Thursday, November 18, 2010

A New PR Professional: Michelle Hagans

(Photo found at interpublic.com)

A New PR Professional: Michelle Hagans

By: Kathryn Collins

Michelle Hagans graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2009 with determination to succeed in the PR world. She now holds the title of the new Account Executive at GolinHarris in Dallas, Texas. Her time in the public relations professional industry had its start about two years ago.

Hagans graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2009 with a degree in Public Relations. On top of her coursework at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Hagans stepped foot into the working world early through internship experiences. Her internship opportunities included a PR internship with the well-known Richards Group in Dallas, Texas, as well as an internship at SPM Communications in Dallas, Texas. Due to her early experience as a PR practitioner, Hagans was able to get a grasp on what life after graduation entailed. She strongly encourages future PR practitioners to find as much experience in the field before graduation.

Hagans informed me of the skills necessary in order to achieve success in the public relations field. A PR professional needs to be detail-oriented, results-driven, and solution-oriented. “You have to be passionate about what you do,” said Hagans. “You must also be flexible with deadlines because you never know what will be thrown at you.”

Hagans expands her passions by learning from others in the public relations field. “You learn something new everyday in public relations,” said Hagans. “I would encourage others to find a mentor who is not at their job to teach them work ethics and how to communicate with people who have different work techniques.” She says that it is very important to learn from others in order to be the best that you can be at your job.

Michelle Hagans is inspiring to those in the Gaylord College with graduation time just around the corner. Through her internship experiences and driven attitude, she was able to accomplish her dream of being a young PR professional.

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