they achieve the highest level of care. They also make sure that the animals are hopefully one day adopted by a family who best suits them.

Over 50 students showed up to play with the pooches and support UO PRSSA and Greenhill. Luckily, the rain held off until the event was over so everyone was able to stay dry! There were treats, toys and leashes provided by Greenhill for students to use while playing with the dogs. Everyone appeared to have a great time!

Ducks Love Dogs was a successful day filled with fun and ended up raising around $400 to support both Greenhill and UO PRSSA.

Baylie Waller, External Events Director, plans events that benefit both UO PRSSA and local non-profit organizations as well. She is passionate about fitness and nutrition and loves anything to do with animals. Follow her on Twitter at @bayleaf_15.