Uncategorized – Page 4 – University of Oregon PRSSA

November 12, 2013

Ducks Love Dogs: A Happy (and Muddy) Day of Fun

UO PRSSA and Greenhill Humane Society teamed up on Thursday, Nov. 7 to host an event that had tails wagging – Ducks Love Dogs! Ducks Love Dogs allows students to play with dogs while raising funds for UO PRSSA and Greenhill. Participants were also provided treats for their pup and enjoyed KIND Snacks for themselves!

Twelve adoptable, furry friends were rented out to more than 45 students, raising $443. With that, 60% of proceeds went to Greenhill to help feed animals and host community events that help animals find new homes. Ducks Love Dogs’ success proved that even when it’s raining cats and dogs, there’s always a good time to play with one!

Missed out? No worries. We will be hosting Ducks Love Dogs again in the spring. In the meantime, enjoy some photos taken during the event!

Kylee Plummer is the 2013-2014 University of Oregon PRSSA Events Director. She is currently a senior in the SOJC as a Journalism major with a focus in Public Relations. Follow her on Twitter at @KyleePlummer.

October 17, 2013

How to Shine in Your Next PR Internship

Internship experience is a must for any public relations student. Whether it’s working for a local agency over the summer or assisting with outreach efforts for a student organization, the experience is vital for building your resume and portfolio before graduation. Any internship offers the chance to put your best effort forward and make the most of your newest position. But how exactly can you shine in your next PR internship?

Present the problem, but also a solution. When things go wrong, be prepared to present the problem in a clear and effective away. But you should also be prepared to present a solution! Explain to your internship supervisor that the news story you pitched to a reporter went astray and he might not be interested in the story anymore. After you explain the problem, follow up with a potential solution or two that you brainstormed beforehand. You can offer to follow up with the reporter over the phone to discuss the story. Presenting a thought-out solution to a problem shows the ability to problem solve, think strategically, and take initiative – all vital skills for a fast-paced industry like PR.

Look for opportunities to go the extra mile. Even in the early stages of an internship, don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. Is there a pressing deadline right around the corner? Offer to work an extra hour on the project from home. Going beyond expectation not only highlights you as a reliable and helpful team member, but as a young professional who can take the lead and meet deadlines. Plus, these are the type of attributes you want to stand out for any recommendation letters after your internship is over.

Your last impression counts too. After all the hard work you’ve put in, use the end of an internship to leave one lasting impression. No matter what the experience, finish up with a sincere thank you note. It’s worth the effort to handwrite and personalize a note for everyone you worked closely with other the summer – even the secretary, if he or she was important in helping you achieve your goals over the summer. Better yet, consider setting up a final meeting with your internship supervisor to discuss the experience, any letters of recommendation, and the work samples you might want to use in your portfolio later!

PR students might find themselves in a variety of internship positions. But no matter where you might end up dedicating your time, make the most of it! If you aren’t sure where to start, simply showing up each day with a smile and the willingness to learn can make all the difference. What advice do you have for making a great impression as an intern?

Callie Gisler is the 2013-2014 University of Oregon PRSSA chapter president. She is currently a senior in the SOJC, pursuing a double major in public relations and magazine journalism. Follow her on Twitter at @CallieGisler.

October 14, 2013

Find or Make Your Place on Campus

In case you haven’t noticed, the University of Oregon (UO) is pretty big – and I’m not only talking about nearly 300-acres of campus. With more than 20,000 undergrads, the university is a little intimidating, but the trick is to make this big school feel small. How do you go about doing that? By getting involved, of course.

There are plenty of ways to get involved in the SOJC – PRSSA, Allen Hall PR and DuckTV, to name a few. College is the perfect place to try new things. These four years are meant for a little trial and error, so take advantage of that. Venture outside your comfort zone. Take a new class. Try an intramural sport. Join a club. Find where you fit in on campus, be that in PRSSA or elsewhere.

Don’t know where to start? Take a look at the student organization directory (http://bit.ly/164QKRt), talk to an advisor or swing by the EMU. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

UO Outdoor Program (outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu) – If you’re a fan of Mother Nature or looking for an adventure, the Outdoor Program is a great place to travel, network and have a great time.

Ethos Magazine (ethosmagonline.com) – While its sometimes overshadowed by its big brother Flux Magazine, Ethos is an award-winning, not-for-profit publication where you can not only meet other journalism students but also help create a reputable product.

College Democrats or College Republicans – If you’re interested in politics or campaigns, this may be the right place for you to harness the skills to break into the field.

American Marketing Association (ama.uoregon.edu) – Want to stay a little closer to the PR realm? Check out AMA for another opportunity to gain real world experience and connect with professionals.

Nothing look quite right? Start your own club or organization! Or make the right opportunity happen for you. College is what you make of it.

I’m going to let you in a little secret: everybody needs good PR… this includes all the clubs on campus. Take advantage of that need! Find a group or organization that shares your passions, whether it’s fashion, the environment, or a sport, and offer your PR skills. Whether it’s running Twitter, designing posters, or making classroom announcements, you’re helping them and they’re helping you.

Campus involvement will not only provide you valuable experience but also enable you to contribute to something you’re passionate about. Stuffy resume boosters will only get you so far after graduation; future employers look for initiative, persistence, and “spark.” Getting involved, in and out of PRSSA, is a great way to display your skills and drive!

Mandy Shold is the 2013-2014 University of Oregon PRSSA chapter vice president. She is currently a senior double majoring in public relations and environmental studies. Follow her on Twitter at @WayToRepresent or check out her portfolio at mandyshold.wix.com/portfolio.