Quick brush-up for my fellow hunters:

As I was packing up my room for the big move, I came upon some PRSSA papers. As I shuffled through them, I found a list of interview tips that I had copied from our past Vice President.

They read:
-Research the company prior to the interview
-Have detailed answers about accomplishments
-Be honest
-Seal the deal - "Based on our conversation, how do you feel I matched up?"

I feel these are all accurate, yet for the time we are in ("we" being job hunters and "time" being the recession)... we should be even more prepared. I know some of the following tips I'm going to share aren't new. But hearing them again may help refresh your memory and your interview approach.

*For a PR interview, talk about new business (new clients, new revenue)
*Have a couple of questions prepared, but also listen to the interviewer for anything that may spark new questions
*Turn off your phone before the interview and avoid bringing it up via social media (i.e. Tweeting, "Nailed the interview!")
*Write a hand written thank you note to the interviewer and send it ASAP

No, I'm not an expert on interviews or careers, but you'd be surprised as to how many people forget these details!

Write and wrong

So, this is what I'm thinking. Although my topics of conversation are often very random, so are my blog posts. I'm either voicing my opinion (environmentally "sound") or having my Cosmo "B*itch it out" moment. So, although my knowledge of pop-culture and news is broad, I need to think of ways to specify what I talk about.
I kind of liked my environmentally sound blog because going green is something I feel passionate about. But, I need to skip over posts like the PRSSA VP thing because I felt it came off too valedictorian-esque. I think it is easier to talk about things in a timely manner. If I had posted blogs about PRSSA throughout the year, there would have been many posts of how I feel a student run should (and should NOT) address projects and problems.
Yes, I started this blog to keep my writing fresh and maybe get out any bad energy I have toward something that's hot in the world. But if I'm going to have any readers (I know that I at least have Carri), I should try to make it a good time for them.

VA M.I.A.

Wow! It has been quite a while since my last post! I'm sure my loyal followers have wondered about where I have been over the past couple of months. Here is my tale. It all began with the craziness that is called final examination week at NIU. After which, I was a tad busy with graduation and being whisked away to Europe for a while. When I returned from Italy and France, I discovered that the "B" and "N" keys on my laptop were no longer working. What luck! Since then, I have been borrowing my roommates' computers to try and keep up with my internet accounts. And can I just say... it's awful! I am just glad I've had this experience to remind myself how lucky I have been to have my own computer over the past 6 years. (Yes, she was an oldie but a goodie!)

environmentally "sound"

Although the event that prompted this blog is a bit dated, I felt the topic appropriate for today.
A couple of weeks ago, a few of the anti-wind turbine activists came to speak about grassroots lobbying. Quite frankly, I'm not sure how much information the guests actually offered on grassroots lobbying. What they did offer were reasons why they felt having wind turbines in Dekalb and Lee County was a poor idea. Their main argument was this... The sound from the turbines is a nuisance. It is also their understanding that the turbines create very little energy.
Now, I find the first to be a simple gripe. The second is the result of research that may or may not be accurate. The thing that is important to me, however, is not a list of excuses of why something like wind energy shouldn't be created. What is important to me, and many others I've spoken with, is accompanying those excuses, with alternatives.
It is fine to oppose suggestions such as wind energy in the attempt of solving the Earth's energy crisis. But keep in mind that the situation is not going to go away. We need to figure out a way to help our world, even through trial and error. I am sorry to say that I am fresh out of ideas. Until I find a way to save the planet, I'll keep doing my part by recycling, using energy efficient light bulbs, etc.
Thank you for your time... and have a great earth day.

Follow the Leader

As I finish my duties as the PRSSA Vice President at NIU, I reflect on the opportunities I've encountered over the past year.
I've set up visits to three fantastic PR firms in Chicago and completed some charity work here and there. I attended as many PRSA dinners as my schedule allowed, as well as any events our chapter arranged. That's all great. However, I'm not writing today to list what the Vice President's job entails. I want to discuss going above and beyond.
It is my belief, that (within reason, of course) any dream can be lived. It is also my belief that not enough people are succeeding in doing such. At the firm visits, I made sure to speak with the PR professionals and I networked at charity events as well. I didn't quietly eat my dinner then leave when the event was over, I spoke with PRSA members and tried getting to know the members of my PRSSA chapter.
I have met so many fabulous people over the past year. People who have been mentors, colleagues, and just plain friends. I have several to consult with as I venture toward a Public Relations career. And as I look over what I have learned this year, I did not have these opportunities handed due to my title in the organization, I sought out these opportunities. Opportunities to better myself as a leader, a team player, and as I work out any networking "kinks" I may have.
So, if you are to follow my leadership, really get yourself involved... you may just meet some fabulous people along the way.

"I like my money where I can see it; hangin' in my closet."

I’ve always been the positive one, the “eternal optimist.” After paying $45 at Victoria’s Secret on a few key items, I rejoice for the “free” tote I received with my purchase. After falling down a flight of stairs, I cheer for the quarter I find at the bottom of it.
So, of course, after a frustrating day of job searching, I was more than delighted to find out that Kristin Davis is starting a fashion line. I couldn’t be more thrilled, I have adored her style since I first became a fan of Sex and the City. The best part about the line is that it will be affordable and mirrors her timeless look.
So sorry today’s blog is more directed toward women, but I was just too excited. Now if you don’t mind, I think I’ll kick off my shoes and check out the creative mind of Patricia Field in action on my fictional mentor, Charlotte – my fellow “eternal optimist.”

Talking 'bout my generation...

In my advanced public relations class, we researched the "Millennials" for our midterm project. I was somewhat offended by what my elders had to say about my generation. A couple of the descriptive phrases that struck me were, "self-confidence to the point of appearing cocky" and we were often referred to as "Generation Me."
Since then, I've paid more attention to the actions of my peers. I do a "mental head slap" (as one of my favorite authors, Janet Evanovich would put it) as a classmate struggles to transfer her video camera to the projector, later realizing the camera was not on. I listen to the guy who sits next to me complain about not having any luck on his job search, but is looking forward to getting drunk every night of the upcoming weekend.
Maybe it is fair to call us the "Everyone Gets an Award Generation." Yes, I do see several peers, and I'd like to include myself, be all that we can be (in the non-military sense). Overall, however, I can see from where the Baby-boomers and Generation X are coming. We need to spend more time motivating ourselves to succeed instead of expecting rewards without efforts.
Still... all my love, Millennials. And good luck. We're going to need it.