everyday public relations

Today I learned a lot about the importance of networking in public relations. My Professor, Dr. Russell invited Marian Wells Higgins from the UGA career center to speak to the class today. Although there was a small turnout. For those of us who were there, I think the class was very informative.

Some of the highlights from class:

1.Never underestimate who you know or who your parents know.
2. Ask your contacts for informational interviews, they can really help you figure out what you want to do in the PR world.
3. Most of the jobs out there are not posted so if you are not networking you are missing out on a huge chunk of opportunities.

For more information on how to network check out the UGA Career Center website www.career.uga.edu or for even more detailed information on developing networking skills pick up this book: Little Black Book of Connections by Jeffrey Gitomer. (Fabulous resource that all pr or business people should own!)

Thanks to Dr. Russell and Mrs. Higgins for the great info!

The past two weeks have been both incredible learning experiences and extremely frustrating. Doing research in the “real world” can be incredibly trying.

In completing my internship I have been charged with a project. I am in charge of identifying an issue the company faces and then completing research in order to formulate an action plan aimed at improving the issue.

I did several informal polls to determine what issues existed. I then decided to focus on training and corrective action within the company. I designed both an interview and a survey intended to discover the true thoughts and feelings of the employees.

Well first of all, turns out people may love to complain, but they don’t want to write it down. Everyone thought they would be punished even after I assured everyone that the survey was 100% confidential. I did eventually get a good percentage of the employees to complete the survey but it felt like pulling teeth. I made a mental note to myself to think of an easier route in the future. Maybe if I was offering free food it would have been more enticing.

The interviews went better, because it was easier to get people to just talk to me without having to write anything down. During the interviews, people really opened up and told me what was on their minds. I only did half as many interviews as there were surveys, but overall I think I got at least half the employees to participate in one way or another.

When all the data was collected I started my analysis. Talk about tedious! It took me eight hours just to compile all the raw data from the interviews. I didn’t even want to think about the surveys!

I know that when this is all done I will have enhanced my portfolio and helped the company so I am patiently making my way through. I am learning a great deal about public relations within a big-box retailer, and what the difference between internal and external PR within that environment means.

I am sure that this experience will help to prepare me for whatever job lies out there for me. (If anyone is hiring by the way, I would love to chat!) It has been a long 6 weeks with 4 more to go and I am so glad I have taken this chance to really learn and grow, experiencing Public Relations in the real world.