Last Thursday, seven students from PRSSA Kent’s Executive Board arrived at the PRSSA National Conference in San Diego. We were among 1,000 PR students at the conference. PRSSA Kent was able to learn more about PR, network with professionals and learn from fellow PR students from around the country.

The PRSSA National Conference had sessions on career prep, corporate vs. agency, crisis communication, diversity, employee relations, entertainment and sports PR, environmental public affairs, etiquette, event planning, fashion PR, financial communications and ethics, health care, networking, nonprofit PR, portfolios, public affairs, resumes, social media and tourism.

During the conference, PRSSA Kent received the Teahan University Service Award. PRSSA Kent’s application for this award included voluntary projects that benefited Kent State over the last year. It also included fliers, brochures, photos, screenshots and documents that portrayed service to the university.

President of PRSSA Kent, Mary Jo Spletzer, said she was shocked when Kent State University recieved the award.

“When Kent State University was announced as the winner of the University Service Teahan, I was shocked and excited,” Spletzer said. ”Our hard work paid off, and it was wonderful to receive national recognition.”

Attending a National Conference or any professional conference can help to steer your career in the right direction, help your networking skills, give you professional skills and will leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Congratulations to the PRSSA November Members of the Month, Allison Brookes, Beth Vietmeier and Heather Thomas. All three girls stepped it up during homecoming. All three attended both events on Friday and Saturday and were a huge help. They weren’t afraid to go and talk to strangers or ask what needed to be done. They took on responsibilities both days and did it with flying colors. Great job, ladies! If you would like to nominate a member for recognition, please fill out this Member of the Month Nomination and submit it to Brittany Wasko at Bwasko@kent.edu.

Also, don’t forget about the Greater Cleveland PRSA Student Day. PRSA Student Day is a great place to learn the ins and outs of public relations while building relationships and networking with professionals. The Greater Cleveland PRSA Student Day Friday is Nov. 13 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Wolstein Center. Come and get tips on your resume, learn how agencies and corporations operate,  learn about event planning and social media and learn how to land an interview. Student Day is a great way to expand your network, especially if you’re looking for an internship or a job.

Registration is $35, but PRSSA Kent will refund $10 to the first 10 dues-paying members who register. To register and learn about carpooling opportunities, contact Stephanie Mathias at smathias@kent.edu or go to http://prsastudentday.eventbrite.com/.

And, stop by room 213 at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Franklin Hall to learn more about career in integrated communications and health care public relations!

Name: Jenn Yokley

Officer Title: Intercampus Liaison

Class Standing: Senior

Hometown: East Palestine, OH

Expected Graduation Date: Summer 2010

Are you involved in any student organizations? RA in Manchester/Fletcher, Kent Student Ambassadors, Mortar Board, KIC, intermural broomball and softball.

What do you like do in your spare time?

I love running, reading, being crafty and visiting with friends and family

What is your favorite movie? Drive Me Crazy or The Little Mermaid

Where would you like to travel?

Greece, Sydney, Italy, Spain, the Caribbean and South America.

If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be and why?

I would be Rocky Road. Surprises here and there, but is always a classic.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

My little red corvette! I would drive that electric car all over my basement and front yard.

What are your goals for PRSSA this year?

I really want to reach out to other campus organizations and find ways to collaborate with programming, events, etc.

Have you had any internship experience?

I interned at the Summit County and Portage County Red Cross, and I currently work for the Dining Services marketing team.

Describe what you do in your internship?

I helped a lot with set-up, prep work and Web development for the Red Cross. For Dining Services, I do more news releases, social media and archiving of events and programs.

What type of job do you hope to have as a PR practitioner?

I dream of the day that I work for Disney World.

Only one week separates me from sun and fun in San Diego.

That’s right. Instead of slipping on Uggs and trudging through falling leaves on a chilly Ohio day, I’ll be strolling through the Gas Lamp District in flip flops and soaking up rays of sunshine.

Although the mere thought of heading west was enough to convince me to attend the 2009 PRSSA National Conference (http://www.prssa.org/conference/), I know the real treasure lies in the informational sessions, workshops and networking opportunities conference provides.

Attending conference for the first time last year benefited me personally and professionally. Rachel Esterline’s blog post (http://ow.ly/vhaV) on tips for students attending conference inspired me to share my own list:

1. Sit next to someone you don’t know.

After preparing for a day of sessions at the 2008 National Conference with a large dose of espresso, Shantae (http://www.twitter.com/shantaerollins) and I headed to the Bateman Case Study session. Thanks to my caffeine fix, I decided to be bold and strike up a conversation with the young man sitting behind us. Kent State was entering the 2009 Bateman (http://www.prssa.org/bateman/) competition for the first time in a decade, and we quickly learned this young man’s university participated in the 2008 competition. He was able to offer excellent advice on his team’s successes and pitfalls, and we stayed in contact through Facebook after conference.

The lesson: We’re in public relations. Don’t be afraid to be bold! You never know what networking opportunities will present themselves.

2. Don’t skip a session you’re interested in just because your friend wants to attend another session.

The skills and information you gain at conference will benefit your chapter, but they will also benefit your future as a public relations professional. Don’t miss out on a session you’re dying to attend just because your friend wants you to tag along to their session of choice.

It’s your future: Seize every opportunity to invest your time into the sessions that interest you.

3. Take notes.

Taking notes never hurts. Once you return to class, I can guarantee one of your professors will ask you to give a presentation on conference or write a blog post.  Taking notes throughout the conference will make it easier to recap once you’ve recovered from jet lag.

4. Follow up.

Conference’s benefits don’t end after conference. Social media make it incredibly easy to stay in touch after conference, which will help you expand your network.  Send a speaker a direct message on Twitter to let them know why you liked his or her presentation. E-mail PR agency representatives to thank them for attending and talking about their internship programs. Login to Facebook and friend the West Virginia University student you met.

5. Sleep.

College students have this innate ability to think they don’t need sleep, yet they wonder why they’re exhausted all the time. (I’m guilty.) We all know how difficult it can be to pay attention when you’re sitting in the back of a warm room with three hours of sleep under your belt.  Get some sleep so you can get the most out of each session.

I wish safe travels for every student traveling to conference next week. Hope to see you there!

Guest blog post written by Vice President of Public Relations, Rebecca Odell.

Name: Melissa Sidebotham

Officer Title: Vice President of Fundraising

Class Standing: Senior

Hometown: Munroe Falls, Ohio

Expected Graduation Date: May 2010

What do you like do in your spare time?

Spare time? What’s that? When I have it, I like to hang out with friends and family, watch movies, shop and just normal college things.

What is your favorite movie?

I don’t really have one. I like cheesy comedy and cute animated movies.

Where would you like to travel?

I would love to go to Atlantis in the Bahamas. White sand and blue water…what is better than that?

If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be and why?

I know what ice cream I wouldn’t be, vanilla. I’m not plain at all.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

My yellow Blankie and my stuffed elephant Pinky

What are your goals for PRSSA this year?

I want to be the best fundraiser EVER! I want to help take this organization to places it’s never been before. Getting involved with other organizations on campus and volunteering is a big goal of mine.

Have you had any internship experience?

Akron Aeros Professional Baseball and the Alzheimer’s Association

Describe what you do in your internship?

At my most recent internship, the Alzheimer’s Association, I was the Community Development Intern. I got to focus on an event called Memory Walk. For Memory Walk, I wrote press releases and public service announcements for the eight locations that the walks take place at. I compiled media lists and helped obtain sponsors. I also ended up getting three of my PSAs recorded for 95.9 FM and an interview for their community program on air.

What type of job do you hope to have as a PR practitioner?

I would absolutely LOVE to do community outreach and event planning for a sports team, whether it’s a professional or college sports team.

Congratulations to the PRSSA October Members of the Month, Lindsay Ridinger and Jenna Adams. Both girls have been working with Jenn Yokely for the Study Away Fair and attended a darrow meeting to learn more about the behind the scenes of PRSSA. Great job, ladies! If you would like to nominate a member for recognition, please fill out this Member of the Month Nomination and submit it to Brittany Wasko at Bwasko@kent.edu

PRSSA Kent’s meeting last night was both fun and informative! A representative from the Wiggio campaign attended and gave a short presentation about the project at the beginning of the meeting. He passed out cute Playdough pieces in the shape of the Wiggio character named Jack to every person who attended, and also PRSSA Kent’s president, Mary Jo, gave each person a small flier with an explanation of the Web site and its features. She encouraged all who attended to subscribe to Wiggio to receive updates, so let’s hope more members begin utilizing the site!

Guest blog post written by PRSSA Kent member, Lindsay Ridinger.

This Wednesday, stop by room 213 in Franklin Hall at 7:30 p.m for PRSSA Kent’s game night!

The meeting will be a fun way to get to know more people in PRSSA Kent. Come and play Apples to Apples, Taboo, Guesstures, Catch Phrase and more!

Also, PRSSA membership fees are due Oct. 21. Please make checks payable to: PRSSA Kent. The amount is $50 and pays for two semesters of membership. If you have any questions, contact bwasko@kent.edu for more information.

Stop by room 213 at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Franklin Hall to learn more about PR, to play some fun games, meet PR students and to have some fun!

Name: Rebecca Odell

Officer Title: Vice President of Public Relations

Class Standing: Senior

Hometown: Cortland, OH

Expected Graduation Date: May 2010

What do you like do in your spare time?

Nothing’s better than conversation with a good friend over a cup of coffee.  I also enjoy dancing (I used to be a competitive dancer and dance teacher), baking, shopping and taking road trips. I could spend hours in interior design stores such as Ikea and Pottery Barn.

What is your favorite movie?

I don’t have a favorite, but I could watch chick flicks like “The Notebook” or “The Holiday” any day.  I also enjoy “A Night at the Roxbury.” I think I’ve memorized every line in the movie!

Where would you like to travel?

One of my childhood friends lives in Pescara, Italy, so I’d like to visit her someday. I aspire to travel to Mexico, Australia, England and Spain.

If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be and why?

I would be chocolate malt with caramel. Classic with a sweet twist!

What was your favorite childhood toy?

I had a purple bunny named Bunny. I took it everywhere!

What are your goals for PRSSA this year?

I’d like to provide consistent, clear communications for PRSSA members and non-members.

Have you had any internship experience?

Akron Children’s Hospital

Describe what you do in your internship?

The health care PR environment is fascinating because it works like a corporation and an agency. The hospital has an overall business strategy, but each department has different communication needs. I’ve been able to work on a variety of internal, media, social media and Web projects for a variety of “clients.”

What type of job do you hope to have as a PR practitioner?

I’ve found niches in social media and health care public relations. My dream career would merge my passions.