5 Tips to Becoming a Better PR Student

As this semester comes to an end, I'd like to share the things I've learned while in the Contemporary Media and Journalism department as USD and give a few tips on how to be successful:

1. Start your online portfolio early!- I know this one only applies to USD students, but I REALLY wish I knew about the graduation portfolios when I took my first few CMJ classes. If I knew I would need my material from MCOM 151, I would have been a little more organized throughout college! Haha! Also, the online portfolios are so important in your internship and job search. It helps set you apart and really gives that extra edge over the competition.

2. Develop your own voice.- Yes, writing press releases can feel tedious at times. However, even though the material might seem dull, it's important to put your own creative spin on things. Develop a voice. Who are you as a writer? What messages do you want to portray? What do you want your audience to feel while reading your material? Anyone can write a press release. Only you can make it amazing.

3. Network.- Like any career path, networking is key. Take advantage of any opportunity to meet professionals in your field. You never know when you might need a favor. Plus, networking helps you stay up-to-date with what is going on in your field.

4. Accept failure.- Harsh? Yes. True? Yes. You WILL experience failure. But your losses are what make you appreciate the wins. If everything was handed to you, would you feel compelled to work hard? Probably not. You might not get an internship you wanted. You might not do as well on an assignment as you thought you would. But, when you do get a great internship or rock an assignment, that feeling of pride and joy propels you forward.

5. Don't worry about others.- As Teddi mentioned, you can't compare yourself to other people. This is one I've struggled with a lot in my time in the CMJ department. I constantly would compare myself to the other people in my major. Everyone seemed to have more experience, a better portfolio, or a better internship. However, comparing yourself to other people WILL drive you crazy. Finally, I realized my dreams in Public Relations are so different from theirs. How is it even logical to try and compare myself to them? Worry about yourself and do what you love. Success will follow.

Visualizing My Future

To follow up from the last post, I created a video to better show all of you my dream PR job!

I apologize for the blurry video/ photos. I was working with limited materials! :)

Live It. Love It. Bus2alps.

What's your dream PR job? When I think of my future career, I think of not only what I want to do but where I want to be.

Europe. First off, I hope I haven't totally bored you all with my endless stories of Italy. The way I think of it, the more an experience changes your life, the more you talk about it.

Before last year, PR was my major. I had no real plans, no real direction. Now, PR is my passion. I have a plan to do big things and a direction... Leading me across the pond once again.

Bus2alps is a travel company that works with American students studying abroad. Based out of Interlaken, Switzerland, it has departure cities all over Europe.

Check out the company's website!

Bus2alps made my study abroad experience so wonderful with its sense of family and fun and exciting guides. Being a Bus2alps employee, I would love the opportunity to connect with students all over the world, create events in each of the departure cities to promote the brand, and continue the sense of community that made me feel so welcome on my trips. Plus, the destinations they travel to aren't half bad either!

As the PR representative for the company, I would help run the social media sites, create videos to promote the trips, and host events around the area. I think it would be really fun and a great promotional idea to create a video contest. Students who create the best study abroad video would win a free trip. Also, hosting events like bar hops and walking tours in the host cities would help raise awareness and give guides the opportunity to make connections with traveling students.

Check out some of the promotional videos for current Bus2alps trips!

It looks like fun, huh? :)

Accomplishments are More Than Awards

What is your greatest accomplishment? Is it an award you received? A milestone you reached? Or is it the little things you do every day?

For me, my greatest accomplishment to date came in high school. I know what you may be thinking... How can something from three years ago be so impacting on your life? Well, let me explain.

In high school, I was nerdy. I was weird. I was the kid people ignored but were nice to when they had to be. I tried blending into the crowd and was content with my small group of friends. My idea of fun was baking at friends' houses and attending show choir competitions on the weekend. Now, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that, because there's not. However, I wanted more. This outgoing, loud girl inside me wanted to leave an impression on my school.

Senior year came, and I was ready for change. I broke up with my long-time boyfriend and considered transferring schools. For me though, I knew I needed to face this monster that was called "high school" and make it the final year I always wanted.

I remember walking into the first day of senior year, my head was held high, walking with confidence, ready for whatever life could throw at me.

At the end of September, auditions for the fall musical "All Shook Up" were announced. I thought, "Why not?" I've never done anything with theater before and being in the ensemble would be a great time! Although I had a lot of anxiety singing in front of a large group during auditions, I knew I needed to do it. To make matters worse, my 14-year-old dog was being put to sleep the same night.

Being the emotional wreck I was, I walked on stage in front of everyone else auditioning, and sang my heart out. By the end of the song, I was in tears. My emotions had overtaken me. When I was finished, the room was silent. Suddenly, everyone burst into applause.

The next day, the cast list was posted. I got one of the lead roles.

I was terrified. Not only was I going to have to sing multiple solos in front of large audiences, but it put me at the forefront. It made me stand out.

The next two months were a whirlwind. I was at practice all the time. Some of my biggest challenges included running across stage in 6-inch heels, standing on a 6-foot high moving platform (in those same heels), and kissing my best friend's boyfriend. (Awkward!)

But, I transformed on stage. I didn't think about who was in the crowd, what they were doing, or how I sounded. I became Miss Sandra, a sassy young woman who doesn't need to impress anyone. She is nothing but herself.

And during that final pose during the final show, I was so overwhelmed with pride. I had faced so many fears and squished them. After that, I owned high school. I took on every challenge I could face and became a more confident woman. I was finally the person I wanted to be.

And THAT is my greatest accomplishment.

PS- I also won the senior superlative "Most Changed", which I thought was one last little accomplishment in my high school career!