Let Your Passions Guide You

Let Your Passions Guide You

By Shagah Zakerion

As the current public relations intern for the Norman Arts Council, I did not have to look far to find a PR practitioner to interview. Holly Jones, now working as a public relations specialist for the University Of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College Of Fine Arts, worked for the Norman Arts Council for several years before taking the job at OU. Even though she has left the arts council behind, Holly still serves as the public relations coordinator on the committee for the Norman Music Festival. There is no doubt that Holly’s passion for art has paved the road for her career.

“I have always loved creating art, writing and talking with people. I went into PR because it was a field where I would be able to promote causes that I support,” Holly said.

Graduating from OU with a BA in Journalism and AAS in Photography, Holly worked a slew of jobs before ever entering the field of PR. She started in retail management, spent two years in journalism, worked as a library assistant and finally found her place in public relations just a few years ago. Her first experience was with the Norman Arts council, where she worked for a year and half as an intern.

“I took an internship with the Norman Arts Council where I was exposed to how a community comes together to help support and build the arts,” Holly said. After her time with the NAC, Holly had found her niche in not only public relations, but in promoting the work of those in the arts. And, Holly says she really enjoys working for the College of Fine Arts because she gets to do just that.

“I love being able to promote what our students and faculty create,” Holly said. “There are always fresh and creative ideas coming from our college, it is a great environment to work in.”

Holly has been lucky enough to work in a field she likes so much, and for her, it was an easy fit. With her history in journalism and as a library assistant, she already had many of the skills she considers the most needed for any PR professional: creative writing skills, AP style and the ability to research well.

I have had the pleasure of working with Holly for several years and she serves as a great leader and role model for me. Above everything, Holly gave me the opportunity to work for the Norman Music Festival, which eventually got me the job I have today—something she says is advice any PR professional should take to heart.

“To be successful, you have to take risks and make connections,” Holly said. “Take internships in your fields of interest and use those opportunities to find ways to get a head.”

For Holly, her passions guided her to the career she has today and she serves as a great example for all aspiring PR professionals to emulate.

Photo by Lindsey Allgood

A rookie's advice

Photo by Eagelton Photography

A rookie’s advice

Michelle Huff gives tips to future PR professionals

Last year, just as we are now, Michelle Huff was approaching the end of her capstone class and thinking about graduation. Was she going to be able to find a job? And, if so, did she have what she needed to be able to succeed as a public relations practitioner? I sat down with the first-year PR professional to hear her thoughts on what we need in order to excel in our future careers.

Having only worked less than a year in the PR professional field, the assistant account executive for SPM Communications in Dallas, Texas has found herself managing several different clients and gaining incredible experience.

“I work on foodie clients from fast food to fast casual along with major B to B businesses from corporate real estate, technology to retail and luxury air travel.

“I've worked on clients that require national and international media relations from Puerto Rico and Canada to Greenland, Iceland, London and Germany,” Michelle said.

Since working on such diverse and demanding clients, Michelle has gained a knowledge for the skills needed for any hopeful PR professional.

Huff stresses the need to learn how to be concise but all the while detailed and ahead of the game. She also suggests the PR professional learn how to think like a reporter and to “understand target audiences and content for each and every publication you pitch.”

In addition, Huff gives some advice to future PR professional about how to succeed in the industry.

“Most companies will hire you as an intern before full-time and it’s almost better because you’ll have a chance to ease your way into the company culture and get a chance to work on multiple clients,” Huff stated.

Michelle also urges future PR professionals to read every news article in your clients industry.

“If it’s batteries become an expert, if it’s food try your competitors LTO’s or even your own clients food,” Huff explained.

Michelle ended our interview by encouraging PR hopefuls to stay positive and always strive to do better.

Don't Let Your Passion for Public Relations be Led Astray

Don’t let your passion for public relations be led astray

Public relations professional, Pamela Gutel, APR, has been in the business for more than 15 years. With a wide array of strategic communications experiences that grace her resume, Gutel also teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma in the Public Relations department. Her love of PR is also evident in the list of activities she enjoys outside the work place. Former president of the Oklahoma chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Oklahoma City chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, Gutel’s passion for establishing relationships between whatever organization she happens to be working with and its publics is obvious.

When asked what she thinks the top skills of a public relations professional should be, Gutel said: “Be a good writer, take initiative, think strategically and have a good attitude.” She also said being naturally organized and detail oriented pays off in the profession.

Currently, Gutel serves as the Director of Public Affairs for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Oklahoma City Branch. She developed her strategic communications talents over the years by working in various public relations director capacities at companies like Cox Communications and Logix Communications. Before entering the workforce, Gutel earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

In honor of her professional success, Gutel has received numerous civic and professional awards. In 2007, she was named one of the Journal Record’s “Achievers Under 40,” and one of OKCBusiness’ “Forty Under 40.” She has served in volunteer capacities for local organizations such as United Way of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Special Olympics.

Some valuable advice from a PR guru who has worked in the industry for more than a decade – “It is easy in public relations to get distracted by other careers…sales, meeting planning, graphics, HR, etc., because our degrees are so versatile and marketable. Plus, many people don’t understand that public relations is a lot more than working with people. If you really have a passion for public relations, then stay on course,” Gutel said. “The profession needs men and women who believe in what public relations can do for an organization and its many publics.”

It was refreshing having the opportunity to interview a professional who is the product of the same institution I am currently earning a degree from. The success she has enjoyed and the talent she exhibits in her professional and personal endeavors is illustrative of the growing need for sharp public relations professionals in this area. What a treat to have an established master of the trade so close at hand.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Browns trade Edwards to Jets

Photo by Thomas Jones at brownsgab.com

Browns Trade Edwards to Jets

Both the Jets and Edwards expected to benefit

The New York Jets have traded one wide receiver, one linebacker and three draft picks for Cleveland’s rebellious and troublesome receiver, Braylon Edwards.

After being accused of assaulting a young man outside of a club in Cleveland on October 5, the Cleveland Browns announced their trade of Edwards to the New York Jets. For the last two seasons, Edwards has been disgruntled in Cleveland and could see great potential in New York.

As the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Braylon Edwards has seen his fare share of great plays. Though he may drop some balls every now and then, the 6’3” receiver has the mass and power to be one of the best wide receivers in the league.

With the New York Jets, Edwards could see many opportunities to be the top receiver on the Jets’ roster. In the last four seasons, plus the four games played with the Browns, Edwards has 238 catches resulting in 3,697 yards and 28 touchdowns. Having such a player is setting up the Jets to be a threat for deep defenses, forcing opposition to limit the number of men on the line, limiting blocking of the running game.

It seems like it’s a great deal for both Edwards and the Jets. Edwards gets to team up with his previous quarterback from Cleveland, Sanchez who was also traded. This duo can produce long completions and sets up Edwards for a successful transition to the Jets.

Though Edwards saw many struggles on and off the field with the Cleveland Browns, a trade to the New York Jets could only increase the opportunities for Edwards to utilize his strengths in long routes for great gains on the field. This should be nothing less than a great move for the talented receiver.

Learning the Biz with Valerie LoCascio

Learning the Biz with Valerie LoCascio

By: Kelsey Wray

Photo found: Google.com

I interviewed PR professional, Valerie LoCascio and was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of her everyday job and what it entails. Valerie graduated from Georgetown University with an emphasis in Art History and then earned her graduate degree from St. Josephs University in 1987.

Valerie has learned the tricks of the trade in the PR world for about 20 years now. She currently holds the title, President of Potomac Hudson Media, a PR firm in Washington D.C. A typical day for Valerie includes: writing strategic plans for her clients, spending time with clients to review plans and execute plans, speaking with editors at magazines and producers at television networks.

Valerie is responsible for developing a client base and helping clients to increase their visibility in the marketplace. She specifically works for magazine and television networks, so occasionally her responsibilities have also included producing television programs. Valerie noted that this is not typical for someone in public relations, but it is something she loves. Her workday usually begins at eight o clock sharp and continues until the wee hours of the night ending a day’s work around ten.

Public Relations encompass about 50% of what she does. She also writes strategic plans and consults as a producer for In Style Magazine Celebrity Weddings and Richard Gere Productions. Valerie told me, “It is through these relationships that I can secure media placements for clients.” I later asked Valerie, “What would you say is your favorite experience that you've endured while working and doing what you do best?” Valerie answered with, “My favorite experience hands down has been working with Richard Gere and his efforts with the Dalai Lama in helping those in India who are suffering with AIDS.” She said it was challenging in that the media was not very interested in talking to Richard Gere about his philanthropic efforts and it was her responsibility to convince them that they needed to hear his story. She also added how rewarding it was when it came together. I couldn’t help but notice through the interview that most client expectations are very high. Valerie explained to me that managing client expectations is difficult and not everyone leaves happy.

My last question for Valerie was, “What advice would you give to college students?” She answered with, “Do not take no for an answer. Give a whole new meaning to persistency. If you get turned down for something, even if it’s something you have little interest in, continue to seek out the position and stop at nothing until you get some sort of feedback. You never know where the experience could lead you. Who knows, in the muddle of everything you could find a contact that can help you get one step closer to your dream job.”

Like Valerie, I am also a “people person” and I hope one day I can discover a job in Public Relations that I too can be as passionate about. I will always try to remember my interviewing experience with Valerie LoCascio and try to incorporate what I learned from her in further job positions.

Jackie Johnson Explians It All

Jackie Johnson Explains It All

by Erin Jackson

I had the pleasure of sitting down to talk with one of my favorite relatives to talk about one of my favorite subjects: public relations, and more importantly, how to get a job after graduating!

Jackie Johnson has been in the Public Relations industry for almost 20 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Texas Women’s University in 1995 and has since been a practicing PR professional. While in college, she made sure she completed internships every summer. She knew how it important it was to have experience before graduating from college. She currently works for one of the places where she did one of her internships, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and has the title of “Public Relations Specialist.”

When asked what are the most pertinent tools needed by a PR Professional, Jackie says “Excellent writing skills are essential. I don’t know anyone in this business that is not excessively critical about correct grammar and punctuation. Time management is also very important. You will have to work under strict deadlines almost all of the time. There is no room for procrastination.”

I also asked Jackie what she believes is important for upcoming PR professionals to be knowledgeable about. “Students should most definitely take advantage of all classes geared toward technology that their program offers. Employers want to know that you are knowledgeable about modern software programs and new kinds of media.” I thought about how true this is in our era. There seems to be a new kind of software or social media outlet appearing everyday. When our Campaigns class was told to register on Twitter I did not understand, but now I realize it is to make us hip to new types of media.

An Interview with Dad

An Interview with Dad

By Aaron Vossen

For this entry, I didn’t have to do much searching or work so here goes nothing. When I think about a PR Professional I think about my father Kevin. My dad has been working at ATT for the last 28 years. My father didn’t start right out of college as a Public Relations practitioner but eventually with hard work, and encouragement from friends and family my dad became the Director of External Affairs.
My dad graduated for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. So as many of you know this is where my Kansas love started. While at school my father studied Journalism, worked for the paper, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. After college he came straight to work at the phone company and has worked there ever since.
When I began talking to my dad it was a little strange because talking serious with him is hard, just like me, we both love to joke, laugh, and give each other a hard time, but boy do I love him. Growing up I have always been like him and have known I would one day hopefully follow in his footsteps. So like I have asked him many times what do you need to be a good PR practitioner and he replied well I know you need to be a good writer, analytical, creative and an outgoing personality.
The last think I asked him is what advice would you give to future practitioner and he said wherever you may find yourself working be sure to understand the issue of the client for a successful and strategic campaign.

Picture By Aaron Vossen

AT&T and Public Relations

AT&T and Public Relations by Katie Whittern

“Have a passion to work and be the best you can be."

Patsy Weiser lives by this quote day in and day out. Weiser is the Area Marketing and Public Relations Manager for AT&T Yellow Pages. She works with all of the AT&T offices in the Oklahoma and Kansas areas. Weiser has been with the company for more than 14 years. Before becoming an Area Marketing and PR Manager, Weiser was an executive secretary for AT&T and also spent some time being a Rental Car Sales Agent.

Weiser received her Bachelors in Human Resource Management. She later went on to receive her Masters in Management Information Systems.

Weiser believes anyone entering the PR industry should first have an understanding of his or her employer and the community in which he or she will work. Understanding your company’s mission and the publics it serves are very important she said.

She believes attending local events that help with networking for your company is necessary as well as involvement in the local Chamber of Commerce. One must possess the ability to communicate effectively, especially with other businesses within his or her community she said.

Weiser believes that being able to take constructive criticism and advice from people is also important. “More heads are always better than one,” said Weiser.

Graduates entering the industry need to be comfortable and believe in teamwork.

“Teamwork is a big part of most jobs,” she said.

When asked what advice she would give to recent and future college grads; Weiser had plenty advice to share. She said to always have a positive attitude and stay away from negative people.

“Have the mindset that you will do whatever it takes to get the job done,” said Weiser.

She believes you should always stay true to who you are and represent yourself in a professional manner at all times. “When you are out in public or off the job, remember who you work for. You will be setting an example for your company as well as for yourself,” said Weiser.

Photo from yp.com

Sports & Public Relations with David Bassity

Sports & Public Relations with David Bassity
By Stephanie Turner


I’ve sat down with Mr. David Bassity, Assistant Director for Media Relations at the University of Oklahoma Athletics Department. This is his third year as a full-time Assistant Director at OU. Bassity earned his degree in public relations and graduated in December of 2005. Shortly after graduation in 2006, Bassity began working in sport public relations with the Professional Bowlers Association, where he served as one of the main sports information contacts. After a short time with the PBA, he returned home to Oklahoma (originally from Chickasha, Okla.,) to work at his current job. As an OU graduate with a degree in PR, here are a few quick questions about public relations from his perspecitve.

What are some of the qualities you think a person needs to work in the field of public relations?
You need to be outgoing, be able to manage your time well and have a creative mind.

What can you do with a degree in public relations?
You could get a job like I’m doing right now in sports, you could do business public relations, personal public relations (like a publicist) for a big-time celebrity or a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. There are really a lot of different kinds of options with that degree, that’s one of the main reasons why I majored in public relations.

What is it that you do that involves public relations with your job?
One of the main things is I try to generate publicity. Awards campaigns are also a good example of how PR is used in the athletics media relations department. You’re basically making a campaign like a political campaign; you’re trying to step out there for your candidate.

Can you talk about Sam Bradford’s Heisman campaign and how was public relations used in that?
Sam Bradford’s campaign was a very exciting campaign and it was one of the closest Heisman campaigns ever. Having a good PR campaign was crucial to him having a good shot at winning the Heisman Trophy.

What’s a piece of advice you would give to someone who’s entering the work force in the public relations field?
Go hard every day and never be satisfied with your work. Know that your work is always being judged.

Photo courtesy of the University of Oklahoma Athletics Media Relations Department.

Be Willing to Do it All

“Be Willing to Do it All.”

By: Jeff Siddons

After experiencing what the professional PR world expects of people, Kinsey Crocker put her nose to the grindstone and didn’t look back. Her hard work paid off and quickly skyrocketed Kinsey to the forefront of the public relations industry in Oklahoma City.

Crocker started her career in PR at the University of Central Oklahoma where she graduated with a major in corporate communication and a minor in journalism. While attending UCO, Kinsey interned at Anglin Public Relations in OKC.

“Be willing to do it all,” Crocker said. “When you are interning, make sure to go above and beyond.”

Upon graduating, she received a job offer from Anglin for the position of account coordinator. After working as an account coordinator for a year, Kinsey found herself in the new position of account executive at Anglin. She soon saw herself involved with such heavy hitting clients as the Oklahoma Secretary of Energy, Oklahoma Bioenergy Center and the Homeless Alliance.

At this point in time, Kinsey has been working in the PR world for 5 years, serves on the board of directors for the OKC YWCA, and works with OKC PRSA.

Kinsey could not stress the importance of internships and quality writing enough. She firmly believes that one must have concrete knowledge of AP and news writing before setting foot in the PR arena. By working hard during an internship, Crocker firmly believes one can cultivate a future position with an organization.

“If a person can't devote the time to an internship, they can do volunteer work instead,” Kinsey said. “There are a lot of nonprofits that need help with PR!”

Picture provided by Kinsey Crocker (digg.com/users/kinseycrocker)

by Scott Sauer

Jack Joseph is a corner piece to the puzzle for International Paper. As a community relations specialist, Jack knows the ins and outs of what it takes to make your publics not hate your company.

A graduate of West Point Military Academy, Joseph has been trained in the art of physical combat. Upon accepting the job at IP, Joseph quickly learned how to avoid combat with his words.

International Paper mills can be found all throughout the country. They often are cemented in small towns, where they are the basis of employment.

"It can often be a love hate relationship," Joseph mentioned when referring to being in small towns. "While we employ a large percentage of the town, we also make the town smell of sulfur."

Joseph first began working for the company as an engineer, but switched paths after working in the field for some years. he was quick to give advice to soon-to-be-graduates.

"You never know where you will end up. However, the important thing is to simply get your foot in the door."

With the job market the way it is, Jack began to give insight on how IP does its hiring.

"Experience is the number one thing most companies are looking for these days, especially companies the size of IP. Graduate school looks good as well, but nothing beats the crowd like experience."

Joseph went on to mention that right out of college, most of the new hires go to work, managing the community relations at one of their many mills. At these mills, the new employee is responsible for working within the community to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.

"The communications world is constantly changing, and being on top if the newest ways to communicate is a definite must for college students," Joseph mentioned.

As the time in which we graduate quickly approaches, the caterpillars in our stomach emerge from their cocoons and rapidly turn to butterflies.

Who knows where our careers will take us. However, with experience and communication knowledge, we are sure to go far.