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

Katy Bergman with United Way of Central Oklahoma

By: Jenny Bell

Katy Bergman is the public relations and event planning coordinator at the United Way of Central Oklahoma Chapter. Including a year and a half of internship experience, Katy has only been working in the public relations industry for three years. She has held her current title as the public relations and event planning coordinator for almost two years now.

Bergman graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis on pubic relations. She gained her internship experience during her senior year at the University of Oklahoma. She was actually the public relations intern for the United Way of Central Oklahoma. While striving to obtain her B.A. she was also interning 30 hours a week for United Way.

When I asked Bergman what she thought the essential skills were for a PR professional, I was happy to see that they were skills I have either learned or am currently learning. " A PR professional definitely needs to be proficient in Adobe and Microsoft Office," Bergman said. She talked about how these two programs are the foundation for most public relations work. " A couple other skills that I think are essential to a PR professional are strong written and verbal skills," Bergman said. Bergman also told me that having a strong sense of creativity and having the ability to be flexible in any situation are necessary to succeeded as a PR Professional. Bergman said, " The public is always changing, and you have to be able to change with them and grab their attention."

Bergman gave me several great tips of advice for future PR professionals. The three tips of advice Bergman gave me were to have internship experience, be confident and get involved in groups. When talking about internship experience, Bergman said, "You may surprise yourself with what you like and what is out there". Bergman really stressed the importance of getting involved in groups for networking purposes. " Once your graduate and begin working, networking is a must," Bergman said.

I can agree with Bergman that confidence is an important characteristic for an professional to have. Although I don't have much internship experience, Bergman made me feel better about graduating and starting my career. "As a young professional, you have a lot to offer the workplace, so don't be afraid to let your fresh opinion be known."