Illinois State University Chaper of the Public Relations Student Society of America
PRemier
September/October
2015
Elevator Pitch Workshop By: Ali Geary
True to its mission, the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America enhanced its members’ professional development through the opportunity to develop a new and critical skill that is instrumental in building one’s network. ISU PRSSA provided a two-part workshop on October 6 and 13 to help members create elevator pitches. Essentially an elevator pitch is a 30-second or less speech about yourself that highlights your strong points to appeal to peers and professionals alike. By the end of this two-part series, each member at the ISU PRSSA meetings found that, when faced with a networking opportunity during their college and approaching young professional career, they could be ready to pitch themselves this way. Beginning with part one, the ISU PRSSA executive board prepared an introductory workshop and explained the importance of having a prepared elevator pitch, tips to make it successful, and the potential benefits of a strong pitch. The workshop included a question and answer period, after which Chapter attendees split up into groups and assigned an executive board member to develop their own pitches and receive feedback. The attendees were provided a general outline for elevator pitches, which included name, school, major, jobs and internship experience, and a “hook,” which is a point of special significance that is very memorable and pertinent to one’s career path. [Continued on Page 6]
Table of Contents Page 2....Letter from the E-Board Page 3....Letter from the E-Board continued, Student of the Month Page 4.....St. Louis Tour Page 5.....Corporate Tours, Student of the month Page 6.....Elevator Pitch Workshop continued, Upcoming Events
Page 3 • September/October 2015 • ISUPRSSA.COM
Letter from the E-Board By: Ali Geary Illinois State University served as my home away from home throughout my college journey, but Fell Hall, home to communication majors, is where I should pay my rent. Each semester brought a new challenge and triumph as freshman year turned into sophomore year, and junior year arrived before my last semester of senior year. It felt that it took time to complete the process of finding my niche in the public relations program, lead a successful Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, and fulfill my academic goals. Yet here I am looking at my graduation date in a couple weeks and thinking to myself, “I am where I belong.” I joined ISU PRSSA in my sophomore year of college, the organization immediately changed my perspective on my studies. I joined because I wanted to ensure I was learning as much as I could about the public relations field and, ultimately, for my future. From the start of my membership, which began in fall 2013, I was the account executive in PRogressive Image (ISU PRSSA’s student-run firm) for HerCampus. In 2014 I was the relations manager responsible for all ISU PRSSA publications. And after coming back from my semester abroad in Granada, Spain, I was became vice president of the Chapter. Outside of my leadership positions, I attended PRSSA 2014 National Conference in Washington, D.C., PRSSA 2014 Regional Conference in Chicago, several agency tours, and a handful of PRSA Central Illinois Chapter networking events. This semester as vice president my main responsibility is arranging workshops, panels, and guest speakers. Overall, our Chapter is filled with students new to the public relations program and in their sophomore and junior year of college. I have presented workshops focused on the beginning stages of students’ preparation for their professional careers after graduation.
September Member of the Month Page 3 • September/October 2015 • ISUPRSSA.COM
Derek Lee Q: What’s your PR dream job? A: I’m shooting to become a public affairs liaison for the FBI. Q: What TV show would you miss chapter for?
ISU PRSSA enhanced my time at ISU greatly. I made friends who have turned into mentors, experienced events that have shaped the vision for my future in public relations, and became both a leader and strong team member. After I leave, I look forward to seeing the Chapter grow by staying connected as an alumna to an organization that I will give many thanks during my future endeavors.
A: Most of the things that I watch are on Netflix, so for me to choose watching a show that will be there when I get back, I’d have to be reeeaally sick of going to chapter...but if anything “Game of Thrones.” Q: What’s your favorite oncampus meal? A: DP Dough!
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ISU PRSSA Takes on STL By: Tyler Fiesel “Do you remembah, the 21st night of Setembah?” It is 5:15 a.m., and my alarm clock is doing its best to wake me with September by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Still rubbing the sleep from my eyes I realize, “We are touring in St. Louis today!” After meeting the rest of the group, grabbing the necessary coffee and gas, we were off before the sun peaked over the horizon. Our first stop of the day was at FleishmanHillard, a public relations agency located two blocks from the St. Louis Arch. Although we did not have the opportunity to tour the employee workspace, we were treated to a presentation that detailed current and past works of the agency, plus we were given details about the ins and outs of FH’s internship program. After we learned about the fundaments of FleishmanHillard, we shifted gears and looked at past work the agency created for Steak-n-Shake, which unbeknownst to me, is only a Midwest chain. However, FH is attempting to grow the brand in other regions by way of celebrity engagement, national coverage through NASCAR, and engaging fans. Before heading to our second tour of the day, we stopped at Bailey’s Range, which is a local restaurant that specializes in making everything on its menu in-house. The decor was neither rustic nor barnyard, but it had hints of both. Nevertheless, the unique atmosphere and food created a great environment for us young professionals to not only indulge in good food, but also good conversation. Next, we were off to Osborn Barr. The public relations agency, which is neighbor to Busch Stadium, specializes in the agriculture industry. Given its client focus, the décor of the office beautifully reflected agrarian lifestyles. It seemed as if the agency had transported a barn into downtown St. Louis and then dashed in hints of modern interior design. Moreover, Osborn Barr, much like FleishmanHillard, detailed its internship program and its current clients. Our last stop was at the St. Louis Sports Commission office, which is located on the south side of the city. The nonprofit organization focuses on bringing major sporting events to the greater St. Louis area. The organization also plays part in hosting the Musial Awards, which is an event that celebrates tremendous acts of sportsmanship around the nation. The goals for this award ceremony is to one day have it become nationally recognized and broadcast on nationally on television. With the conclusion of the St. Louis Sports Commission office, we were back on the road home. Our experience today not only provided us with evidence about the varied public relations avenues we will travel, but the day’s excursion also fueled the fire that drives our passion for PR.
October Member of the Month Page 5 • September/October 2015 • ISUPRSSA.COM
Corporate Adventures By: Tyler Krivich
One of the amazing benefits to a membership with Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America is the opportunity to visit top Fortune 500 companies and learn about corporate communication. On Friday, Sept. 25, members visited State Farm and Caterpillar.
State Farm
Employees of State Farm Insurance’s Public Affairs department presented on their roles in communication at the organization. Members heard from professionals working in internal and external communication. Internal professionals spoke about how they create an inclusive environment within State Farm Insurance. External professionals explained their campaigns and how State Farm Insurance evolved to changes in the world such as social media. A highlight of the tour was speaking to a human resources representative. The representative explained how to utilize the STAR. method of interviewing. STAR stands for specific situation, task, action, and result. This method allows interviewees to answer questions smoothly without jumping from point to point. Another tip ISU PRSSA members learned involved customizing their resumes to fit the position the organization is hiring for.
Caterpillar
After arriving in Peoria, Ill., members felt welcomed by ISU alumna, Kim Harken. Members were taken to a room where Harken and her co-workers presented on Caterpillar and its communication team. The main theme during the discussion was transparency. Corporations today are becoming more open with their practices to keep and curate consumers. Caterpillar employees talked about the company’s recent announcement of cutting 10,000 jobs, and they discussed the length of time needed to perfect the release and the timing of it hitting the wire. Overall, the local tours allowed members to learn more about corporate communication. I would recommend to any member looking to explore corporate communication as a potential career paths.
Chloe Kasper Q: What is your member of the month acceptance speech? A: This is truly an honor! I would like to thank my family and friends for their constant support of my already PR filled life (because having someone always wanting to have in-depth discussions about world news and popular culture can’t be easy all the time)! I would also like to thank Beyonce and Taylor Swift for being constant inspiration for my doesn’t-take-no-foran-answer work ethic. And last but not least, I would like to thank my chapter for motivating me to be a better student, PR professional, and overall person everyday!
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Elevator Pitch Workshop Continued To help members in writing their pitches, executive board members explained the importance of intertwining the hook to help them stand out or to start a conversation. The number-one tip executive board members stressed was to make the elevator pitch friendly and conversational. As examples, the executive board members shared personal experiences about how their elevator pitches worked in their favor and they received an opportunity or an addition to their network. Each person in a group gave her or his pitch, received feedback, and rehearsed once more. Lastly, the groups were informed about an opportunity to present their pitches and have them critiqued by communication professors and professionals the following week during the Chapter’s next meeting. During part two of the Elevator Pitch Workshop held the following week, Dr. Smudde, Tom Lamonica, Chelsey Eimer, and Ali Seys joined our chapter and helped in part two of the elevator pitch workshop. These professionals introduced themselves and led small groups of Chapter members. In mock conversations between Chapter members and a PR professional, everyone gave their pitches to their respective group leaders. Then the group leaders gave specific feedback to each person and general advice to the small groups they led. The Elevator Pitch Workshop was a great experience for ISU PRSSA and an overall success. Felt from the inside out, the ISU PRSSA Chapter’s members will have greater confidence when attending PRSA dinners, conferences, agency, and other opportunities to come.
Upcoming Events: •
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Friday, Nov. 6 – Tuesday, Nov. 10 – National Conference • Tuesday, Nov. 10 – No Chapter • Saturday, Nov. 14 – Social Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Chapter T-Shirt money due, Speaker • Friday, Dec. 4 – Chicago Tours