PRSSA is appreciative of the member support and enthusiasm through the 2007-2008 school year! The executive board noticed the determination and strides of professionalism that the members took this year. More than ever we had students of all ages and positions in the sequence attend professional events, get involved around campus, and apply for internships! That is a direct reflection on the caliber of students PRSSA supports! Thank you for helping us in our mission to “develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals!”
Now, PRSSA doesn’t meet during the summer, but that does not mean your professional development has paused here! We would like to share some things that you can do this summer to build yourself as a student and professional!
___ Set aside a special time each week/day for professional development activities.
___ Get more involved in Social Media.
___ Make a digital portfolio.
___ Stalk the company/internship you want.
___ Write for your local newspaper.
___ Attend professional events in your area.
___ Set-up informational interviews in industries that interest you or places you want to go.
___ Take a course that USF doesn't offer.
___ Get involved in a community organization.
___ Travel if you can.
___ Read… anything and everything.
___ NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK… Everyone is important to a PR professional!
Not too long ago, PRSSA hosted a social media panel that, for a moment at least, got students excited about blogs, podcasts, and social networking. Walking out of the room you could almost see the new knowledge in the student's heads. Everyone had the enthusiasm (but, not necessarily, the time) to start his/her journey down the social media path.
While I did not launch my blog or revamp my methods of social networking, I did seek out podcasts and have been an addict ever since. These, often brief, easily downloadable, digital-media files allow me to keep up to date on news and commentary on my interests from politics, religion, even workout videos! Your options on what podcasts to subscribe to seem endless at times and maybe even a bit overwhelming, but once you begin to utilize this convenient and essentially FREE method of gathering information it is difficult to turn away!
The ease of obtaining these media files is not the only draw to listening to podcasts. All of this information is ‘on-the-go’! You may remember a little fitness expo that PRSSA USF hosted this year? The event, inspired by celebrity trainer Kent Buckner, promoted using his training techniques via podcast at the gym, in your home, or outdoors. This idea is the major selling point for me. I listen in my car, at the gym, and around the house giving me more time to absorb all the information out there a new grad will need!
My opinion on how best to use podcasts (readers please contribute your opinions as well):
Looking for a job? Subscribe to podcasts in your industry. Many companies, agencies, and organizations have their own podcasts that you can download, thus giving you one more way to stay in the loop of your future employer. Although dated, this article by Jay Cridlin features some of Tampa Bay’s podcasts on all different topics.
Moving any time soon? A lot of locations have podcasts just for this purpose set up through the government or just residents that are making information available about the move, life in that place, and the culture there. Whether the move is to another city, state, or country it is important that you understand as much as possible about it before jumping in!
And finally, for education! Podcasts can provide some excellent alternatives to understanding complicated textbooks or professors. Just search your industry and let the podcasts give you the knowledge and motivation!
Below are some podcasts search sites and directories that may be of use to you. I have not been in the podcast world for long, so please I welcome information on how to make my experience even better!
Podcast Directory
PodastDirectory.com
LearnoutLoud.com
everyzing
Welcome to the first posting of the University of South Florida's PRSSA Blog. This Blog is designed to inform, educate, and motivate students and professionals. Also, the new blog is intended to encourage the members of PRSSA to get interactive! Please provide feedback, engage in the discussions, and share information and experiences.News, ideas, and trends are always evolving in the public relations industry and a blog is a great forum for this exchange of information. With that, student blogging is in demand and we hope that PRSSA's blog will encourage members to take a dive into the blogosphere. A student blog is great writing practice, keeps you involved in what's going on, and allows you to communicate directly with professionals!Interested yet? You can do it! To get started, do your research. Start with what you know, PRSSA's own Meg Roberts is a student blogging success, reading and commenting on blogs like hers will get you noticed! Also, check out Professor Batchelor's blog and Dr. Burns' blog for some professors' perspectives on the industry and students. Please keep coming back to check out the new topics of discussion. If you have any questions, if there is a specific story you'd like to share, or a topic you'd like to see discussed contact Meg Roberts, director of member services at usf_prssa@yahoo.com.Look forward to sharing,Theresa SharkeyPresidentPRSSA, Walter E. Griscti ChapterUniversity of South Floridatheresa_sharkey@yahoo.com
