My P.L.A.N.

My P.L.A.N.

By Kacie James

The past four and a half years of college has been a life changing experience. Not only have I met great friends, had a lot of fun, but I learned something too! I have learned that having a P.LA.N. is not always as structured as one may think.

P- PAST: In 2005, I came to college knowing my future. I was going to go to school for four years, graduate with a degree in special education, get a job at a high school in Edmond, Oklahoma, get married and live happily ever after.

L- LOST: This past plan did not stick. I found college to be way more difficult than expected, which meant I couldn’t take as many hours per semester. This is in, made me realize I would not be able to finish a special education degree in four years. Then I began questioning my decision to become a Special Education teacher because I was scared of the thought that I would attend college for over four years, to only have one option of a future profession. As I continued to battle my decision to change majors, I started to believe college wasn’t the place for me. I was officially lost.

A- ASSESS: At this point, I knew I had to make a decision. I began to assess my options. After coming to realization that having a degree is a necessity, I chose to change my major to public relations. I knew I could always volunteer with special needs children and although I didn’t even know what public relations consisted of at the time, it seemed to be the most logical major for me because of three reasons.

1. All of my credits from special education would transfer as electives, so I wouldn’t be behind or waste money on unnecessary classes.

2. My counselor explained public relations was a broad major that would provide many options for a future profession.

3. Public relations did not require more than the basic math and science courses, which was a major factor.

N- NOW: Well now in 2009, I’m not totally found, but I have a new plan. This plan coincides with the lessons we learned through the book Who Moved My Cheese. I now plan to accept changes, go with the flow and know that everything works out for a specific purpose. Even though I have enjoyed my experience in my public relations classes, I have accepted a job to work for a toy showroom as a sales representative. I know the skills I have learned through public relations will enable me to succeed in a sales career. I also know, if this job isn’t for me, I will move my cheese!

Kellogg's in a Krispie Situation

Kellogg's Reverses Rice Krispie Immunity Claims

By Kasey Hendrix

The largest maker of cereal in the U.S. is backing away from a health claim printed on some cereal boxes.The claims emblazoned on boxes of Kellogg's Coca Krispies and Rice Krispies claimed the breakfast food "Now helps support your child's IMMUNITY." The claim had also been posted on the Kellogg's website reading: "And now each and every box is fortified with vitamins and nutrients that work together to help support your child's immunity." After being asked by critics to prove the claim and media suggestions that the company was taking advantage of H1N1 fears, Kellogg's has announced it will discontinue the immunity statements.The additional vitamins and nutrients are antioxidants that have been found to help support the immune system.
(Illinois Home Page.Net)

This public relations faux pa is an example of what happens when people in our field try to pull the age-old role of “spin doctor.” A campaign like this could further suspicions about public relations practitioners being sly sneaky business people out to get a buck because it deliberately fabricated a half-truth and distributed that to the American public. A company such as Kellogg’s should have had someone more professional than that dealing with their Rice Krispies campaign, but I am sure that they have learned their lesson. Now they will be viewed as less credible on other good health claims that are actually true about their products. I thought this news story was an interesting depiction of just why we should always stay honest with our publics!

http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=115651

Photo obtained from morethananelection.com

NASHVILLE or Bust

By: Sarah Jacober

Music has always been my passion. Whether it has been playing it, singing it, or listening to it, I am involved with music in some way, shape, or form every single day. I have playing the piano since I was 6 years old, songwriting since I was 12, and I bought a guitar that I have been learning to play on one of my numerous trips to Nashville. Even though I love music, I do not want to pursue a music career, but a career in music.

I have grown up with country music my whole life. Over the past 4 years, I have made a lot of friends in the country music industry by going to concerts all across Texas, Oklahoma, and some when I visit Tennessee. I did not know what I specifically wanted to use my Public Relations degree in, but it just dawned on me that I wanted to work in the country music industry in Nashville, Tennessee as soon as I graduated.

This past summer, I had an internship in Oklahoma City with Box Talent Agency. The firm does a lot of event planning, but has a huge department when there do a lot of booking for music. The Box Talent Out and About program started this summer, where a few of the interns would go out to concerts on the weekend to promote bands. I absolutely loved doing it. My favorite experience of the summer was when I got to work with country music sensation Gloriana, who is on tour with Taylor Swift.

I am lucky to have an idea of what I want to do, I know that getting a job may not be easy, but I am open to doing internships and any other kind of jobs until I obtain the job of my dreams. At the end of the summer, I went out to Nashville and spent a lot of time with my friend Josh Roberts who is from Norman and just joined a band, 10 Mile Town out in Nashville. I made some connections while out there and brought my resume everywhere I went, because you never know who you might run into out there in Nasvhille. It would be my dream to work for CMT in Nashville.

My advice:

Make connections: It really is about who you know. Make contacts with people and make yourself memorable. I have made so many amazing personal contacts and a lot of my musician friends are currently trying to help me find a job in Nashville when I graduate.

Internships: Do as many internships as you can. You get experience and you find out what you want to do.

Do what you love: I was once told, “Choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” It is so true. If you find a job that you love, you will enjoy doing it.

Marian the Librarian

Marian the Librarian
By Rebekah Husted

I am a librarian.

Every summer for the four years I've been in college, I have gone home to Prague, Okla. The first summer I went back, I needed a job. I asked around, and finally the city manager called and offered me a sweet deal: I could work 20 hours a week at city hall and 20 hours across the street at the library. Since I spent a good deal of my childhood at the library, I was thrilled to have a chance to work there.

That half-time job that summer became a full-time job the next three summers. The second year, I took over most of the event planning, and the last two years I handled all of the public relations work for the library.

I loved it. I loved planning events for the kids, chatting with the newspaper owner when she came to check out books, putting together a book signing for a local author, convincing my boss that I am a "technology guru," setting up the library's Web site and blog.

During these summers spent at the library, I've learned a lot. Some of that knowledge is unrelated to public relations (for example, never get "Cowboy," one of our favorite patrons, started on women and guns), but some of it will be very helpful in my career.

First, I learned that public relations includes a lot more than writing press releases and organizing events. Yes, I wrote a lot while I was there, and yes, I organized several events. But every time I spoke to a patron, every time I helped make it easier for them to find what they were looking for, I was doing what is at the heart of PR: I was building relationships with the public.

Second, I learned not to let failure disappoint me. Prague is a small town. Not all of the events the library held had a big turnout; sometimes we had seventy-five children at a program and sometimes it was just the kids from the daycare next door. I had to learn to accept that and to concentrate on making the experience great for those who did come.

Finally, I learned to have fun no matter what. Sure, some things - dressing up as a clown or a cowgirl for a kids' program - were more fun than others. But one of my favorite moments from last summer came from something that could have been very frustrating. Learning to see even bad experiences as "PR experience" helped me find the good in some otherwise bad situations.


And, of course, I learned how to clown around a little bit.

Photo credits: Carol Hunter, Rebekah Husted

A Different Approach to Business

By Tiffany Cunningham

Fashion has always been an interest, passion and devoted, shop-aholic love of mine. Even though I do not live in New York or have great shopping around me in Norman, Okla I imagine what it would be like to afford great fashion finds and have a closet full of different colored high heels; never having to wear the same outfit twice! If I had artistic ability I would be a fashion designer, but instead I am gifted at creativity, which is why I placed myself in PR. Luckily for me there is fashion public relations.

After figuring out the new social media site, Twitter, I came across PR Couture, "fashion PR's haute spot." I have always been interested in creating or directing things from behind-the-scenes and what intrigues me about fashion PR is the ability to work in so many different services including product placement, events, marketing programs, design consulting and retail consulting. The work is similar to designing because public relations associates design conceptually.

Working with products, clients and events is everything I am interested in right now and the public relations boutique that incorporates all of these services is Ruby Press, an agency that represents businesses in the fashion industry. What is unique about this agency is that it is based out of Berkeley, Calif., selectively chooses it's clients and the work created at the agency has been placed in top media outlets, increased brand awareness and sales of clients' products.

Ruby Press has placed their clients in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle and In Style. Television show placement includes Sex in the City, The O.C. and The Today Show. People seem to conform to their familiarities, when a fashion name appears on TV or in a magazine the awareness of that name has increased and people began to follow the fashion that name brings to our society. The name recognition comes from someone being curious and asking, then it sticks if they like what they see.

"You can't launch a new brand with advertising because advertising has no credibility. It's the self-serving voice of a company anxious to make a sale." - Melissa McElhatton Davis, founder of Ruby Press.

At the end of the day, if you love what you are doing in your career you have succeeded in life. For now succeeding is landing internships; here are 5 steps:

1. Build a Portfolio: Publish pieces in magazines, local newspapers, credible blogs and newsletters. Any interviewer will be impressed by a published collection of work.

2. Personalize your search: Ask friends, family, professors, mentors, co-workers and everyone else you may know in the industry you want to enter.

3. Find the right fit: Have a vision of the career you want to pursue and have the companies you work for fall in line with your goals you have set for yourself. Be adventerous; get out in the world and ask questions and introduce yourself.

4. Learn to LOVE the interview: Interviews are scary, but you got the interview so show your future boss what you can really offer the agency or company and research the facts before going.

5. Don't let the "U" word turn you away - Unpaid: Internships can be unpaid and you might end up finding what you want to do for the rest of your life in that internship. Take every experience you can and utilize it for all of its potential.

Picture: http://blicio.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/little-birdy.jpg

Contributors to a QR? That is for you to Decide.

Contributors to a QR? That is for you to Decide.

By Morgan Dickerson

More commonly today, than a decade ago, our society has unfortunately been exposed to what some communication practitioners and professionals call a ‘PR Blitz’. What is a PR Blitz, you say? Well, the problem is that there is no real dictionary definition of the term, but what I did find was an assortment of definitions for the word ‘blitz’ that may help us all better understand the meaning. A blitz is, “any swift, vigorous attack, barrage, or defeat” (Dictionary, 2009). Now, when we combine the words public relations with the word blitz we get, in my own words, this definition: The misuse and bombardment of communication tools to immediately bring attention to a story that is dramatized for the sake of media coverage wanted for that particular story. So, I am sure you all are wondering why I titled this story the way I did. Maybe some of you know what a ‘QR’ is, and maybe some of you don’t. For those of you who don’t, a ‘QR’ stand for ‘questionable reputation’. Why would pr practitioners have a QR? Because of communicators who dub their work as a pr blitz.

This brings up my next topic, the story of Pat Tillman. Tillman was an Army Ranger who died while serving his country in Afghanistan. According to reports from ABC News and the LA Times, Tillman feared that Washington would use him as a, “propaganda victory,” (Chivvis, 2009). Tillman was the man sent to rescue a P.O.W.  named Pvt. Jessica Lynch, in Iraq. Tillman wrote in his diary that he felt like Washington was going to make something out the rescue story if something were to happen to him and make him a, “false hero,” (Chivvis, 2009). Tillman noted that he was suspicious of the rescue because the number of people being sent to rescue a low ranking officer was uncommon (Chivvis, 2009). The point of this story is that Tillman knew what was going on and what would happen, and clearly was uneasy about the situation.

Tillman's story about Washington putting on a pr blitz is not the only case where our society hears those words. Fox News did a report on the 'Balloon Hoax' and in their story the term 'publicity stunt' was used. In the end, the rest of us pr practitioners are left to pick up the pieces from these stunts' and blitz', and must move forward. By moving forward progressively and aggressively, we pr practitioners can pave the way for much needed high standards, which all communicators should strive to live by. Our job is to build and maintain a positive relationship between an organization and it’s community. As pr practitioners, we must be trusted, and there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It is our duty and main purpose to strive for honesty and excellence. 

My three words of advice to keep a clean respectable reputation:

1. Be honest.

2. Go with your gut instinct (you know what is right and wrong).

3. Do not make promises you can not keep.

Image Information: Dishonest Female.

Web Source: Honesty Blog. 

Do Something You Love

Do Something You Love

By Melissa Chasteen

I started working when I was 16, doing everything from folding clothes at Abercrombie Kids to performing ultra sounds on patients at a hand rehabilitation clinic. Of all of the random jobs I’ve held, the most beneficial and the one that has provided me with the most useful knowledge has been my internship. I have a passion for music and I’m an avid movie watcher, so when searching for an internship I was hoping to find one where I could not only use my knowledge from Public Relations classes, but knowledge of the film and music industry as well.

I interned at the Oklahoma Film & Music Office this past summer, and for the first time I was able to utilize the skills I gained from my PR classes and apply them to my work tasks. Some of my responsibilities included writing press releases that went on the homepage of the Web site, editing the weekly newsletter and posting articles from various film industry trade papers on the press page. My primary responsibility was researching artists that were going to be performing concerts in Oklahoma and writing about them on the Web site.

The most exciting part of the internship was the external groups associated with the company. The film The Killer Inside Me was wrapping up its filming in Guthrie and workers from the set would constantly call with questions pertaining to Oklahoma lifestyle and a scene was even filmed outside of the office. Also, workers from the TNT's show Saving Grace (which is supposed to be set in Oklahoma) always called with questions about Oklahoma (how we dressed, what was the most practiced religion in the state.) I would research these inquiries and in the process I was able to learn a lot of interesting information about our state!

In regards to advice I have for excelling in your work, the underlying theme is to be FAMILIAR.

· Be familiar with the area surrounding your workplace. One aspect of being an intern is that you’re inevitably the “gopher.” Knowing the restaurants and stores around your office minimizes confusion when trying to fetch various things for your employer.
· Be familiar with various computer software and the Internet. This is a given, but your job will be a lot easier if you can easily navigate through the Internet and if you understand programs like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
· Be familiar with everyone in your office. Networking is vital when wanting to further your career, and having good relationships with co-workers lets you hear about other career opportunities that you may not have known about otherwise.

Photo from personal collection

Mapping Out My Future

Mapping Out My Future

By: Jennifer Bell

I started my education here at the University of Oklahoma in August 2006. At first I was a business major because I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I figured a business degree would be the most beneficial route for me to take. As I began my first semester of classes, I realized I was just going through the motions, and I didn't really enjoy any of the classes I was taking. After my sudden realization of disinterest in business, I sat down to think about what I really enjoy doing and writing came in to my mind. Writing has always been a passion of mine and after talking to my advisor she suggested I try out public relations.

I decided to switch to a public relations major although I didn't really have any idea what public relations meant. I have enjoyed all of the public relations classes I have had to take, but it wasn't until this past summer that I got to actually get hands on experience with public relations. I was one of the public relations/marketing interns for the United Way of Central Oklahoma Chapter. I got to utilize my writing and design skills I had learned in class and actually get my writing and designs published. While I enjoyed the public relations aspect of the internship, it was the event planning aspect of the job that I enjoyed the most. I got to help the marketing coordinator plan and execute three different events last summer. I realized that I enjoy being out in the community and having more of a involved role in my work.

Through my internship with the United Way, I came to love things such as event planning, interviewing and networking. I am now the marketing coordinator for Genesis Plastic Surgery in Edmond, and it is exactly the kind of job I would like to have after I graduate. I get to visit doctors offices to get doctor referrals, boutiques, tanning salons, fitness centers, church groups, sorority and fraternity groups and several other groups. My goal is to directly market to these targets about the services and discounts that are offered with Genesis Plastic Surgery. I enjoy this job a lot because I am constantly going during a days work and I get to interact face to face every time I work. It has given me a chance to establish several new relationships and really network.

I have had internship experience with a non-profit organization and am now the marketing coordinator for a plastic surgeon. I am so thankful for having experience in two different fields because I have decided that I would like to do marketing/event planning in the future rather than public relations.

To find a job that you love:

Don't settle: During college students will often have several internships before they find one they thoroughly enjoy what they are doing. While I did enjoy my internship with the United Way, I knew it not something I would want to do for my future career, so I had to keep looking for something that really kept my interest. I was lucky and found a job I love just through my second job, but don't settle for something you are okay with doing, but instead keep searching for something that you really enjoy and desire to do.

Get internship experience: As easy as it would be just to have your first pick at a job you enjoy doing, it usually takes some experience to get the opportunity to be considered for another job. Internship experience is crucial because it provides experience that employers are looking for, and it provides networking opportunities that may provide you with connections with prospective employers.

Network: As I mentioned before, networking is extremely important not only to build communication skills but to establish relationships with future employers. If employers see that you are working hard at your current internship and have solid communication skills, they are more likely to consider you for a job in the future. I had several networking opportunities at the United Way through lunches and events, so I was able to network with my current employer during the time I was an intern for the United Way.

Picture from personal files

I am T-mobile, Count on me!

I am T-mobile, Count on me!

By: Shayla Boone

I have worked at T-mobile for the last 2 years.  I was drawn to T-mobile because that was who my cell phone provider was and I was always happy with their customer service.  I began working for them in January 2008 and haven’t regretted a day of it.  My daily task consist of taking bill payments, fixing technical issues with cell phones, selling products, activating new lines of service for customers, and last but not least providing outstanding customer service.

 Being a Customer Service Representative has taught me a lot about interactions with people.  What I have come to realize in my line of work is that people depend on me to help keep them stay connected to the people that matter most.  My job is very important because whether it be someone needing to stay in contact with a sick family member, a businesswoman waiting on an important deal to go through, or a mom explaining how to make hamburger helper to her daughter, if that connection can not be made it is my job to find out why. 

One thing that I can say that my company takes pride in is Customer Service; T-mobile has been a recipient of the J.D. power and associates award in 2008 for Wireless Retail Sales Satisfaction Performance and in 2009 for Wireless Customer Care.  In my perspective I believe that we are successful as a company because we believe in treating our customers concerns as our own.  We view each customer as an addition to our T-mobile family not as a source of revenue as some companies do; and that personal connection sets us apart.

Tips that I find useful in providing Outstanding Customer Service:

Don’t take things personally:  Remember that the Customer is not angry with you, they are simply angry at the situation.

Do take ownership of the problem and show empathy: Acknowledge the problem and find a solution, do not make the customer feel it is their fault.

Always smile:  A smile can go along way! Always give service with a smile you never know how a simple smile can affect someone’s day.

 

Photo courtesy of my personal files.

The Job of my Dreams

The Jobs of my Dreams

By Kelley

Bennett

For the past two summers I have had the most incredible experiences interning for companies I have admired for many years. Two summers ago I interned at an NBC station in Tulsa called KJRH. I worked in the promotional/creative services department and loved every second of it. Since it was the summer of the 2008 Olympic Games and NBC airs the Games, I was in charge of creating an Olympic media kit to send around to the other media outlets. I also had the duty of writing almost every

press release that summer. It was a fantastic first internship and I learned a great deal about media public relations.

This past summer, I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I got an internship at Warner Brothers Studios in Los Angeles. I worked in film development in the production side of film. It wasn't necessarily a public relations internship, but I learned a lot about a

career I would love to pursue. Everyday I read scripts, helped on movie sets, and got to roam the Warner Brother's lot (my personal favorite activity). Not only was it a blast, but I got such great experience being on my own, maneuvering an unfamiliar city, and most importantly, gained fantastic networking skills.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to work in some form of media. I have always loved all aspects of film, television and entertainment in general. I knew that I had to do something that encompasses my passion. I'm so happy that I have gotten to experience these great internships. Internships are key to finding the job of your dreams and gaining real-life experience.

Helpful information that I have found to be useful:

Find what you love: I have always been known as a big dreamer; when I get an idea, I run with it. When I discovered my love for film, television and entertainment, I knew I had to make a career out of it. I used every resource and skill I had to land dream internships. If it weren't for my perseverance and my so-called "big dreams," I would have never gotten these incredible opportunities.

Never give up: In the particular field of work I have chosen to try an go into, I need to learn how to handle rejection and keep dreaming. One of the many things I have learned through working in media, is that it is extremely cut-throat and a tough profession to break into. At the same time, however, we must all learn to not take things too personally. If anything, learn from the rejections, mistakes, etc. and try even harder. Never be afraid to keep dreaming.

Network, network, network: Networking is essential in all aspects of finding a career. I've had three internships while in college and two of those internships have been results of contacts I have made. I toured the KRJH station in my earlier college days and asked for a business card. I immediately went home and sent an E-mail to the promotions director; in return, I landed the internship. My Warner Bros. internship was made possible through a contact I made while interning at KJRH. Do whatever you have to do to make your dreams come true. If you know someone that could be helpful, never be afraid to ask for their help.

Photo is from my personal files.

Interning is the Key

Don't Be Afraid to Go Outside the Box

By Jason Bodin

My college experience at the University of Oklahoma has been one of a kind. I began my collegiate career as a public relations major, but I didn’t even know what a public relations practitioner was or did.

Since my freshman year I worked for an oil and gas company as a landman and lease buyer. Even though many of my professors and peers had explained to me the importance of internships I never considered quitting my job to begin my career in public relations. However, I searched for answers as to why I wanted to be in public relations and found them during my second semester of sophomore year. That semester I was enrolled in Kenny Mossman’s sports pr course.

After excelling in his course he asked me if I was interested in joining his staff as an intern. Like many I was skeptical of quitting my high-paying job for a non-paying internship. In the end I knew I needed to get my feet wet in public relations. I interviewed with the department staff and eventually got the job. Since joining the staff I have learned a world of information and have found my niche in public relations. Hopefully the information I learned will help many of you realize how important it is to intern early and often.

(1) Don’t be scared to quit your job and begin interning in public relations.

I have had to work throughout college and the thought of making little-to-no money is a scary thought, but it pays off in the long run. For the first semester of my internship I worked 30 hours a week for free, but after working hard I began making minimum wage. Even though it isn’t close to what I made when working in the oil and gas field I look at it as an investment for my future and so should you.

(2) Even though your internship may be non-paying give it your all.

Most internships are non-paying and most people slack-off because of it. Had I not worked my butt off I wouldn’t have been put in the position to make money. Also, these are the people that control your life, to a degree. If you work hard an employer is more likely to reference you for a high-profile job in the future. Make the most of every opportunity and it will payoff.

(3) Make the most of your dollar.

You pay a lot of money for your degree so make sure you’re getting your moneys worth. Use Gaylord college resources to get an internship. I found an internship by using the resources I had, my professor. I know there are a number of internships posted by Dr. C and a number of other professors.

Photo Courtesy of Mitch Heckart