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!

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.

Public Relations in a Struggling Economy

Public Relations in a Struggling Economy
By Ericka Burey

As a graduating senior, one of my many concerns upon the final ceremony of my college career at the University of Oklahoma is what am I going to do after graduation? The question is purged on me almost every day by friends, family, teachers, etc. and to be perfectly honest my answer as always “I don’t quite know yet”. And with the economy in shambles a job in my desired field seems somewhat unlikely. But if being a public relations major has taught me anything it is how to be creative. So I began to think creatively and I’ve decided that in a job market that isn’t so hot right now maybe it is a blessing in disguise that I am in a field that is so broad. What can sometimes be seen as a negative in the public relations field no can be turned into a positive? By this I mean that because our filed is so broad and because we learn about so many different aspects of business and communication techniques we can apply our skills to job fields that we would normally overlook. For example, becoming a middle school or high school teacher. We can apply our communication skills to deliver a message effectively to an active audience, we plan a strong education campaign and apply it throughout a long period of time, and we must convey an image of authority to the students, competence to parents and other teachers and certification to the state boards. So you see we are not really in a job drought we just have to reanalyze the situation effectively in order to gain the most success.


By reassessing the situation we can analyze other jobs such as: hotel management, store manager, Human resources, communications, etc. So when you really think about it... the job opportunites are endless for a public relations practioner!

Oh The Places You'll Go...

Oh the places you’ll go…
By Sally Swafford

I think it’s safe to say that the last semester of my college career has been anything but calm. I’ve not only had 15 hours of school, but I’ve been planning a wedding and have participated in Sooner Scandals. But don’t feel sorry for me because it’s been an absolute blast!

As for what the future holds, I have no clue. I am graduating in May with six hours remaining. I am taking advantage of a class offered by Gaylord to travel to London for three weeks. What a way to go out, right?

Post London, I will stay in Norman to work for an oil company and save money for my future marital status. I am moving to Austin, Texas in August and will find a job there (any job there) doing God knows what.

My dream job in the public relations field is to work in the Arts. There is a particular children’s art museum in Austin, which would suit my passions best. Not only would I be working in the field of journalism but also I would be around children, whom I love.

If I don’t get a job in the Arts while in Texas, I may look for a job at an art museum when my future husband and I come back to the Oklahoma City area in two years. In particular, I would love to be the media liaison at an art museum. Working with the different mediums of journalism would be very fun for me.

Also, anything with event planning would be good for me as well. After planning my own wedding, it seems interesting and exciting to plan someone else’s. I would love to surround myself with creative people.

To my classmates: Good luck in all your endeavors and hopefully after graduation we will see each other again!

What does the future hold?

What does the future hold?

Katie Puckett  

Well, I wish I knew the answer to this question, especially since I will be graduating from college in two and a half weeks. It's something I've been asking myself since for quite a while. When I was a freshman at OU, graduating seemed so far away, like it would never come, now four years later, here I am.  

What I really always dreamed of was writing for a magazine in Manhattan, just like you see in the movies. I even went over spring break to visit Time Inc. where I know someone in the pr department. It wasn't my first time in NYC, but it was the first time I went thinking I could actually live there. After a week of walking around in the rain, wearing a wool coat and a scarf nearing the end of March and paying $30 for brunch, I began to think seriously about things.  

Being from Oklahoma City, I always thought I would move away from here. As I have grown up, matured and figured a few things out, I've realized this place isn't so bad. I always thought I was the kind of person that could just pack their stuff and leave, but now I really can't think of what it would be like to move away from home. I have grown to appreciate Oklahoma and everything it has to offer.  

Who knows what the future holds. If I was living the ideal life, I'd already have a PR job by now. I'm nearing the end and it's scary, but I know wherever life takes me, it will be for the best!

The Jungle: Looking for my first REAL job!

The Jungle: Looking for my first REAL job!

by: Dana Brantley

As future public relations practitioners, we hold the balance scales of journalism and business. In fact, the ability to be in the corporate realm while utilizing my journalism skills has inspired me to major in public relations.

My dream job is in corporate communications. According to workinpr.com, one of the differences between agency work and corporate communications is that the latter typically works on improving or maintaining the organizations brand, while the former works for several different organizations. It has been my desire to work for a set company in their communications department.

Of course, a career in corporate communications requires some prerequisites. According to Ben Silverman in his article, PR Fuel: What It Takes to Be a PR Person , a career in public relations entails both professional and personal skills. We all know that the ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree but what are some skills that will set you apart from the pack? Silverman suggests that you should have strong oral and written skills, possess research skills, seize the opportunity to think outside the box while being ethical; just to name a few.

Of course, I do not want to remain entry level for the entirety of my career, so when looking at a potential organization, I research current staff demographics. Being that I am an African-American woman, I look for a company that embraces diversity. Since our capstone is made up of women, diversity should be important to us all.

According to, John Gabarro, UPS Foundation professor of Human Resource Management, Emeritus, at Harvard Business School and David Thomas, the H. Naylor Fitzhugh professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, minorities should get a mentor in their desired field, appreciate a slower track process and ensure before employment that the company embraces diversity. The slower process can ensure long-term success.

So, what makes me continue to strive for a career in public relations, besides my passion for communications? According to the US Department of Labor, the amount of employment is rising above average, however, that same article projected that there will be a rise in competition among entry level positions.

So, set yourself apart. Let the company know that they will continue to reach success if you are an integral part of their company. According to D.A. Hayden and Michael Wilder, founding partners of Hayden-Wilder, a one-on-one counseling firm specializing in preparing recent college graduates for the real world job market, suggest that college graduates should set themselves apart by doing the following: 1.) Read publication pieces about the organization. 2.) Define the public’s opinion about the organization. 3.) Make sure that you are showing initiative!

Best of luck job hunting. I am sure that we are the cream of the crop!

From Part-Time Job To Dream Job

I am very pleased to write this because after 22 years of life and 4 and a half years of college I think I finally know what I want to be when I grow up! I never knew when I signed up to be a substitute teacher in Norman this school year that I would discover my real passion.

I always knew that I loved children and got along very well with them, but it had never occurred to me that I could teach for a living. So here I am with a semester of substitute teaching and about to graduate with a degree in Journalism, not education.

I have given my future a lot of thought throughout my college years, probably because I changed my major 3 times. After finally deciding on Journalism with an emphasis in public relations I thought I was set. Then when it came to be my last semester of school, I started really thinking about what I wanted to do after graduation.

It was actually after my first day of substitute teaching that I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. I had such a wonderful experience getting to know some of the children that I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to be there everyday, helping to shape their lives.

After much research and a meeting with the vice superintendent I have discovered that I can get my teaching certification in Journalism. This will allow me to teach middle school journalism classes, including yearbook, which was my favorite activity in high school.

I am so excited to have the opportunity to be in charge of recording a school’s year in a yearbook. I have always been really into scrapbooking, nerdy I know. But it will only help me in my future profession, with laying out yearbook pages and coming up with creative ideas.

I have found a way to use what I have learned in college with my own personal passion for creativity and children. I couldn’t be happier!

Dream Job? Yes Please!

Dream Job? Yes, Please!
By Michael Maldonado

As graduation creeps nearer and the job search becomes increasingly daunting, I have to ask myself one thing. “What do I really want to do with my life?” There are so many decisions to make and so little time to make them in. I have several immediate options that can assure me food on the table and a roof over my head. However, I’ve never been a fan of taking the easy way out. I want a career in public relations and I want to start it right away.

The easiest option would be to move back my home town, The Colony, at an all-inclusive resort known as Chez Maldonado where my mother is the landlady. I could have a job as a sales associate or possibly a manager position at one of the many north Texas branches of my current employer. As much as I’d love to be a townie and have my mother know my exact location at all times, I have my sights set slightly higher.

I want to be a global citizen. My dream is to work for an international public relations agency or organization that will take me around the world. I want to see how other people live and be forced to learn at least two more languages. When I have not been studying or working this semester I have been exploring how I can get a job in the United Kingdom. The process is actually a lot more difficult than I had imagined.

In order to get a work visa in the United Kingdom, an American has to have an employer sponsor them for the visa. However, most of the time a company does not sponsor people who are not European Union nationals unless they are already staying for an extended period of time. The next best thing for a graduating student to do is to get a temporary six-month working visa through a program called BUNAC. This looks to be the route I will be taking.

In my fantasy, I will make it to the UK by March or April of 2008 with my BUNAC visa and a couple thousand British pounds (which is a couple-couple American dollars). I will have a place to stay with one of the many friends I made during my year abroad in Sheffield. If I must I will get an immediate but temporary position at a GAP in the city I am living in. After a few weeks I will use my two advantages, geography and a well-tailored CV, to get a job with a PR agency that will sponsor me for a 2-year work visa. This company will be pretty notable and have several international offices.

I will then work my way up the PR ladder. After a few years, several PR publications will do feature stories on me and the way I revolutionized the world of branding and consumer PR.

Sounds pretty simple, yes? I will hopefully update everyone in about 10 years from my chateau in Paris or my villa in Barcelona.

The Beginning of a New Chapter

The Beginning of a New Chapter

By Melia Wright

As the time for graduation is nearing, applying and interviewing for jobs constantly weighs on the mind of graduating seniors. It should at this point in time for many, as for myself, I will have to put off a full-time career for a few more years of being a student.

I always viewed the ACT as the most important test I would take in my life, until now. Four years after taking the ACT I am now preparing for the GRE, something I had never even heard about in high school, in hopes to make the transition into graduate school.

Since I was a young girl I have always envisioned working in the world of sports. As I have learned more about the field and what I need to do in order to succeed in the world of sports, I have found that it is in my best interest to put off the “real world” for another two years and earn my master’s in Sports Management.

While earning my master’s I hope to gain experience by working in the Athletic Department of the university I attend. Once my master’s degree is completed and I have gained a few years experience, I hope to enter my dream job as the Director of Event Management in sports. It is a job in which I can use not only my master’s degree in Sports Management, but also my bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.

Because of my love for sports and goal of one day working in this field, I immediately began searching for internships in this field. As a public relations student, an internship is almost a must in order to get a job in this competitive field. I received an internship at the Oklahoma City All Sports Association and after a semester of working with them, my love for sports was reinforced and I knew the area of sports is where I had to be.

Earning my master’s is the next step I need to take in order to reach my goal and the University of San Francisco is where I hope to take this next step. It not only has one of the top sports management programs in the nation but the time and effort you put into earning your master’s at USF pays off well and almost guarantee’s each of its graduates a job in the field of sports.

I have found throughout my four years in college that many people do not enjoy, appreciate, or even use the degree they earned in college. I am not one of those people, for I am very excited to use not only my bachelor’s degree but also my master’s. I thoroughly enjoy the world of public relations and all that it entails and I look forward to using my public relations skills specifically in the world of sports. It would be a dream of mine to earn my master’s and enter the “real world” in an area that I love so much.