Celebrating Women's History Month: Honoring public relations pioneers

By Gradi Tudiun

March is a month to honor women who have transformed industries, questioned the norm, defied government and redefined leadership. Women have been leaders for a long time in public relations, using communication to shape public views, develop brands/businesses and promote social change. This month is dedicated to ALL women, from the pioneers who broke down the standards and to the ordinary women who taught us the importance of art, storytelling and connection.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett, born in 1892 into slavery gave her life to revealing the reality of lynching. She didn’t only fight for racial injustice, gender equality, she was a leader in the suffrage movement, co-founder of NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and fought tirelessly refusing to be silenced. Her legacy of honesty despite facing serious adversary continues to inspire movements for justice and equality today (National Women's History Museum, n.d.).

Betsy Plank referred to as the “First lady of PR” is one of the most admired figures in the history of public relations. Plank broke down the boundaries as the first woman in charge of the Illinois Bell, first female president of the Publicity Club of Chicago, and was also the first person to ever receive three of PRSA’s top individual honors (Southern Public Relations Federation, n.d.). She also made way for the future generations through her contributions to public relations education. She constructed the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations which equips educators and students with resources and advice they need to be set apart in the industry. Her legacy is a reminder of how leadership is more important than just achieving goals, it’s also about the journey and the people that join you along the way.

Babara Hunter is another pioneer who changed the face of PR. She made history as the first woman to run a major public relations agency when men dominated the field’s leadership. Hunter joined her sister Hean Schoonover at the Madison Avenue Dudley-Anderson-Yutzy (D-A-Y) public relations firm and when the firm faced leadership issues the sisters stepped in and took over the firm in 1969. She later created Hunter Public Relations, working with brands like Kraft and 3M. Her work was more than just reversing/breaking the boundaries, it was a light to a flame to show that women in the field were and are more than capable of leading but also reshaping the business (PRSA News, 2024).

Today, Muriel Fox continues to set the bar for advocacy and leadership in the fight for gender equality. As co-founder to the National Organization for Women (NOW), she plays a critical part in using her skills to highlight the modern feminist movement (Fox, n.d.). With a background in public relations, she played a crucial role in shaping the feminist movement we see today. Fox has worked with major campaigns for fair hiring practices and practices and women’s inclusivity in all areas of society. Her continual work inspires those striving for social change.

While these women have shaped the professional world of public relations, the abilities of communication, leadership, and relationship-building are still at the core of the industry today. Women continue to dominate the field at a percentage of 66.3% of public relations and fundraising managers in the United States (Statista, 2024). Looking to the future, the industry is set for significant changes. The use of artificial intelligence is set to change various aspects of PR, from starting routine tasks to pushing data analysis and content creation. Also, with this the push for authenticity and transparency is expected to grow, with people expecting genuine engagement and ethical practices.

Looking back at these pioneers it’s evident that the foundation they laid not only opened doors but set the standard for leadership innovation and shifting societal expectations, their core values remain still to this day as crucial as ever. Their legacy will forever live on and inspires the next generation to push beyond the boundaries and redefine the future of PR.

References:

Fox, M. (n.d.). Muriel Fox official website.  https://murielfox.com/

National Women's History Museum. (n.d.). Ida B. Wells-Barnett. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett

PRSA News. (2024, December 19). In memoriam: Barbara Way Hunter, APR, Fellow PRSA. PRSay. https://prsay.prsa.org/2024/12/19/in-memoriam-barbara-way-hunter-apr-fellow-prsa/

Southern Public Relations Federation. (n.d.). Betsy Plank. SPRF. https://sprf.org/Betsy_Plank

Statista. (2024, May 27). Gender distribution of PR and fundraising managers in the U.S. 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298906/pr-industry-employees-share-by-gender-united-states/

It’s okay to feel unprepared or uncertain after college: How to overcome it

By Maddie Tallent

As graduation is approaching it is normal for graduates to experience post-graduation anxiety. This is a common experience that most of the graduates face, it can cause you to have a fear of failure, insecurity about the future, and stress about making the right decisions. Even though you go to college for years some people still feel like they are unprepared for the workforce after graduation. There are some ways you can overcome this stress and manage the uncertainty that may come with it.

 One of the ways you can help overcome this anxiety is by joining organizations through the school that help you learn the resources you need to help you succeed after graduation, like PRSSA.

Give Yourself Some Grace

This is a positive way to help maintain this anxiety, by giving yourself some grace you can take a minute to understand all the joys and be grateful for all you have accomplished.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

The biggest thing most graduates need to understand is that you are never going to be in the same stage as someone else. You need to learn to go at your own pace and not look at others and be envious of where they are in their lives. Be patient your time to shine to come.

Start a New Hobby Outside of Your Comfort Zone

When branching out of your comfort zone, it can be difficult to start small. Find a new hobby to get you started and then grow from there. As you branch out not only will you learn something new you will meet new friends along the way.

Surround Yourself with a Solid Support System

Maintaining the relationships you have with close friends and family is important because they are the ones you can trust the most. It helps to talk about some issues out loud get some clarity on some situations keep in touch and establish a system of care and accountability that is necessary for you.

Trust the Journey

Just like in life, there are going to be some highs and lows that will seem impossible to get out of when you are in that rut. It is important to know that this is part of the journey, and it is important to understand that and trust that everything will be okay and have faith to help you through it.

Don’t Neglect Your Mind and Body

It is important to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and making sure that you have a positive mind and outlook every day. Focusing on creating yourself mentally and physically is a great way to feel more positive about your goals.

References

Adams, O. (n.d.). 12 positive ways to deal with Post-Grad Anxiety. Career Contessa.

https://www.careercontessa.com/advice/how-to-deal-post-grad-anxiety/

Bellamy, D. (n.d.). Common post-college fears and how to avoid them. Fearless Inside. https://fearlessinside.com/post/common-post-college-fears-and-how-to-avoid-them#:~:text=Post%2Dgraduation%20anxiety%20is%20a,about%20making%20the%20right%20decisions. 

Opportunities to grow

By Carson Howard

When I graduated high school in 2020 I was so nervous about starting college in a new town with a bunch of strangers. I had no idea what I wanted to study, or how I was going to make friends during a pandemic. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I decided to major in public relations, which is easily one of the best decisions I have ever made.

If I would have picked a different major I wouldn’t have met some of my best friends or been able to take advantage of so many amazing opportunities. Being a public relations major at Georgia Southern has been such a huge blessing. Not only do we get to go to class in the cutest little building on Sweetheart Circle but we also have endless opportunities for students to learn and grow in their capabilities. 

Public relations has given me the opportunity to complete two internships (almost three), serve as the PRSSA firm director, and grow in my leadership skills. There are so many opportunities and resources that are available for PR students, such as PRSSA, student internships, the PR Advisory Board and so many more.

 The PR Advisory Board also supports the LEAP Certification here at Georgia Southern, this certification is specifically for PR students and allows us to stand out amongst peers or other recent graduates in the field. The LEAP Certification is something I am still working towards and so far it has allowed me to further my leadership skills, gain practical experience, as well as improve academically and professionally.

 In the last three years I have grown as a student, a writer, and a leader all because of the opportunities and resources available to me as well as being able to learn from knowledgeable professors and professionals. There are so many opportunities available for students to learn, lead, grow and make connections, but it is so important to take advantage of them. If you want to make more friends in PR, join PRSSA. If you want to expand your skills and build your resume, start looking into internships. If you want to build meaningful connections with professionals attend a PR Advisory Board meeting!

 The possibilities are endless when you're a PR major at Georgia Southern!

The student experience at PRSA Georgia’s 2024 Annual Conference

Students with Liana Zabowski, from the Wilbert Group, and Lindsay Haynes from the GoTo Foods

Students with Andrew Agan with Cookerly PR, and Allesa Tyus with Fulton County Government

By Kylie Vickers

PRSA Georgia hosted its annual conference in Atlanta Friday, Feb. 16. As a student I had the opportunity to hear from multiple PR professionals about the various types of PR, skills needed for PR professionals, advice for PR students and so much more.

 Starting off the day was keynote speaker, Molly McPherson. McPherson shared her indestructible PR approach for responding to a crisis. McPherson has three steps she believes will never fail when dealing with a crisis: 1) own it; 2) explain it; 3) promise it. I learned the importance of trust, accountability and healing when managing a crisis. McPherson said, “Every crisis has an opportunity to make you look better.”

 The conference offered student sessions that covered skills needed for early career and the various types of PR. There are many skills that can’t be taught through the classes we take in preparation for our future. PR practitioners Lisa Tilt, Lindsay Haynes, Liana Zabowski, Andrew Agan and Allesa Tyus shared key skills and characteristics they are looking for when hiring interns and early career professionals. Creative problem solving, stamina, resilience, natural curiosity and confidence are qualities that they believe make candidates stand out. I began wondering what I can do while in my undergraduate to develop, grow, and demonstrate these skills to future employers. By taking advantage of campus resources, joining organizations like PRSSA and learning outside of the classroom these qualities can be attained.

 Across each breakout session and speaker there was a universal theme that applied to students. Take advantage of the opportunities around you. Join the clubs, attend the conferences, volunteer for experience, shadow professionals, and apply for internships. You learn the most about what to expect after graduation by experiencing the field before you graduate.

 Internships are preached to students left and right, but how can we as students do our best to stand out in the application process? LinkedIn is now crucial to students during the application and interview process. Maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile that matches your resume is important to employers. Do your research before you interview. Look into the company's clients, case studies, and history. Coming prepared with questions based on information accessible to you on the company's website shows your interest and dedication. Grow your portfolio and writing samples. Having good writing skills is crucial in public relations and providing employers with examples of your capabilities can put you a step above the rest. Follow up with the interviewer after your interview. Send a thank you note or email thanking them for their time and their consideration.

 The PRSA Georgia Annual Conference taught me more than I could have ever imagined and honestly lit a fire within me to push myself harder. We are all busy and stressed, but I know the work we put in now we will be thankful for later. So, push yourself to be your best self and take the advice I was given.

Elyse Hammett visits Georgia Southern

Elyse Hammett (center) with students and faculty who attended the PRSSA meeting

By Tyler Busch

In late January PRSSA and the Communication Arts Department had the privilege of inviting Elyse Hammett to speak to students (in-person) about her Public Relations career and how she got to where she is today. Hammett is currently Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta. CFGA is a non-profit organization (the second largest non-profit in Georgia) that works to make Atlanta more equitable for all its residents. It gives out grants to various non-profits, scholarships, and other impactful means to close the economic divide in Metro Atlanta.

Hammett has been in the PR industry for over 30 years and has been at CFGA for eight years. At first glance you would never guess her challenging upbringing (with many twists and turns) would bring her to where she is in her career. Through the instability she was able to leave high school early and received a full-ride scholarship to Emory University.

In her first presentation she spoke about the $100,000 PR Pyramid. The format coming from the gameshow “$100,000 Pyramid” included real-life scenarios that a selected student picked to discuss. All the real-life scenarios were scenarios she has been in before and how these problems were addressed. One of the categories picked was about the pandemic. She stated, “I nor anyone else at the beginning of the pandemic knew what ZOOM was, let alone how to use it.” Saying it was an adjustment was an understatement. At the time, CFGA was making sure that families had access to the internet (whether free or reduced), assisted those in need of finding work, among other important needs.

Her second presentation was about campaigns. Here she talked about the 10 Step Communication Plan for PR. Those steps include: determine goals, know your target audience, give your audience objectives, strategies, tactics, plan activities, self-evaluation, materials, creating a budget, and utilizing a timetable and task list to keep project progressing. It was mentioned several times that it is key to know your audience/client through research. The more you know about your audience/client, the more effective your service will be to them.

In her last session with PRSSA, Hammett talked about the importance of internships (doing multiple if you can), joining PRSA, the upcoming Georgia PRSA annual conference, as well as answering questions from students. She spoke about scholarships and job postings that can be found on the PRSA website and recommended getting a Certificate in Public Relations.  She also mentioned that anyone in the PR industry is eligible to become an accredited PR professional (APR) after you have been in the profession for a few years.

After going to all her sessions, I along with my fellow piers learned about more resources PRSA/PRSSA offers when it comes to finding internships or permanent jobs. I also took away that it doesn’t matter how you start; you are in full control of your destiny. In other words, you can do a lot with little. The PR industry is so vast, meaning it’s highly likely there is a sector just for you. Not many other industries can say that, and by getting certified in the industry, it will open more doors for you. I can say I learned something new, unique, and beneficial from each session.

Being a Minority in Public Relations

By Elisha Edwards

Entering my first PR class at Georgia Southern, I did not think I would see so few people who looked like me. As someone who comes from a diverse background, I was surprised to see such a lack of diversity in the profession I was trying to make my way into. I thought maybe I was overthinking or it was the class times I was choosing. I turned to the internet out of curiosity, and there is where I learned it was not overthinking because the fact is there is not a lot of diversity in Public Relations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 12.2% of Public Relations and Fundraising Managers are African American as of 2023. Only 9.2 % are Hispanic and only 3% of Asians are represented. These statistics were shocking to me because I understand the role of Public Relations professionals. I thought to myself, “How can messages represent or reach a target audience of minorities when a minority is not involved?” or “Shouldn’t we have more minorities being spokesperson and talking to people who look like them?”

I think many minorities may not be aware of the work of PR professionals. Growing up I did not know anyone who was in the field of PR, so I had to discover the world of communications on my own. This must change because diversity is so important.

What I hope to see in the future is a more diverse profession. How will we get there? I do not know, but I hope to be able to advocate for other black women who are interested in the world of PR or communications.

How to ace any interview

By: Nina Petiot 

Whether you are a PR major or not it is extremely important to ace any interview you get the opportunity to get invited to. I mean how else are you supposed to get a job? Here are my seven steps to always making a good first impression during an interview, so even if you don’t get the job, you will at least be welcomed back.

 Step 1: Research the company! It may feel like stalking but doing your research will help you better understand the type of job you are applying for as well as the company you may potentially be representing. Look for the good, the bad, and the ugly! As you do your research, start coming up with questions about the things you have found out, so you can appear prepared when your interviewer asks you to contribute questions in return.

 Step 2: Prepare the little things! Print out your resume, make sure you have at least two references, and find a notebook and pen to bring. You may have submitted your resume and your references electronically, but you always seem more equipped and organized when you print out your documents to have a physical copy. Make sure you also pack a pen and a notebook so you can write down key pieces of information your interviewer will tell you about the job and the company. Also, if you came up with any questions to ask during your interview, write those down in that notebook in advance so your nerves don’t make you forget anything!

 Step 3: Prepare your outfit ahead of time! Please don’t wake up the morning of and scramble to figure out what to wear. That is typically when you get the most wrinkles and sweat stains in your clothes because you are in a hurry to rush out the door. At the very least please pick out your outfit the day before. If you look good, you are always going to feel more confident about yourself. Select something professional or at the very least business casual. If you are unsure of what attire to dress for, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. During an interview everything matters, from your looks to what you can bring to the table. So, every aspect of yourself needs to be well polished and fine-tuned.

Step 4: Be early! Obviously do not be an hour early to an interview, but 15-10 minutes early is the typical rule of thumb. You need to account for any kind of traffic you could get stuck in and plan ahead. Nothing makes a worst first impression like being late. More than a handful of people will not tolerate being late even by a few minutes even if you have a good excuse. Showing up a little early shows you care and that you are reliable and able to keep track of time. And that you respect other people’s time too.

Step 5: Smile, maintain eye contact, and don’t forget to have a firm handshake! Like I mentioned before, everything you do matters. It may be annoying when people say that you look better when you smile, but they are not wrong! Make sure you introduce yourself confidently with eye contact and a firm handshake. Do not cut your interviewer’s circulation off in their hand, but do not make it super flimsy and weak either. You need to put your best foot forward at all costs so by the time the interview is over your face should hurt from smiling. Try not to fidget as well. If you must, try wiggling your toes so it is at least out of sight. Do not bounce your leg up and down, stroke your hair, or pick at your fingernails. All those things make you seem nervous. You may be extremely nervous, but you cannot let it show. Be as confident and respectful as possible! 

Step 6: Prove why you should have the job! Take the time to reference specific instances where you have demonstrated the kind of expertise the interviewer/company is looking for. Be an active listener so you know when to interject correctly and timely. Try to use as many successful real-world examples of you solving past problems when tackling hard questions. Make sure you are remaining humble when referencing your past successes but at the same time do not sell yourself short!

Step 7: Follow-up! It is surprising how many people forget about this step when it comes to interviews! When I mention doing a “follow-up,” I am talking about reaching out to your interviewer to thank them for taking time out of their day to hear you out. It can be an email or a physical note, but something should be sent out no later than three days after the interview occurred. Even if you do not land the job this leaves an incredible and professional first impression which is ultimately the goal.

While there are many ways an interview can go, these seven steps can help guarantee a first impression that can seriously impact your future for the better. At the end of the day, people know people and networking is one of the best things you can do to better your professional career. Even if you do not get hired by the first company you got interviewed for, they may know someone who is looking for someone like you. And if your interviewer liked you, they may recommend you. Even if that did not happen, it is still always best to be the best version of yourself because you never know who is watching.

Why I chose public relations as my major

By Maggie Waller

Growing up I had no idea what I wanted to do. For most of high school and my freshman year of college I was stressed because everyone around me knew what they were going to declare for their major but me. I didn’t want to settle because I knew this was a huge decision. I wanted a flexible schedule, to be able to meet new people every day and I wanted every day to be different. This is when I chose public relations.

Public relations is something that I have grown to have a passion for in the last two years. The world would not function if it was not for public relations. Whether it’s a social media campaign or an event that you’re planning you are going to need some aspect of public relations. My favorite part of public relations is building relationships with people in small communities.

Looking back, I am so thankful that I declared public relations as my major. I have made so many friends and have had the best professors ever. I have no doubt that this is something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.

The importance of an internship

By Keira McCauley

When I first found out I had the option to take Senior Seminar or complete and Internship I wanted to take the easy way out and just take the class. After thinking it though I decided that it would be more beneficial for me to complete an internship where I would learn more actually doing the job than listening to a teacher tell me what it’s going to be like.

I wanted to find an internship where I would be able to see different kinds of public relations in the real work world. I wanted to look for somewhere I could do event planning because that is something I am interested in and hope to continue to do after I graduate. I was able to find and apply for a position as an intern at the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority doing event planning and social media.

Through this internship I was able to help plan events and see them come to life. I helped with the end stages of planning and executing BoroFest, which was a celebration of downtown Statesboro. I also helped plan the Downtown Pep Rally and started planning other fall downtown F1rst Friday events.

I was able to learn many skills that will help me throughout my career in public relations whether I work in event planning or not. I was also able to form connections and relationships with many local business owners in Statesboro. I am glad I decided to complete an internship instead of taking the Senior Seminar class. No matter how many assignments you do, it cannot compare to the experience and the things you learn through real world and hands on experience.

Tips and tricks for starting a new semester on the right foot

By Kaylee Mooyoung

The beginning of a new semester is known to bring mixed emotions. From excitement and anticipation to fear and dread. But like all new beginnings, a new semester gives us the opportunity to take charge of the new school year, and it can bring new experiences with it. To have a successful semester, you need stress relievers, structure, and good time management skills. So, here are some ways that you can own this new semester!

The first tip for starting your new semester on the right foot is stress management. Throughout the semester you may find yourself in a stressful position whether that be because of burnout or an important assignment, and it’s important to make sure that you take care of yourself in those times. Managing your sleep by maintaining a good sleep schedule can help you manage your stress (CollegeData, 2023, para. 3). Sleep is extremely important when it comes to your academic success, so really prioritize your sleep schedule and your body will thank you!

Eating a well-balanced diet can also help relieve stress. Although fast foods may be the easier option sometimes it’s important to remember that the energy you have throughout the day is gained not only from your sleep, but also from your diet. Certain foods like avocados and oranges can help relieve stress, so make sure you are attentive to your body’s needs (CollegeData, 2023, para. 4).

Taking time for yourself can both relieve stress and help you gain some motivation for the semester (CollegeData, 2023, para. 9). By giving yourself some “me” time you’re able to regularly check in with yourself to make sure that you’re feeling prepared and ready for school and upcoming deadlines. Time dedicated to yourself can also help with maintaining your motivation by allowing your brain to go to different places and focus on hobbies, meditations or books which can prevent burnout later in the semester.

It’s common for students to set goals for themselves throughout the semester and although goal setting can be positive it’s important to not let it get out of hand. Setting manageable and attainable goals can help maintain your motivation by allowing you to complete tasks that aren’t overwhelming (Sikowski, 2020, para. 4). Small rewards for completing tasks can be helpful in setting yourself a standard and holding yourself accountable.

A new semester can be nerve racking for new students and even returning students. Take time for yourself, manage your stress and ask for help when you need it. One of the most important tips for starting a new semester and curbing some of that stress is asking for help. New courses can cause a lot of stress and anxiety because of the unknown that comes with it (Sikowski, 2020, para. 7). So, asking for help can be a way to relieve some of that stress. There are tons of campus resources that are available in case you need any help or assistance. Your college experience will offer an array of opportunities to you, so don’t let the stress of a new semester get you down!

CollegeData. (2023, March 8). 9 tips for managing stress in college. CollegeData. https://www.collegedata.com/resources/campus-life/tips-for-managing-stress-in-college

Sikowski, S. (2020). 10 tips to stay motivated this semester. Herzing University https://www.herzing.edu/blog/10-tips-stay-motivated-semester

Thankful to be a PR major

By Jansen Tolbert

When I first changed my major to public relations I wasn’t sure what I would want to do in my career. If I am being honest, I still don’t, but I am excited to start a future career in PR because of the numerous of industries I could dive into.

 As a senior now, I am so thankful for the professors, peers, courses, and clubs that have helped me feel prepared to graduate. Public relations is a smaller major compared to some here at GS so you get more one-on-one time with professors, smaller class sizes which create friendships, and more opportunities to get involved.

 Last spring, I was voted to be the Vice President of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), in the position I have learned so much, have created new friendships, and overall have grown in my professional development skills. This organization has really helped me fall in love with public relations and I hope other students feel this way as well.

 I am so happy that sophomore year I decided to change my major to PR, not only because I have made so many friends and expanded my network, but I now know that I don’t have to worry about not liking my career because there are so many opportunities and different industries in public relations I will absolutely find one that I love.

3 tips for running a student organization’s social media

By Becca Lerzo

When it comes to a student organization’s social media, it can be tricky to capture the attention of such a busy audience. College students have so many things demanding all of their attention at any given moment. From classes, to homework, to working a job, to Greek Life, to social life and a million other student organizations seeking out their participation, learning how to stand out on social media is important. From someone who has run multiple student organizations on social media, I can tell you that this is not an easy task, but here are a few of my best tips and tricks to help you get started in captivating your audience on social media and in return, increasing your student organization’s presence and participation on campus.

 1. Get Connected with Other Organizations

 College students are very rarely only ever involved in one organization on campus. You can typically find that many students will be involved in several different clubs and organizations, whether that includes being a part of Greek Life, a campus ministry, or a professional organization. For a student organization’s social media, it can be beneficial to connect with other clubs and organizations. I would suggest finding similar organizations where members of that organization may benefit from joining your organization and vice versa.

For an organization like PRSSA, it may be beneficial to follow and interact with other professional organizations in similar fields, such as communications, journalism, marketing, graphic design and more. Members of these organizations will be most likely to connect with your content and find it beneficial to their future endeavors. Other organizations you may find helpful to get connected with could include the University or college’s programming board, student government, student activities, and the fraternity and sorority life on campus.

2. Create Content that Students will Relate to

Now, when you first read this tip you may be rolling your eyes and finding it a little cheesy. But I don’t mean relatable as in creating memes with a caption of “#Relatable” or cliche dad humor (unless of course that’s your style, then by all means go for it). I mean creating content that your audience actually cares about and can connect with or start a conversation about. One tool that I have found really beneficial with this, is the “Add yours” feature on Instagram stories. With this feature you can create a prompt for your followers to add their own Instagram story of whatever it is on the prompt. This really helps increase engagement and can even lead traffic back to your organization’s platform.

For example, while running the social media for my school’s Panhellenic Association, a big goal for us was to increase positive feelings and what is known as “Pan Love” between the sorority chapters. I was able to create an “Add yours” prompt that said “Tag your bestie down row” where members were able to post Instagram stories of them with their friends in other sororities. This is something that members already had photos of and probably wanted an excuse to post, this just gave them an outlet to do so, while working towards our goal of increasing engagement as well as positive feelings between chapters. For professional student organizations, I would suggest something along the lines of “A moment you were proud to be ___ major,” or something similar. You can really get creative with it!

3. Pictures, Pictures & More Pictures

This tip may be the most obvious, but I really encourage you to take pictures and post them whenever you get the chance. Pictures receive a lot of engagement and create a more personable social media platform. Don’t get me wrong, I love a fun and colorful graphic and enjoy making them whenever I get the chance, but pictures are going to be the most effective way to reach people on social media. Pictures truly do speak a thousand words and people can learn a lot about an organization through them. This includes what kind of people are a part of it, how many people are involved and some of the things that the organization does, whether it be service events, guest speakers or just fun activities.

With these tips in your back pocket, I encourage you to go into a social media role with confidence and don’t be afraid to be creative and innovative and find new tools and tactics that will benefit your student organization!

About the Author: Becca Lerzo

Becca is a Senior Public Relations major at Georgia Southern University. She is a member of the Public Relations Student Society where she serves on the Exec Board as the current Director of Finance. Last year, she served as the Director of Digital Media. Becca also serves as the Vice President of Public Relations for the Panhellenic Association, creating content and posting for their social media platforms. She is also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. She hopes to get into the travel and tourism sector of Public Relations after graduating this May!

The weirdness of being a transfer student

By Janelle Menard

The title of “new girl” has followed me around my entire life. Once I finished the fifth grade, I was never at the same school for more than three years.

This trend continued into my college career. I spent my first two years at a school that did not really value academics, I learned far too late. It was fun for the first semester, but once COVID-19 hit, I was just flat-out miserable for a solid year.

My mom was the one who suggested the possibility of transferring schools, which I immediately rejected. “Transferring,” to me, equaled giving up, something I strive to never do. It made me think of my cousin, who transferred colleges in his second year before dropping out and never finishing his degree.

(It worked out alright for him – he is now in trade school getting his electrician’s license.)

But my mother, because she’s the greatest woman in the world, pestered me a few more times.

“Just think about it,” she’d say. “Spend an hour poking around the internet. See if you find something that clicks with you.”

She was talking about courses of study to start with. At that point, I had cycled through two majors and had settled on communications, but I still felt more than a little unfulfilled.

So, I did some reading.

I read a lot of job listings for public relations professionals in different industries, and, just as my mom had predicted, it clicked with me. It combined things I was good at and enjoyed – writing, business, marketing, making connections, all that fun stuff.

Then came part two: finding somewhere to study it.

I realized that transferring was the only option. I couldn’t go on at my previous institution. I was paying far too much money for an education that was not nearly worth it.

A few months and a lot of paperwork later, I was starting my first semester at Georgia Southern as a junior public relations major.

I have not regretted one single moment of it. Although being a transfer student has its own difficulties.

Very few of my credits transferred to GS. Luckily, I didn’t have to retake anything like Intro to Journalism or core English or math, but that really is the extent of it. I had to take Principles of Advertising again, extra science classes, even another news reporting class after already having my journalistic writings published in the school paper at my old college.

Oddly enough, transfer students aren’t that unusual here. There is one key difference, though – almost all of them transferred from other schools here in Georgia. When I say I transferred from Chicago, I’m always asked to tell my story. It makes me cringe a bit, remembering the stupid kid who thought going to an arts college in the big city was the best idea for my future.

As you can tell from this long-winded story, it was a bust.

Still, I know that it was an important learning experience. Was going to that school an incredibly stupid mistake? Yes.

Was it worth it as it led me to the major and school that make me unbelievably happy?

Also, yes.

My first month of learning more about DEI

By Grace Waddell

If just last year someone were to tell me that I would be on the executive board of PRSSA right now, I wouldn’t have believed them. I used to be somewhat shy and scared to incorporate my opinion and perspective into group discussions, so now that I’m in the position that I’m in now has been very productive and eye-opening to me to see where I have come from just in the past year. The position of Director of Diversity and Inclusion has put me in a place where I need to do a good amount of research and learn about the steps I need to take to be in a leadership position involving DEI. Focusing on Black History Month was pretty much my first task in this role, and I have learned so much in the past month about Black History Month and DEI than I think I ever have.

Obviously in high school we all learned about the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr., but there is a lot more to remember and talk about when celebrating Black History Month. Being the Director of Diversity and Inclusion, I did a good bit of research learning general facts about Black history, why people celebrate it every February and why it is important to society. People should recognize and appreciate the contributions that African Americans and the Black community have made to society over the years. There are so many things we wouldn’t have today without some of these contributions, and they deserve to be talked about and learned. Recognizing where Black history had its unfortunate start and seeing where it has progressed to is worth the celebration. With so many factors from politics to pop culture, Black history is making a positive impact on what America is today.

 One of the most important lessons I have learned from this position just in the first month of having it is the importance of being able to have these productive conversations that can sometimes be uncomfortable to listen to and speak about. How are we supposed to make improvements and fix things if we can’t even speak about the problem to begin with? After the PRSSA DEI panel February 15, I was able to see why these conversations need to be had and why it is important to hear everyone’s perspectives about these tough topics. Urkovia Andrews, assistant director for service-learning at Georgia Southern, and Karla Redding-Andrews, vice president and executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation, who both work in diverse environments, incorporated some great insight into what it is like to involve DEI into the workplace, and this is a great lesson for all college students to learn that also is not taught enough.

There are still so many students who are about to graduate who haven’t even heard of DEI. After college graduation, your education journey has come to an end, for the most part, and you are, what everyone says, “in the real world.” A part of being a true adult and maturing is realizing that people are different from you, and that should be handled in a proper, respectful manner. Being in a diverse work environment means that people need to have a decent understanding of what DEI is, and everyone should be taught that before leaving college.

Advice for first-year PR students

By Raquel Upson

As graduation approaches [Raquel graduated Dec. 2022], I’ve been reflecting on my time in college as a public relations student. I think back to when I’d first entered college and still remember how lost I felt. After being “undeclared” for the entirety of freshman year, I’d officially selected public relations as my major. Though a bit more self-assured than before, I was still just an anxious teen trying to figure out what her true passions were.

It’s hard to believe that I’m a senior now who graduates in a month. I look at myself now and am proud of my transition from a shy, indecisive girl to a career-focused woman who can’t wait to thrive in the PR industry.

This got me thinking of tips I would give first-year PR students. As I’d heard this advice countless times in my early stages of college, I cannot stress it enough. Get involved! Getting involved in organizations such as PRSSA and others will help you find your niche and learn more about yourself, along with helping you meet new people and building relationships that will last a lifetime.

That’s pretty solid advice, if I do say so myself. However, as wise and experienced as I may feel, I’m still not the most qualified to be giving complete instruction and guidance. Therefore, in true journalist fashion, I decided to ask a diverse group of PR majors to share their biggest pieces of advice for first-year PR students.

“The biggest tip that I would tell first-year PR students is to really get engaged with other students and other professors. All the professors in PR are so willing to help, are very nice, and go the extra mile for all their students.” Cameron Rozier

“I would definitely say it’s important to know what field of PR you want to go into. Being a PR major is cool, but I feel like if you know the specific fields you want to go into, you can make those a minor. You can learn both at the same time and it’ll help you find the specific job you want to work at.” -Briyanna Thompson

“Do your own research on the side and figure out what PR can mean to you, because it can also mean different things to you than it means to someone else…Do your research on what you can do with it [PR], what you want to do with it, and what you think fits your personality best. There’s definitely going to be a way that it can fit with your personality, which I think is such a great thing about PR. It’s really personality forming.” - Grace Waddell

“Make sure you get electives that you’re really into, that can go hand in hand with your PR degree.” - Sam Boice

“The biggest tip I would give first-year PR students is to stay organized! Whether it’s a calendar on your phone or a planner, planning out your week and your assignments, will help tremendously.”  -Ionica Jackson

A peek into my playlist: Fall 2022

By Adrianna Bodruk

Photo credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-apple-airpods-on-white-table-3825517/

As this semester (and this year) both come to a close and I wait eagerly for my Spotify Wrapped to arrive, I want to share some of my favorite music releases from the past few months. Since August, a number of great songs have been released, some of which were released by my favorite artists.

Here are my top 5 favorite songs released during the Fall 2022 semester:

5) “Just A Little” - Sarah Cothran

 If you aren’t familiar with Cothran or this song, you are most likely familiar with Cothran’s iconic cover of “As The World Caves In,” originally by Matt Maltese. The viral cover has amassed 106M views on YouTube to date. Cothran’s song, “Just A Little” was released on September 30 and is the fifth track on her debut EP, “i hope you’re happy.” This song, along with “Baby Why” are my favorites on this EP. Cothran’s voice is fantastic and I think it stands out among other new artists right now.

4) “Dangerous” - Madison Beer

 Beer released this heartbreaking ballad August 26. This single will be included on her second studio album, which has not been released yet (but I am looking forward to it)! Beer’s voice sounds so pretty on this track, and it is quite evident how much her voice has matured over the last few years. Whimsical and melancholy - this song sounds like it came out of a fairytale (but a sad one, if that is possible).

3) “Dopamine” - Jackson Wang

 “Dopamine” was released September 9 and is the sixth track off of Wang’s new album, MAGIC MAN. This song, along with “Come Alive,” are my favorite tracks off this album. One aspect that makes Wang unique, in my opinion, is his raspy voice. I think it is more noticeable on “Come Alive,” than on “Dopamine,” but I really like the way his voice sounds in “Dopamine.” The chorus is my favorite part of this track.

2) “Milk Teeth” - NIKI

 NIKI is one of my favorite singer-songwriters (along with Taylor Swift and Julia Michaels). I think she is a very intelligent songwriter and her songwriting abilities are impressive. Her highly-anticipated second studio album, Nicole, was released on August 12. “Milk Teeth” was released as the eighth track on this album. The heartfelt, melancholy lyrics in this song are so poetic, and the metaphors that NIKI wrote in this song are quite clever.

1)  “Die For You” - Joji

 Out of the many songs I’ve added to my playlist over the course of the semester, there are very few that I have loved just after the first listen. “Die For You,” released November 4 off of Joji’s new album, SMITHEREENS, was a track I couldn’t get enough of after hearing it for the first time. This is also true for my other favorite song from this album, “Before The Day Is Over.” It is not unusual for Joji to release sorrowful tracks, and these songs are no exception. I really like the way both of these songs sound and I think Joji’s vocals are great on both of these tracks.

What it means to study PR from my perspective…

By Peyton Gayle

When I came to Georgia Southern, I had no idea what PR was. I had a dream of becoming a nurse and working in the emergency room. My freshman year, like many others I’m sure, was not very good. I struggled with classes relating to nursing, and I soon realized that my dreams to become an ER nurse were slipping away. I went to career counseling and took several aptitude tests to determine what type of career my personality was best suited for. For almost every result, I got public relations as the number one recommendation. I did some research, and I realized that maybe PR could actually be really good for me. I have always been a skilled writer, and public speaking never scared me, so I gave it a try and changed my major after my first semester at Georgia Southern.

I integrated into the PR program very smoothly. My grades greatly improved, and I found what I was looking for: a field that I enjoy, and a field that I am talented in. I quickly developed friendships with my classmates and my professors. I joined PRSSA and I currently serve as the Director of the Firm. To me, the meaning of PR is creating and obtaining relationships between corporations and their publics. We are the communicators between these parties, and we work to meet the goals of the organization and then relay that to the public. These goals could be anything from spreading the word about something new the company is introducing, to helping them work through a crisis and repairing reputations.

Through my experience, I quickly realized that those career tests we all have to take at one point or another actually work (for me at least!). I would not have even considered PR if it weren’t for those tests! I have become 100% sure that PR is the field that I am supposed to be in, and I cannot wait to start implementing my ideas and perspective into the real world after I graduate in May!

Unity in Diversity is Public Relation

By Amara Lewis

Public relations work is something that requires you to step outside of yourself at times. It requires you to think for people you may not know, or cultures you have know knowledge of. It requires an open mind. 

I have found as an aspiring media professional that this field will push you into things you thought you never would be a part of. There was already internal diversity in the work that public relations practitioners do, from clients to niches, but now our world has been pushed to take that a step further. 

In the last few years, the initiatives for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I)have entered spaces across multiple fields. Businesses have found themselves promoting social issues on social platforms, making sure they show people of color in their commercials, and striving for comfortability amongst their staff in a place that should feel like a second home. 

The workplace is a home away from home, it is a place that you have chosen to spend a certain amount of time at for a certain amount of days, because you have to. As the world becomes more socially conscious, businesses have had to follow suit and that also meant being authentic about it. Implementing D.E.I is more than just posting a rainbow flag as your profile picture or posting a black screen. 

Implementing D.E.I starts within yourself. How do you actively support communities you may not be a part of in your personal life? And even if you do not support something at all, are you at least accepting of the diversity that is ever-changing around you? This can be as simple as having mental health check ins with your organization/employees, or having presentations or celebrations about certain celebratory months that minorities celebrate. 

On a more serious level, D.E.I is making sure that people in your organization/workplace represent what you are promoting as an entity on social media. There should be gender-diversity, ethnic diversity, neurodiversity, etc. That is what it would look like to be truly inclusive and it would also show those interested in what your organization/company has to offer, that they have a great chance of being there and would be treated as such. 

Overall, there is a great possibility that you will have happier people and closer relationships by being inclusive. It can draw new clients to you and open doors that you may have never been able to access in Public Relations. The simple connection between you and a client could potentially secure multiple campaigns with just that client, because of that extra support! I believe that understanding D.E.I will help you better understand more than just your clients, but also how specific communities respond to certain situations. This can get you ahead of campaigns, press releases, social media movements and ultimately crisis. 

Some may find diversity in themselves by opening their minds to the umbrella of differences that we as humans share. Be intentional and authentic about making a safe space for others, it goes a long way!

How Studying Abroad Helped Prepare Me

By Mackenzie Marsh

After a much awaited season, during the summer of 2021 I studied abroad. I spent five weeks in Greece learning aspects of leadership while immersing myself in a new culture, learning bits of a new language, while living with new people. I was one of 26 other students, all of which were strangers to me. 

My study abroad experience was like nothing else I had ever experienced in my life. We traveled from Athens to Santorini to the island of Crete all while learning how to adapt to new environments week by week. As fun as the experience was, it was also challenging but that challenge was exactly why it was so special. After the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled my first study abroad trip I was fearful to travel abroad the summer before my senior year. I felt the pressure of graduating and thought I needed to spend my final summer interning again. After much thought I made the decision to study abroad anyway since it was something I had been wanting to do since I was a freshman. Looking back it was the best decision I could have made. I truly believe the lessons that I learned and the way my character was built helped equip me to land my post-grad job. 

The program that I went on was a LEAD program so the purpose of our classes was to look into ancient Greek leaders while also looking internally to ourselves as leaders. We were able to take what we learned in the classroom and really live it out right then and there. If we desired to live a service filled life we were given opportunities to serve the community. If we desired to conquer our fears we did so in the form of bungee jumping. If we were challenged to be better friends we were surrounded by 26 strangers who were all longing for community too. 

In addition, I unexpectedly was given the opportunity to intern as an international social media intern for LeadAbroad. During this internship I was able to fully immerse myself in my creative side and create content while in Greece. This was a unique challenge working in a culture that was foreign to me but it was one that helped me gain confidence in my creative side. 

I feel like studying abroad was the experience I needed to really help me excel into the next phase of my life.  I was able to return from my study abroad trip with a new sense of confidence in who I am and what I can offer as an employer, in the community, and as a friend.  If it weren't for my study abroad experience I truly would not be here today feeling so well prepared and confident to graduate early and step into the real world.

Ways to Make Yourself Stand out While in College

By Mackenzie Marsh

As I wrap up my last semester of college and begin job interviews I am discovering what job recruiters like from my college experience and what they wish I had. I hope this gives you a little insight into what you can be doing now, while in college! 

Intern:

Interning is one of the ways I have been able to grow the most within the public relations field. I personally interned under Mandy Edwards at M.E. Marketing Services, there I was able to learn about what I liked and disliked and further grow in this profession. I have also interned for LeadAbroad. I studied abroad with LeadAbroad in the summer and was able to stand out while on my trip, which in turn was offered an internship upon returning. I have learned so much in such a short amount of time and I feel as though this internship will tremendously put me ahead. 

Build your own Personal Brand: 

Building a personal brand is arguably more important in public relations than any other major. Before I had a good amount of job experience the one reason I stood out in job interviews was because of my personal brand. By creating a platform for myself on social media I have shown my passions truly lie with digital media and content creation, that I understand how to manage time well, and how to grow on social media. Companies want to hire people who are passionate about what they do. Whatever you are passionate about, make an effort to make it a part of your personal brand while in college. 

Gain Social Media Experience:

Many Statesboro organizations and businesses are looking for someone to manage its social media accounts. Whether you choose to get involved with a restaurant, clothing company, your local church, or an on campus organization this job can allow you to get hands on experience with social media. This opportunity can come in forms of a volunteer or paid position but either way it will help you get ahead in understanding digital media. 

Cultivate Leadership Experience: Companies want to know you will be a good leader working for the company so you will commonly be asked how you showed leadership while in college? There are many ways to get involved in leadership positions. Look into leadership opportunities within your sorority or fraternity, your part time job, or the club or organization you’re a part of such as PRSSA! 

Take a Google Analytics Class: 

This was recommended to me in a previous job interview. A lot of people are knowledgeable about public relations, but what sets you apart? How can you take things one step forward? What is one more thing you can add to your resume that your competitor might not have. Many free online classes are available where you can earn online certifications about areas of your interest. If you are interested in social media and digital marketing, I highly recommend taking a
Google Analytics class. 

Interview Prep:

Being prepared to answer questions during an interview can be intimidating but being prepared is key! LinkedIn provides a list of common interview questions to help you prepare ahead of time. They include questions such as sharing your strengths and weaknesses, talking about difficulties with co-workers, and how to answer the daunting questions of “what’s your desired salary?”

Get out of your Comfort Zone: 

This might seem like a strange suggestion to get ahead in public relations but having real life experiences that put you out of your comfort zone shows a lot about how you will approach your job in the future. In the past interview I had two questions that stood out to me. They were when was the last time you had to make an uncomfortable decision and tell me about a time when you were out of your comfort zone. These two answers were nothing I could pull off of my resume, but they came from real life experiences. 

Do not wait until your last semester of college to start preparing, start NOW. There are so many different things you can do to stand out, even as a freshman or sophomore. Remember to play to your strengths, college is a great time to learn what you like and what you don’t like. Most importantly pursue what you enjoy and don’t be afraid to take risks along the way!