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

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