The Busiest and Best Summer of my Life!

My roommate, Ryan along with Bailey, Ashley and Kelsie at my show in Warner Robins

This summer I was given the chance to intern at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. I worked as the PR and Marketing intern and worked closely with the Marketing and Public Relations department and also worked with the events coordinator, our own alumna, Rachel Bartz. I quickly got a taste of office politics, or rather, the real world job environment.

I interned for a total of ten weeks, and worked around 40 hours per week, so I really got the feeling of a “real job” at times. I had my own office, I had my own phone number, and even had a computer to work on. (Granted, the computer was older than the first Windows based computer my family bought). Each week began with a staff meeting. These meetings reminded me of executive staff meetings for WGUR. Each person was asked what they were currently working on, updates from their department, and other points of interest. I never had much to report, but it was exciting when I got to talk about the projects I did have.

My supervisor, Stephanie Robinson was a great person to know. I appreciated her honesty throughout the internship. She bluntly, but professionally told me what worked and what didn’t. She gave me lots to do but also didn’t hold my hand, and let me figure things out on my own from time to time. I spent most of my time working as the press release writer. I didn’t mind, though, as my writing skills continued to improve throughout the ten weeks. I honestly think I could write a press release in my sleep now.

I also created a survey for the Museum, which was a lot of fun. I got to meet a lot of people and I enjoyed the interaction. One of my final tasks was to introduce the Museum of Aviation to social media. This was a great task, as I have a great foundation in this area. I created a personal blog for the Museum, a Twitter page, and a Facebook profile. I was amazed at how well the Facebook page took off. By the time I left my internship, over 600 people indicated they were fans of the Museum. It was a great feeling.

All things considered, I really had a great internship experience. I could not have asked for a better staff to work for, though, and I know I can count on each of them for job recommendations in the future.

Finally, I want to point out my internship was not my only non-paid full-time job this summer. As you are all aware, I did a show this summer. Neil Simon’s “Rumors.” I would literally leave work at the Museum at 5, have dinner with my parents and go to rehearsal at 7. I didn’t get home until nearly 11 or so each evening. We performed the show a total of twelve times but I loved every minute of it. The show was a smashing success! Papers who reviewed me listed me as quote, “the breakout star” and one paper said my monologue was an “academy award winning performance.” It was a wonderful feeling! OBVIOUSLY, this was the best part of my summer. I really bonded with the cast, and I miss them terribly.

To those of you who missed it, fear not! You will get to see it soon. They made a DVD and it should be ready soon. To Ashley, Bailey and Kelsie thank y’all for coming! It really meant a lot to have you there. Also a big thank you for the well wishes and broken leg shout outs some of you sent. (Ging, your email and Tweet messages kept my character going even off stage, thank you!) I know it sounds cliché but this was the best summer of my life. I mean it. The best... EVER! (Oh, and if you're wondering why there's a bloody patch on my ear you'll have to wait and see...)

New Blog

I'm currently doing a summer internship at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.  Please follow my summer internship blog by clicking here.

PR in Action via WGUR

This past week WGUR hosted a pool party at Magnolia Park Apartments.  The party was a chance for Magnolia to connect with students at GCSU and for WGUR to boost our image and name in a positive light.   One of the best ways of knowing your event is a success is when your guests comment on its awesomeness!   

Take a look at the video for yourself, but I think you'll agree we did a darn good job on executing a great event!  Enjoy!  

PR Open Mic -- Test, Test, 1, 2 and 3

Today I joined PROpenMic, a social networking site for PR students, faculty and practitioners.  I don't know everything about it, and I'm just beginning to dive in.  After just a few hours, I noticed the site had places for videos, applications, blog links, groups, and more.  I really don't know where to start, and what's worth my time, and what's not. 

I think, we as PR students and faculty members will benefit most from the networking aspect of the site.  We can hopefully connect with PR professionals.  This can lead to internships, jobs, and other PR related topics to discuss with one another.  I really see the networking side of PR paying off for all of us in the long run.  Maybe this can help those of us on the fence about which element of PR we're most interested in, too. 

I have been following PROpenMic on Twitter for quite some time now, and never realized they had their own site.  Shows how much I was paying attention, huh?  Although I did notice they posted some pretty worthwhile stuff.  I remember one time I saw a post for a Do's and Dont's of PR.  Check out one of my previous posts, for more information on that subject.  

I really am excited to see what PROpenMic can do for me and for our class as a whole.  So, let's join together to test the PROpenMic!  Here's a link to my site.  With the add on of PROpenMic, I am now a member of Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, bringing me to 4 social networking sites!  I rid myself of MySpace a few months back.  After joining this site, it is further indication to me that the business world is quickly gravitating toward social networking.  

Athletic Auction - A Good Time, and an even better experience!

My PR & Admin class worked together this past weekend on the GCSU Athletic Auction.  The event, however, for us, began in January.  Dr. Miller ("Ging") put us in groups and we pitched theme ideas to our clients, members of the GCSU Athletics staff and faculty.  The clients then picked which theme (and sometimes elements of each) they liked best, and we were on our way!  I have never had so much fun working together with a group... of women!   

The GCSU Athletic Auction, in my opinion, was a HUGE success!  I had a great time working the door and greeting people as they walked in.  I greeted people with a smile, politely asked to see their ticket and sent them on their merry way.  It was fun being the first to see all the great people who wanted to contribute to GCSU athletics.  I kept saying, "Oh, good, you've already got yours (ticket) torn!  Good luck on the $10,000 reverse raffle!"  Most folks would politely laugh and say, "Yeah, like I have a chance..."  But one of those people I greeted did win.  And hey, it was almost us, too!  This was definitely a moment where I felt the true connector in me come out.   

I think one of the greatest things I took away from the auction was the importance of time management.  I think our class did a wonderful job of making sure everything was done in a timely, and efficient manner.  No one seemed to run over themselves, and everything that needed to get done was done collectively.  There was little to no bickering, from what I saw.  In fact, I heard more excitement and satisfaction from my PR ladies than anything else.  I continue to be amazed at how well we all work as a cohesive team.  We're all good at something, and all pitch in where we're best suited.  That's one reason why I wanted to work the door.  I knew I would enjoy speaking to people as they walked in the door, and could direct them further.  My greatest strength is communication with others.  Even if I am socially awkward.  

After the auction was over, and we were cleaning up, I pulled Carol aside and put my arm around her.  I smiled sweetly and said, "Just be honest with me, Carol, you know this was the best auction ever, right?"  She smiled and said, "I'm always impressed with the PR work, but your class really impressed me this year."  Now, I don't suggest doing this with future clients, but it felt good to receive a compliment from a client.  

So, in a nutshell, I say good job, ladies!  I think we should be very proud of the work we did.   And thank you for putting up with all my shenanigans during the planning and execution of the event.  LASC! 

Internship Update

I received an email earlier this week about my summer internship with the Museum of Aviation.  My supervisor, Stephanie Robinson, gave me a list of tasks she wants me to focus on for the internship.  She was very friendly, and seemed excited about meeting me.  

She then asked if I had any experience with using Photoshop.  I sadly had to tell her no.  I would really like to learn more about this program.  One of the things we're taught as PR students is to always be flexible, and willing to learn new things.  I'm hoping I can do the same with Photoshop.  

My experience with programs is severely limited.  I know a bit about how to make fliers and editing photos.  But sadly, I have little to no experience with Photoshop.  

So, here's the point of my blog.  Can anyone in PR Admin give me any hints, tips, and suggestions on how to use this unfamiliar program?  

Connecting with the Milledgeville and GCSU community

Some of the WGUR staff members at the IBS conference in NYC (March '09)

So, it was Monday afternoon at my usual, tedious WGUR executive staff meetings.  I'm sitting there thinking, "God, I wish I could be napping right now."  But that was before Jodie mentioned the fact our sponsorships are down and we need a new one who would be willing to donate a large amount to our station.  My wheels start turning.  I remember my bosses at Magnolia Park are looking for a way to boost their morale in hopes of getting leases.  I remember the phrase at a recent staff meeting, "We're willing to do anything that can bring more traffic through our door.  Cost does not matter."  What better way for them to do that than tag team some events with WGUR?  

Without much hesitation and little organized thought, I blurted out, "Magnolia would be willing to donate about $1,000."  There was a loud, swift, turn of the necks in my direction.  Mrs. Criscoe, our adviser, turns to me and says, "How can we make that happen?"  

I began to suggest having a WGUR pool party at Magnolia.  We could have items with both Magnolia Park's logo and WGUR's.  It would be a great way for WGUR to invite the Milledgeville and GCSU community, and for Magnolia to hopefully connect with students in hopes of gaining more leases.  

So, how does this relate to PR?  Well, as assistant business manager of WGUR, I work closely with the PR director.  It's our job to gain contacts, connections to hopefully boost our morale.  One of the cardinal principles of a PR person is the ability to boost your image.  With the joint partnership with Magnolia Park, WGUR can hopefully bring more listeners, and money for future events.  Magnolia Park, on the other hand, can gain more leases and more attention on the radio and word of mouth.  

And to think I wanted to go home and nap...