Will Social media be a new Research Tool?

Taking PR research last semester in college, I was able to see the true importance of research in the PR industry. As an intern you will see how imperative research is for clients, as well as the company which you work for as well. In the past few years social media has been increasing for the use of surveys; which is extremely interesting.

Each day that I sign in on Facebook and I receive a request to complete a survey for a company or a friend doing a research project. Is this the new wave of survey research?
"But we need to get away from the notion that being representative of something is the only way to learn," she said. "I still hear people say, 'That social-media thing, that's not really going to pan out.' We will learn enormously whether [social-media samples are] representative or not."

The top research executive of likely the world's biggest research buyer expects surveys to dramatically decline in importance by 2020 and sees the rise of social media as a big reason why. Joan Lewis, global consumer and market knowledge officer of Procter & Gamble Co., with its $350 million in annual market-research outlays, made the statements during and after a panel discussion on "How Market Research Must Change" at the Advertising Research Foundation's Re:Think 2011 conference in New York.

The industry should get away from "believing a method, particularly survey research, will be the solution to anything," she said. "We need to be methodology agnostic."

Near Death Experiences?

Sitting in my philosophy class yesterday we spoke about near death experiences. Have you ever thought about this topic? I have thought about it time and again but never took the time to truly analyze how I felt about it. I was reading Raymond Moody’s book The Light Beyond and examples of children, and adults who have experienced near death experiences. The descriptions which they explains of tunnels they entered, a white light, or the sensation of floating above their own body while doctors work on bringing them back to life.

As weird as this sounds many people wish that they could have this experience! Would you choose to have a
near death experience if given a chance?

Reading how these children and adults sense of calmness after their experiences was eye opening. Their fear of dying went away and this sense of excitement to return back to the wonderful place where they felt safe and love took over.

As a senior in college I have my life ahead of me; however, many people tend to forget that life is short and unpredictable. One’s life can be taken away from them in an instance, as scary as that sounds. Learning about near death experiences put my life into perspective in a way thinking about my future, and how I want to live my life. I want to live my life like those who have had these experiences, appreciating everyday here on earth and living their lives to the fullest.

Time Management!!

As an intern one of the most important aspects to obtain is organization! Going to school full time and working fulltime as an intern can be overwhelming. This semester I have been struggling myself with time management an aspect in my life I have always been spot on with. It was truly imperative to achieve an internship; however, I found that focusing on work and focusing on school is difficult. I applaud all of those students who have full time jobs and go to school at the same time; it is taxing both on the mind and the body.

Over the past few months I have gain experience in the public relations field that I never thought I would be able to obtain being in school. My internship has allowed me to take what I have learned in the classroom and put it to use!

This is my last as an undergraduate at Quinnipiac, I can’t believe it! I am currently in my PR campaigns class taught by Alexander Laskin. This course has been a tremendous experience working as a team on a full blown campaign; from the planning stages to implementation!

Another part of this course has been to create a “personal campaign” which is to focus on social media and make a name for yourself! I have truly enjoyed working on this part of our course. I hope in the next few weeks my blog posts will opened your eyes to the ins and outs of the intern world and inspire you to take that leap and apply for difficult internships!

I hope I did not discourage you in the beginning saying it has been difficult; however, it is like the saying my mom always tells me the most rewarding things in life are never the easy ones!

Even though it has been a struggle this semester it has been the most amazing learning experience thus far in college. I am extremely excited for the future and I can only hope that others can find an internship like the one I have had to inspire them in their career path,  and find that true passion!

The Business Card is Dead?!

In the past four years at Quinnipiac I have been gaining advice from professors each and every year. One of the main focus in career advice is a polished resume`, cover-letter, and  a creative personal business card! However, is the business card dying?!

In the beginning of the year, as a senior one of the main events I was looking forward to was the career fair. I had my resume` all printed and ready to hand out, but I was missing one little touch a business card! I spent the time and created what I think was a unique and clever business card to catch an eye of a potential employer.

In an article written in the Harvard Business Review, Susy Jackson describes the business card as solidifying her first “real job.” Even though my business card was just a personal card for potential employers it solidified the fact that I have made it through the past four years in college and am now ready for the next step in my life!

This simple story which Jackson shares within the article made me smile and  made think how rapid our world is truly changing.

“I had a lovely conversation with two young entrepreneurs from New York and when it was time to part ways, I used that old line: "Here, let me give you my card." They both paused, looking unsure about whether or not I was serious. Then I saw the understanding wash over them. I was speaking a forgotten language. A business card. How precious. One kindly accepted it anyway. The other craned his neck to copy my email address into his Hashable account and instantly sent me his virtual business card instead. With that small paper rectangle, I'd outed myself as a square.”

This rapid change has changed the public relations industry ten fold In the social media world. It is strange to think about how many people worked without social media? A world without Facebook? Even a world without Twitter? A foreign place for many to go back to.

The way professionals exchange information with one another has changed over the years. The digital business card is easily accessible. The use of Twitter and LinkedIn is a great source for employers to contact employees and even potential employers. How do you picture the future of communications in your career path? Twitter accounts and Facebook messaging? Or will it return to business cards and personal meet and greets?

PRSSA holds first digital career fair! TONIGHT at 9:00 PM

This semester it has been truly important for our PR Campaigns class to focus on entering the social media world.  Our professor Alexander Laskin, explained how it is a vital to participate in twitter chats! I came across that PRSSA will be holding a digital career fair tonight!!!

EVERYONE PARTICIPATE IF YOU HAVE A TWITTER ACCOUNT! GET YOUR RESUMES Ready!

Many students looking for internships or jobs are extremely intimidated and feel uncomfortable when attending these events. However PRSSA has eliminated that fear using social media.

Just like PRSSA stated “It’s time to let your colors shine online!” This will be a great opportunity as potential interns and college seniors to get your name out there in the industry and speak with PR professionals.

Top companies who are participating in this event are Ogilvy, Edelman Digital, Cohn & Wolfe, CENTERSTAGE and much more.

We are the future of the PR industry! Get to speak with professionals and gain advice and a possible interview for potential careers.

PRSSA suggests…..

Digital Career Fair etiquette

• Please remember this is a business-oriented event. No foul language or off-topic posts. Remember, during this event you represent PRSSA as well as yourself.
• Introduce yourself upon entering the chat. Ex: “Hi, I’m Kim Ciesla, senior at Rowan University. National VP of Chapter Development.” Feel free to include a link to your online portfolio, blog or website.
• Use this opportunity to build connections with public relations professionals, recruiters and fellow students – not just hunt for jobs/internships.
• Have your resume in PDF format and ready to share in case you are asked to.
• More Job Hunt articles and tools

Not sure how to join? It’s easy!

• Go to http://www.tweetchat.com around 9 p.m. EDT when you’re ready to join the conversation. Click “Sign in” in the right hand corner. Enter your Twitter username and password, and click “Allow.”
• Enter “PRSSA” in the search box at the top (that’s the hashtag).
• The Twitter feed will pop up with all the #PRSSA tweets. You officially become part of the chat – all you have to do is write your thoughts in the box at the top of the feed (don’t worry about adding #PRSSA at the end – Tweetchat will do it automatically).

Tips for Interns!

Hey Everyone!

I apologize that I have not posted a blog post in a while! But I am back! And look forward to some great posts to come!

Today I would like to talk about internships!

When looking for an internship make sure that you know exactly what you are going to be asked to do while your time spent with them. You always want to make sure that you will learn valuable information and gain experience as an intern.

When first looking for an internship I was worried that I was going to be the girl who gets the coffee and organizes filing cabinets! But I was completely wrong, I have had some amazing internships from Non-profit PR to Financial PR. You want to make sure that you try to get different experiences as an intern to see what type of PR you want to pursue.

As an intern one important thing I would try to acquire is to master Cision database! Try to learn on your own or even attend a web-based learning program!

One other thing I would like to suggest for you to keep in mind is, while you are interning it is very important to be professional but at the same time make a true lasting relationship with your fellow employees!

When I say make lasting relationships I do not mean join in on the gossip sessions at the water cooler, I mean working alongside them and asking questions, eating lunch and participating in conversations. But keep in mind be professional and friendly to show them the true person you are.

Success

Who enables a person to be “successful”?

Each individual goes through life with perceptions of what they want to be when they are older and how successful they would like to be. The question of, what does it take to achieve success? Is a difficult question when first asked!

 There are many factors which can influence an individual’s success; such as upbringings, social status, education, drive, motivation and much more. I feel that each person can achieve success in his or her own way. I feel that in order to be successful you have to be excited of what you are trying to accomplish.

When thinking about success, I have always felt that in order to achieve success one needs to work hard, be focused, and have passion and determination. As an intern you will face obstacles which may make you feel like you are going nowhere in your career; however, you need to believe that this is the career You want and You will SUCCEED no matter what. Even though it may not feel like it, but every day as an intern is a stepping stone to your future. The important tools that you learn from other PR professionals in the office is an opportunity unlike any other. Take each day as it comes and keep reminding yourself that this is the beginning of your journey in PR and you will push through and make your way to the top!

In order to fully reach your true success you have to believe in yourself. Believing in oneself is a hard task for many but once you have achieved this there is nothing stopping you.   

“Success means having the courage, determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be” – George Sheehan.