Tag: organization

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Getting Involved With the SOJC

Getting involved with the School Of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) is one of the most important things you can do as an undergraduate. Joining clubs and organizations in the SOJC will not only build your resume but also give you experience in your areas of interest.

You’re probably thinking, “How do I decide which club is right for me?” I struggled with the same question when I first got involved. Here are a few tips that helped me find the right organizations:

  1. Go to the advising office: The advising office is a great place to start when trying to find where to get involved. The advisors can provide you with a list of clubs and organizations you can join.  Keep in mind that some publications, as well as Duck TV, have Ad and PR sections for students to get involved with.
  2. Make a list: It helps to make a list of the clubs you are interested in so you can focus on finding out more information about them. This can also aid you in the process of deciding if the club is right for you.
  3. Contact the club/organization: After looking up information about the club or organization, reach out to someone involved with the club and ask questions you may have.
  4. Apply: Once you decide on a club that fits your interest, find out when applications are due. Don’t be afraid to apply to more then one club. It isn’t guaranteed you will get in.
  5. Join early: It’s a good idea to join clubs as soon as possible. Your interest will most likely change throughout your time at UO, but gaining experience in different areas of journalism will help you in the long run. Starting early will also give you more opportunities to try out different clubs and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Finding the right club and organization for you can be a time consuming task, but in the end it is well worth the effort and will help you start your professional career in your field of interest. So, get out there and get involved.

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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Staying organized as a PR student

Every college student knows how hard it can be to balance a busy life. Between classes, a part-time job, a social life and activities, it’s important to keep organized. Here are five favorite tips from UO PRSSA members on keeping yourself organized during the hectic times:

1. Have a calendar and keep it current.  It’s easy to be organized in the beginning of the term, but as the weeks drag on your system can unravels. Professors generally give out due dates with the class syllabus. Take advantage of this by outlining your calendar early. Plan for big assignments and exams, but leave yourself time for a social life too.

2. Reminders are helpful. Whether you place reminders for yourself in your calendar, or use an app on your phone, it’s important to know  your next exam date or what’s due next week. Reminders keep you from having to write those awkward “my printer broke” apology emails the morning your essay is due.

3. Have a work area.  You need a dedicated space to do all the homework and studying you’ve planned for in your calendar. Make sure your study area is somewhere quiet and free of clutter. Avoid your bed, your couch, or anywhere else you tend to feel lazy.

4. Taking notes is only the first step.  Many lectures build off material presented in the last class. Looking over your notes before class helps refresh yourself on the last lecture and prepares you for the next one. Reviewing notes also promotes balanced studying.

5. Buy your books early.  Waiting until the end of the first week to buy your books can be problematic. You don’t want to play catch-up during the second week and you run the risk of having to order your books. Remember, rush shipping fees are expensive!

Keeping yourself organized, and doing it early, helps to minimize stress and keep you a happier person during the school year. So buy that planner, download that calendar app and get in the habit of writing everything down. It might save your life during Dead Week.

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