PR Kent Heads to Disney

I’ve never lived on my own before. I commute to Kent State, and I’ve always had the helping hand of my parents to guide me through everything. It was time for me to fly from the nest, though, and I decided the best way to start would be moving to Florida to work at Walt Disney World for a semester. Why not?

 When I was a freshman, a fellow CCI student, Brett Parr, encouraged me to look into the Disney College Program. I researched the program and saw how successful its alumni are within the Fortune 500 company. The networking opportunities the website described sounded too amazing to pass up. After speaking to my advisor about it for months, planning out how I could still graduate on time, saving my scholarships, and passing two separate interviews, I was accepted into the program and moved to Florida in January.

I work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom five days a week as a character attendant. As an attendant, I help characters take photos and sign autographs with guests at dining and meet and greet locations. Since I arrived, I have been able to work with characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger and more.

Another day of my week is spent in a four-hour Corporate Communications class. I am gaining more in-class experience preparing and executing promotional events as a part of my final project. I’m so excited to host a mock Comic Con panel for DreamWorks Animation! Initially, I was worried that the class might be too tough for me, as I heard it was the most challenging class the Disney College Program offered. Thankfully, my Kent State public relations courses couldn’t have prepared me better. I know heaps more than my classmates on subjects such as writing a press release, developing social media posts and creating a PR plan using objectives, strategies, and tactics.

The program also offers an Alumni Speaker series where Disney Imagineers and officials offer tips for success in different areas of the company. I am attending a marketing and social media panel this month, and I can’t wait to hear what the communication specialists have to say.

I’m officially halfway through my program, and I know I’m going to miss the people I’ve met and the fun times I’ve had. I can’t wait to go back to Kent, however, so I can share these experiences with my classmates and friends.

For more information about the Disney College Program, visit http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/default/.

Follow Meghan on Twitter @Meghan_Caprez.

Four Ways I Manage My Online Brand

In today’s Internet-crazed society, it’s important to keep up and stay connected with social media. While we all want to stay involved, it’s important we’re sending the right message online. Here are four ways I manage my personal brand online:

1. Edit – Often, we hear it’s important to filter the content we post on social media sites. This can be critical. I think it’s important to show your personality while keeping a professional image.

2. Blog – I use my blog to help manage my brand. I use it to engage with people who have similar interests, and I explain where I want to take my interest in PR.

3. Update – I try to make sure I’m updating my social networks often so I don’t disappear online. It’s not enough to simply have an online presence. You must stay consistent and maintain that presence.

4. Connect – I use the same username for all networks. I want it to be easy for my audience to find and recognize me online. I also list on my blog the platforms I use and post my blog’s link on all of my networking profiles.

These are some easy ways I control my message online. If you need help, use these tips to get you started. If you’re on your way to building your online presence, share steps you take in managing your brand.

Marcus Donaldson is a sophomore public relations major and PRSSA Kent member.

I Switched Schools and Majors – At The Same Time

Hello all! My name is Devin Hennessy, and I am a transfer student coming from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.

Some Background On Me…

I started at Slippery Rock thinking I was going to graduate in five short years with a physical therapy degree. However, after taking Intro to Chemistry my first semester, I quickly learned my brain doesn’t work that way. I switched out of the physical therapy program and finally found my way into public relations. I knew immediately I found my niche. Although Slippery Rock was a good school, it was a little too small (and in the middle of nowhere) for me. I had applied at Kent State originally and loved it so I decided to make the big switch and start all over again.

My Time at Kent State

My experience with the School of Journalism & Mass Communication has already been incredible. I was immediately introduced to so many opportunities. I got in contact with the president and main editor of KSUBuzz, which is Kent State’s student-run entertainment website. It includes everything from the most recent pop news, relationship advice and deals to find around Kent State! I was so lucky she hired me as the social media director. Along with social media, I write an article a week for the website.

What I’ve Learned (So Far)

I attended the semester’s first PRSSA meeting and got to know a bunch of smart students in the organization who I can look up to and obtain their guidance.. The members encouraged me to finally post my personal blog (devinfaith.wordpress.com). So far, there is not much to it, but it will get there – I promise! PRSSA members also shared advice about PR classes, which will become extremely helpful to me when I schedule. Best of all, Ryan, PRSSA’s online media manager, offered me this wonderful opportunity to contribute and practice my skills with a guest blog post.

Overall, I would say the best part of my experience has been the openness of the school for new students to get involved. I look forward to the weekly PRSSA meetings, and I never felt that excited at my old school. I am happy to say I made the right choice in switching schools to get the most out of my public relations education!

Confessions of an Ex-Journalism Major

Anyone in the wrong major knows all about the sinking feeling you get when you calculate how soon graduation is. It’s scary to think of receiving a degree in something you don’t enjoy! That feeling also comes around when you schedule more classes you don’t really enjoy or when you have to look for an internship or job you don’t think you’ll like. It’s clear you need something new, but what if you don’t know where to turn?

I’ve been there. I’m Ryan Collins, the online media manager for PRSSA Kent. I love working with PRSSA, but how did I get here?

I was a journalism major for almost two years. I knew I loved to write as a kid, so I thought journalism was a natural choice for me. I tried all kinds of student media, but I never felt totally satisfied. Thankfully, with the help of some caring friends, I decided to take a leap of faith and finally become an ex-journalism major. I switched to public relations.

Ever since I switched, I have set myself on a crash course learning PR.  I need to buy a button like this and wear it all the time:

I have a job working at Flash Communications, the student PR agency in Kent State’s University Communication and Marketing department. Here are some of my favorite things about PR

• I confess: My favorite thing about working in public relations is all the positivity! At Flash and PRSSA, we’re focused on all the fabulous things happening at Kent State University every day. I love that about PR. We’re happy people.
• I confess: Being a study abroad alum, I love writing stories focused on other countries. I recently wrote a story about a KSU student who visited Jamaica and another story about a class that takes KSU students to Costa Rica over winter breaks. Working in public relations allows me to tell the Kent State community how beneficial it is to study abroad and see the world.
• I confess: Working in PR is special to me because I get to work with top communication professionals and faculty at Kent State. I get feedback directly from people who I respect.
• I confess: I love the intangible feeling of being fulfilled. My public relations classes and my jobs at Flash and PRSSA inspire me! PR motivates me to work hard. Even though this field is competitive, I love what I do. A career that emphasizes Twitter clearly is amazing.

If you want to be an ex-(insert your current major here) and switch to public relations, visit the Kent State Public Relations Student Society of America’s (PRSSA) website to learn more.

PS. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment of PR specialists is expected to grow 24 percent from 2008-2018.  Once again, I love this field for its positive outlook!

[Cross-posted and adapted from Student PR.]

General Meeting Recap

Bill Sledzik, associate professor and PR sequence coordinator, as well as senior PRSSA Kent officers Lindsay Ridinger and Sarah Lack, led an ethics discussion at our general meeting on Wednesday. The students who attended learned how ethics applies to PR as they discussed several case studies involving ethical decision making.

What is ethics anyway?

Ethics has several different meanings. Some would argue it’s all about telling the truth. Others would say it’s all about values and morals. Put simply, ethics can be defined as doing the “right” thing.

As Professor Sledzik mentioned, PR professionals often encounter ethical dilemmas. There is not always a clear right or wrong answer in ethical decisions. So, before you make your final decision, Sledzik advises to stop and think: “Am I doing the right thing?”

Why is ethics important to public relations?

Students argued that PR professionals should take ethics seriously because a brand’s image is important to the consumer and other target audiences. Companies and organizations should value customers’ trust, and a code of ethics helps regulate the acceptable business practices that ensure trust. Honesty and trustworthiness often grant success.

PRSSA Kent discussed the following cases:

• The “Wal-Marting Across America” blog
• Facebook’s attempted smear campaign against Google
• Ethics case studies and resources from PRSA

Key points to remember:

• Don’t hide the truth from the media
• Try your best to determine the “right” thing to do
• Be transparent with the public

We hope to see you at our next general meeting, Facetime with PRSSA, on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Franklin Hall. Bring questions about class, schedules, PR and more, or bring along your favorite board game!

PRSSA Updates

Communications Connection

Don’t forget to register for Communications Connection, which is just right around the corner. It will be held on Tuesday, March 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attending the event will give you the opportunity to receive a professionally guided resume critique, interact with your peers and participate in roundtable discussions with area public relations and advertising professionals from Marcus Thomas, Fahlgren Mortine, AKHIA, Goodyear, True Digital Communications, Allied Communications and Adcom, to name a few. Be sure to RSVP to commconn2012@gmail.com by March 2. Registration is free for any PRSSA or Ad Club member. All non members will have to pay $5 in advance. For more information, contact Intercampus Liaison Christine Morgan at cmorga20@kent.edu.

Register for the PRSSA Relay for Life Team

Are you looking for an opportunity to get involved with PRSSA while supporting a great cause? Make a difference and join our American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life team. Get to know the PRSSA members in a walking, talking and energetic atmosphere at Kent State’s Relay for Life on April 21 at 10 a.m. To join our team and begin fundraising, visit our relay page. If you have any questions, please contact VP of Fundraising Trenton Chavez at tchavez1@kent.edu.

We hope to see you there!

General Meeting this Wednesday

Our next general meeting will cover ethics in public relations. Bill Sledzik, associate professor and PR sequence coordinator, will be speaking about this hot topic. The meeting will start in room 340 at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 29. Come ready to discuss your view on ethics in the PR industry.

 

Kent State PRSSA members launch campaign to influence Portage County children to make healthy choices

Five Kent State University PRSSA members are tackling childhood obesity in Portage County as part of the national PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition. Student teams from universities around the country are conducting research, developing a plan and implementing a real-world public relations campaign.
PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition

Public relations students Ryan Collins, Lisa Gulasy, Jenna Hedman, Christine Morgan and Taylor Titus were selected by PRKent faculty to participate on the Kent State University Bateman team. These students will then recruit other Kent State students to assist with campaign execution.

United Way Worldwide is Bateman’s client this year, and the sponsor is General Mills. The PRKent Bateman Team is working with the United Way of Portage County and other community partners.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the 2012 PRKent Bateman Team. Our team has some exciting initiatives lined up, and we can’t wait to put our plan into action. I am grateful for the valuable real-world public relations experience I have gained thus far in the competition,” Morgan says.

PRSSA Kent faculty adviser Professor Michele Ewing, APR, JMC associate professor, and several PR professional advisers are providing guidance and support throughout the process.

“This project creates an opportunity for students to gain valuable public relations experience and demonstrates how students can use their communications skills to make a positive impact on families and communities,” Ewing says.

However, the students are independently researching and conducting the campaign.

“This is the second ‘real campaign’ I’ve helped research and design in my college career, but it’s the first campaign that actually requires implementation. Attempting to create a measurable, sustainable and replicable plan for the United Way Worldwide is a really daunting task, but I know PRKent Bateman is up for the challenge. You can expect great things from us,” Gulasy says.

DiBiasio Shares Experiences, Lessons with PRSSA Students

On Wednesday, Bob DiBiasio, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Cleveland Indians, visited Franklin Hall to share professional advice, personal stories about his career and the way he got into sports PR.

PRSSA Kent members learned a lot about his 34-year PR career, 33 years of which he spent working with the Cleveland Indians. In 1979, he began his career with the Cleveland Indians as an assistant PR director, and then quickly became director of PR in 1980. In 1988, DiBiasio became vice president of PR.

Key points from DiBiasio:

PR = Planning Right

DiBiasio defined PR as “planning right.” Planning right can help dissolve potential problems, such as the recent Fausto Carmona scandal. He explained some of the steps the Cleveland Indians franchise is taking to resolve the problem.

You’re never wrong when you stand up and tell the truth.

In PR, DiBiasio says telling the truth is a must. Withholding certain facts from the media can cause the company or organization to lose credibility.

PR is a 24/7 job

It doesn’t matter the time of the day: PR never sleeps. You must constantly be aware of any information the media releases about your company or organization. Responding quickly to a crisis is important.

PR – Promoting Relationships

Start networking with professionals now. DiBiasio mentioned how he began writing letters to the Cleveland Indians as early as the ninth grade. It’s never too early to start networking.

Beat the story before it becomes something.

Don’t allow reporters to interpret a story how they want. Get the word out quickly about what happened before it catches fire. Always tell the truth and respond quickly and responsibly.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Feb. 15, when officers will share some of their internship experiences.

Cleveland Indians VP Bob DiBiasio Coming to PRSSA Kent Feb. 1

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to do PR for a professional sports team?

PRSSA Kent is excited to welcome guest speaker Bob DiBiasio, VP of Public Relations for the Cleveland Indians, for our next general meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in room 340 of Franklin Hall. If you’re interested in learning more about sports PR, this is the meeting for you!

DiBiasio will discuss the challenges and rewards of a career in sports PR, as well as share stories from his 34 years in Major League Baseball and his role in developing the Indians Social Suite in Cleveland. A true Clevelander, DiBiasio has spent 33 of those 34 years with the Cleveland Indians. He started in 1979 as an assistant PR director and was named director of PR in 1980 and vice president of PR in 1988. The Lakewood, Oh native was promoted to his current position in 2011. His lone season away from the Tribe was 1987 when he served as Public Relations Director for the Atlanta Braves.

DiBiasio was the 1999 recipient of the prestigious Robert O. Fischel Award for Public Relations Excellence in Major League Baseball.  He was also inducted into the Lakewood High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 1999.  In 1986, DiBiasio was named the Public Relations Director to the Sports Illustrated Dream Team.  He received the ALS Cleveland chapter Lou Gehrig “Iron Horse” Award for Community Service in 2009 and won the Mel Harder Distinguished Service Award for Community Involvement in 1997.

DiBiasio currently serves as the President of Cleveland Indians Charities, is an Honorary Member of both the Executive Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland and the Board of the Cleveland Baseball Federation, serves on the Athletic Advisory Board at Notre Dame College (OH), and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bob Feller Museum in Van Meter, IA.

PRSSA Kent is excited to welcome Mr. DiBiasio and we hope to see you at next week’s meeting!

Meeting Re-Cap: Carli Cichocki Shares Media Relations Tips

Students filled room 110 of Franklin Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 18 to hear Carli Cichocki, an ’06 PR Kent alumna and communication specialist at R Strategy Group in Cleveland, talk about developing and implementing a national media relations plan.

Last summer, Cichocki traveled across the country with the Do Good Bus, a traveling initiative that encourages people to volunteer in their communities. The Do Good Bus partnered with Grammy-nominated band Foster The People during their summer tour. Cichocki was responsible for creating and executing a media relations plan during the tour.

Cichocki shared valuable information about thinking strategically, connecting with audiences and networking with other professionals. Her presentation ended with a contest –the winner, PRKent Freshman Megan Corder, received a Foster The People CD!

Students walked away with some useful tips about media relations as they start their careers in PR.

Carli’s tips for media relations success:

• Think strategically. Develop a plan and be prepared. Set goals and decide what you want your plan to accomplish and what you want your audiences to learn.
• Do your research. Learn as much as you can about your audience and narrow it down to target only the most important. If your media relations plan targets everyone, you’re not really talking to anyone. Research reporters who have covered your subject in the past and pitch them personally.
• Use your resources. Social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr) can help communicate your message.
• Find an angle. Reporters are looking for a way to connect the story with their audience. Emphasize a unique angle to make your pitch stand out. It could be a trend, local connection or celebrity involvement.
• Network and stay in touch. Get to know professionals and stay in touch with classmates. Foster long-term relationships with everyone you come in contact with –journalists, producers and others in the PR industry.

PRSSA Kent would like to thank Carli Cichocki for sharing her experiences with us. It was a great way to start the semester!

Our next general meeting is Wednesday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m. VP of Public Relations for the Cleveland Indians Bob DiBiasio will talk about sports public relations and his career in MLB. We hope to see everyone there!