Members:Please join us this Wednesday Dec. 9 to say congratulations and farewell to all our graduating senior PRSSA members. The event will be in the Student Union room 3804 and will feature free food and drinks. Please RSVP to PRSSAUNF@gmail.com – all PRSSA members are encouraged to join.
Who: PRSSA members
What: End of the semester social
When: This Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 5 - 7 p.m.
Where: The student union (building58) room 3804
Again, please RSVP to PRSSAUNF@gmail.com. Thanks,-Matt Pagan
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
14 Key Skills & Attributes For New PR Professionals
From http://ow.ly/rDMd
Public relations has changed significantly over the last few years. Even if you don’t buy into the idea that online communities and relationships are part of the public relations function, it’s hard to deny the rising importance of blogs, the gradual decline of traditional media and the impact that online conversations can have on brands. If you do believe that public relations should include these new activities, then there’s a whole new board game to be played.
Along the same lines, the skills that new PR grads need have evolved too.
Here are my thoughts on 14 skills and attributes a new PR professional needs in today’s market.
Traditional Skills/Attributes
Yes, there’s a new game to play (in my opinion), but the old game is still there too. PR pros still need the basic attributes and skills that they’ve always needed. Try launching something using social media alone and you’ll appreciate the gap that traditional media can leave if it’s lacking. So, entry-level PR professionals still need to be proficient at (among other things):
Writing – the cornerstone of a PR professional’s career. If you’re not confident about your writing skills, brush up. You’ll need them. Learn how to write a news release – study those produced by other organizations and practice for yourself.
Communications skills – I’m talking ’small c’ communications here rather than the ‘big c.’ Learn to communicate more effectively with other people
Attention to detail – because nothing will drive your colleagues (and, if you’re unlucky enough for your work to make it there, your clients) mad like poorly-edited work. Proofread everything. Fact check everything. Hand things to your supervisor when you would be happy with them going to the client.
Media relations – you’ll probably be doing media relations throughout the majority of your career. You may not have had an opportunity to do it for yourself as a new graduate, but an understanding of the basics is certainly an advantage – what’s in a media list? What are the pitching best practices?
Proactiveness – if you don’t know an answer to a question, first try to research the answer. If you can’t find the answer, ask. Whatever you do, don’t just sit there until you approach the deadline for your work.
Work ethic – public relations isn’t a 9-to-5 job. It shouldn’t take over your life, but the nature of the work is that sometimes you’ll have last-minute deadlines and sometimes you’ll have to chip-in to help others. There’s nothing worse for more senior team members than watching the more junior ones walk out of the door at 5pm then having to stay there until 9pm themselves. Put in that little bit of extra effort. It won’t be every day, but people will notice.
New Skills/Attributes
Alongside the regular attributes that I think new PR pros should have, I would add a whole new list of attributes related to the online work. Among these I would include:
Blogging - you don’t necessarily need to have one (although it’s a big plus), but an understanding of the importance of blogs and an interest in their use, is essential in my view.
Microblogging - it’s still an emerging technology, but I would argue that an understanding of microblogging tools (the primary one currently being Twitter) is essential for new grads.
Social networking tools – Facebook, MySpace LinkedIn, Plaxo and more – there’s a plethora of social networking tools out there. An understanding of the leading social networks is desirable.
SEO - some parts of search engine optimization are quite technical, but others are very simple and require little technical knowledge. An understanding of the basics is highly valuable. This leads to my next point…
Coding - basic HTML, PHP, VBScript and so on are not critical skills, but I find them useful on a daily basis.
RSS, RSS Readers – I consider an understanding of RSS to be central to people doing any work in social media. For one thing, RSS turns monitoring multiple searches and sites every day into a manageable task. For another, it helps when providing recommendations to clients.
Blogger relations – understand the nuances of blogger relations.
Social media ethics – everyone has their own lines when it comes to ethics. Know where yours lie and how you feel about topics like astroturfing, ghost blogging, sock puppets and other common ethical issues (I’ve given my on astroturfing and ghost blogging several times recently).
It’s hard to find someone with all of these attributes. If you’re honest with yourself, you’re probably stronger in some of these areas than others. Figure out which areas are your weakest, and work on them.
I’ve probably missed a whole bunch of attributes here. PR pros, new and old – what would you add?
Update (8/25): Some great comments already. Additions to the list include:
Business and finance
Business ethics
Multi-tasking and time management
Math, especially statistics
-MP
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Public relations has changed significantly over the last few years. Even if you don’t buy into the idea that online communities and relationships are part of the public relations function, it’s hard to deny the rising importance of blogs, the gradual decline of traditional media and the impact that online conversations can have on brands. If you do believe that public relations should include these new activities, then there’s a whole new board game to be played.
Along the same lines, the skills that new PR grads need have evolved too.
Here are my thoughts on 14 skills and attributes a new PR professional needs in today’s market.
Traditional Skills/Attributes
Yes, there’s a new game to play (in my opinion), but the old game is still there too. PR pros still need the basic attributes and skills that they’ve always needed. Try launching something using social media alone and you’ll appreciate the gap that traditional media can leave if it’s lacking. So, entry-level PR professionals still need to be proficient at (among other things):
Writing – the cornerstone of a PR professional’s career. If you’re not confident about your writing skills, brush up. You’ll need them. Learn how to write a news release – study those produced by other organizations and practice for yourself.
Communications skills – I’m talking ’small c’ communications here rather than the ‘big c.’ Learn to communicate more effectively with other people
Attention to detail – because nothing will drive your colleagues (and, if you’re unlucky enough for your work to make it there, your clients) mad like poorly-edited work. Proofread everything. Fact check everything. Hand things to your supervisor when you would be happy with them going to the client.
Media relations – you’ll probably be doing media relations throughout the majority of your career. You may not have had an opportunity to do it for yourself as a new graduate, but an understanding of the basics is certainly an advantage – what’s in a media list? What are the pitching best practices?
Proactiveness – if you don’t know an answer to a question, first try to research the answer. If you can’t find the answer, ask. Whatever you do, don’t just sit there until you approach the deadline for your work.
Work ethic – public relations isn’t a 9-to-5 job. It shouldn’t take over your life, but the nature of the work is that sometimes you’ll have last-minute deadlines and sometimes you’ll have to chip-in to help others. There’s nothing worse for more senior team members than watching the more junior ones walk out of the door at 5pm then having to stay there until 9pm themselves. Put in that little bit of extra effort. It won’t be every day, but people will notice.
New Skills/Attributes
Alongside the regular attributes that I think new PR pros should have, I would add a whole new list of attributes related to the online work. Among these I would include:
Blogging - you don’t necessarily need to have one (although it’s a big plus), but an understanding of the importance of blogs and an interest in their use, is essential in my view.
Microblogging - it’s still an emerging technology, but I would argue that an understanding of microblogging tools (the primary one currently being Twitter) is essential for new grads.
Social networking tools – Facebook, MySpace LinkedIn, Plaxo and more – there’s a plethora of social networking tools out there. An understanding of the leading social networks is desirable.
SEO - some parts of search engine optimization are quite technical, but others are very simple and require little technical knowledge. An understanding of the basics is highly valuable. This leads to my next point…
Coding - basic HTML, PHP, VBScript and so on are not critical skills, but I find them useful on a daily basis.
RSS, RSS Readers – I consider an understanding of RSS to be central to people doing any work in social media. For one thing, RSS turns monitoring multiple searches and sites every day into a manageable task. For another, it helps when providing recommendations to clients.
Blogger relations – understand the nuances of blogger relations.
Social media ethics – everyone has their own lines when it comes to ethics. Know where yours lie and how you feel about topics like astroturfing, ghost blogging, sock puppets and other common ethical issues (I’ve given my on astroturfing and ghost blogging several times recently).
It’s hard to find someone with all of these attributes. If you’re honest with yourself, you’re probably stronger in some of these areas than others. Figure out which areas are your weakest, and work on them.
I’ve probably missed a whole bunch of attributes here. PR pros, new and old – what would you add?
Update (8/25): Some great comments already. Additions to the list include:
Business and finance
Business ethics
Multi-tasking and time management
Math, especially statistics
-MP
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Monday, October 12, 2009
First Meeting of the Year!
Our first meeting of the year will be this Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union West building on the 3rd floor room 3806. This meeting is open to everyone so please come to find out more about PRSSA at UNF. Our very special guest speaker will be Kathy Barbour, the Internal Communications Manager of Mayo Clinic.
Come hungry because as always free food and refreshments will be provided!
Come hungry because as always free food and refreshments will be provided!
-Monica Earle
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Thursday, October 8, 2009
October meeting: Open to everyone!
Our first meeting of the year will be held on October 14 at 6 p.m. on campus (location TBA) and will feature Kathy Barbour, Internal Communications Manager at the Mayo Clinic. She will be speaking on the value of PRSSA/PRSA membership as well as corporate/healthcare PR. As always, food and drinks will be provided for free! This is our informational meeting so anyone can join - after feel free to ask us questions about PRSSA!
Stay tuned to find out where the meeting will be held. Thanks!
-Matt Pagan
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Stay tuned to find out where the meeting will be held. Thanks!
-Matt Pagan
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Friday, October 2, 2009
Three things I never learned about PR in college
http://prbreakfastclub.com/2009/10/01/three-things-i-never-learned-about-pr-in-college/
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree and why?
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree and why?
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Your invited: PRSSA social at Seven Bridges!
Who: PRSSA members and any other students interested in getting to know more about PRSSA and its members.
What: Social with free appetizers and an extended happy hour just for our group!
When: Wednesday, September 30th – 6 p.m.
Where: Seven Bridges in Tinseltown (9735 Gate Pkwy
Jacksonville, FL 32246-8221).
Why: To get to socialize with PRSSA members and to get to learn more about PRSSA.
Attire: Business casual/casual
PRSSA members,
We hope you will take the time to join us at our first event of the year, a social at Seven Bridges! The event will start at 6 p.m. and there will be free appetizers and for those of age, there will be an extended happy hour just for us. Please drop by and have some fun getting to know everyone! All PR majors are welcome so please spread the word. Hope to see you then!
-Matt Pagan
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
FREE PRSA luncheon
It's a tough economy and we are students. Enjoy this FREE luncheon for PRSA members and students.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Networking and Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Program/Discussion: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Sandler Training Institute
8825 Perimeter Park Blvd., Suite 503
Jacksonville, FL 32216
646-1900
Register here: http://www.nfprsa.org/
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Networking and Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Program/Discussion: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Sandler Training Institute
8825 Perimeter Park Blvd., Suite 503
Jacksonville, FL 32216
646-1900
Register here: http://www.nfprsa.org/
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
From a student...
One of my favorite quotes from one of our members after receiving the e-mail about internships...haha
"I got the email today about fall internships and it was like a sign from God..."
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
"I got the email today about fall internships and it was like a sign from God..."
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Monday, August 3, 2009
Need a fall internship?
Plenty of fall internships still available. Please comment or e-mail me for more information.
-Downtown Vision
-Advance Disposal
-Jacksonville Fairgrounds (Jax Fair)
-Sama Baby (an organic baby clothing line)
and possibly more.
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
-Downtown Vision
-Advance Disposal
-Jacksonville Fairgrounds (Jax Fair)
-Sama Baby (an organic baby clothing line)
and possibly more.
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
How Not to Get a Job in Public Relations
"This is a quick, amusing-and-alarming read worthy of a few minutes of your time. It comes from Newman Public Relations in Miami – a firm that has represented the Florida Keys and other clients for many years."
http://www.newmanpr.com/2009/06/16/how-not-to-get-a-job-in-public-relations
-MPPublic Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Monday, June 8, 2009
Social Media
It is interesting to see the disconnect between generations when concerning social media. The new craze has perplexed many practitioners leaving room for a new generation to come in and teach. This is an opportunity for us soon to be graduates and many organizations are even hiring young professionals to specifically blog, tweet, facebook, etc. The point is, if you are an undergrad you are more than likely naturally programmed to use social media. If not, I suggest you get on the ball and start learning how to use these sites.
-MP
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
-MP
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Monday, May 11, 2009
Good article
http://adage.com/columns/article?article_id=136530
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May PRSA meeting
From: http://www.nfprsa.org/en/cev/30
Winning Chemistry: Mixing Traditional and Social Media for Effective PR Planning
Sponsored by TEKGroup International
Thursday 21-May-09 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM EDT
Speaker: Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, Director of Partnership Development
HGTV
River City Brewing Company835 Museum Circle
Jacksonville FL 32207
Details for "Winning Chemistry: Mixing Traditional and Social Media for Effective PR Planning"
From video press releases and microblogs to phone pitching and (yikes!) paper press kits, mixing traditional and social media tools to achieve communication objectives is a little like playing with a chemistry set: will your mixture fizzle, explode, or (worse yet) do nothing? What are your best-quality ingredients for an effective, comprehensive strategic plan?
Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, director of partnership development for HGTV/ Scripps Networks and 2009 PRSA national chair-elect, will help us practice PR chemistry responsibly. Using real-life examples, he will show you how a blended PR strategy takes advantage of traditional and social media tools, allowing one to complement the other to build more relevant results.
Discussion topics will include:
• Selecting the message, then selecting the medium
• Observing, listening, researching and understanding communities
• Push and pull strategies: what works for you?
• Creating a map of your strategy
Speaker Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA
As the Director of Partnership Development for HGTV, Gary McCormick is responsible for identifying opportunities for off channel exposure for leading home and lifestyle cable network and its on-air talent – investigating, defining and implementing the partnerships that will increase ratings and awareness with viewers.
Before moving to HGTV, McCormick served as the Director of Public Relations for DIY Network and Fine Living TV Network, where he directed the networks’ media relations and special events, including DIY’s national partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Active in the Public Relations Society of America since 1985, he currently serves as the Chair-Elect for the 22,000 member professional association and will become Chair and CEO of PRSA in 2010.
McCormick also serves on the board of directors for Plank Center for Public Relations Leadership at the University of Alabama, served as the president of the PRSA Foundation in 2006 and 2007, and has been a co-chair of the Champions for PRSSA since 2005. He has been recognized for his contributions to public relations education as the 2006 Honoree of the Educators Academy David Ferguson Award.
| |||
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
I love these commercials. Obviously subjective but very well done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwxmNH2EEHg
-MP
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwxmNH2EEHg
-MP
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Monday, March 23, 2009
PRSA/PRSSA Social - 3/26/09
The following was taken from: http://www.nfprsa.org/en/cev/26
North Florida PRSA/PRSSA Social
Thursday 26-Mar-09 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Shula's 34710605 Deerwood Park Blvd Jacksonville Florida 32256 Phone: (904) 642-0063
Details for "North Florida PRSA/PRSSA Social"
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new PRSA year! You will have the opportunity to network with local PR professionals and upcoming PRSSA graduates while enjoying great appetizers at Shula's 347 Grill.
The event is free to all PRSA members and all PRSSA students with appetizers provided.
Drink specials will be available for those interested in purchasing alcholic beverages.
You must be over 21 to consume alcholic beverages.
Register by Thursday 26-Mar-09 6:00 PM EDT
Reserved 9
Event Contact
Event Coordinator
Lora Johnson
Lea Grippi
Loramarie03@gmail.com
Leagrippi@Comcast.net
Register Now! Registration deadline is Thursday 26-Mar-09 6:00 PM
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
North Florida PRSA/PRSSA Social
Thursday 26-Mar-09 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Shula's 34710605 Deerwood Park Blvd Jacksonville Florida 32256 Phone: (904) 642-0063
Details for "North Florida PRSA/PRSSA Social"
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new PRSA year! You will have the opportunity to network with local PR professionals and upcoming PRSSA graduates while enjoying great appetizers at Shula's 347 Grill.
The event is free to all PRSA members and all PRSSA students with appetizers provided.
Drink specials will be available for those interested in purchasing alcholic beverages.
You must be over 21 to consume alcholic beverages.
Register by Thursday 26-Mar-09 6:00 PM EDT
Reserved 9
Event Contact
Event Coordinator
Lora Johnson
Lea Grippi
Loramarie03@gmail.com
Leagrippi@Comcast.net
Register Now! Registration deadline is Thursday 26-Mar-09 6:00 PM
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * (904) 620-2651
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Regional conferance to be held in Jacksonville: PRville
I will more than likely be attending this event - it looks awesome! What a great way for you to network, PLUS the student fee is affordable! Plus+, it is over the summer and in OUR city! This is a very good opportunity for all who are serious about the public relations field. Our own Professor Doggett will be speaking in one of the seminar's as well. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, e-mail me (Branding/logos done by St. John & Partners).
Check it out: http://www.prville2009.com/
Socially,
Matt Pagan
PRSSA Vice President
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * (904) 620-2651
Check it out: http://www.prville2009.com/
Socially,
Matt Pagan
PRSSA Vice President
Public Relations Student Society of America * University of North Florida * PRSSA.UNF@Gmail.com * 1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224 * (904) 620-2651
First Blog - Purpose
Upon realizing that the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at the University of North Florida (UNF) does not currently have a website I created this blog in hopes that the members could keep up to date with the trends of new online social media.
It is my hopes that with the adaptation of this blog along with our Facebook group page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=46454045688)
we can help members stay connected as well as gain experience with new online social media through its use.
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