PRecedentPublic Relations Student Society of America

Issue Five February 15, 2011 The University of Georgia Drewry Chapter http://ugaprssa.org

Is Coca-Cola looking for you?

Continued on page 5

PR

SS

A

Searching for that perfect summer internship can be overwhelming and narrowing down the best fi t is not always easy to do. On one

end of the spectrum, some internships that require minimal eff ort, yet give back a less than worthwhile experience. These are simply placeholders, a job one adds to a resumé while claiming to have learned invaluable life lessons. However, on the other end of this spectrum lies an internship of unimaginable experience with one of the most recognized brands around the world: Coca-Cola.

When describing her experience, previous Coca-Cola intern, PRSSA president, Carly Nash said, “Everything I did this summer refl ected the Company’s mission to refresh the world, inspire moments of opti mizing and happiness, and create value while making a difference. It was great to work under those conditi ons.”

As Nash quickly discovered, the Coca-Cola internship is not your typical nine to fi ve work experience. If you are fortunate enough to be chosen as an intern with the world’s largest beverage company, expect to step outside of the offi ce every once and a while.

As Coca-Cola interns, one’s most important task is to immerse themselves in the Company’s culture. Whether this means touring faciliti es, riding shotgun in a Coca-Cola delivery truck or studying the politi cs behind soda taxes, no aspect of the Company is too small. Understanding the brand is what makes a successful intern. In fact, intern coordinator Scott Williamson, vice president of public aff airs and communicati ons for Coca-Cola, told Nash that you

can never overemphasize the level to which you try to become a brand.

When asked about what he looks for in a successful intern, Williamson said, “The best interns have a healthy dose of humble confi dence and an insati able appeti te for hard work.”

Along with a unique learning experience, the Coca-Cola summer internship comes with valuable expert advice and support. Coca-Cola’s public aff airs and communicati ons team consists of six areas of focus: Brand and Media Relati ons, Environmental Sustainability, Government Relati ons, Community Relati ons, Business Communicati ons and Internal Communicati ons. As an intern, one may expect to work with all of them while absorbing Hailee Sosnowski

2011 Coca-Cola interns Colleen Murphy, Carly Nash and Daniel Youmans suit up on their visit to a Coca-Cola syrup factory. Not only do interns gain hands-on PR experience, but they also get to become a part of the Company’s culture.

Not your ordinary internship

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Writing Your Resumé

Going into an internship interview can be stressful, but if you put in enough preparation you should

have no problem making a great fi rst impression. Many other qualifi ed candidates are applying for the exact position that you are hoping to fi ll, so it can be easy to blend in with the crowd. Here are some great tips to help you distinguish yourself from other applicants.

Know your resume and always have extra copies.

Even if you already emailed in your resume, still bring multiple copies. The person who isinterviewing you may not have been the person you emailed and chances are, you are meeting with multiple people. Also, when you arrange a date for your interview, there is nothing wrong with asking who you will be meeting with. You will have a better understanding of the interviewing environment by asking this question, and it will help you tailor questions specifi c to each interviewer.

Use your resume during the interview.

Refer to your resume multiple times during the interview and draw attention to the areas that you believe are important. If you’ve had past internships similar to the one in which you are applying, do not explain so much of what you have done, but focus on how that experience qualifi es you for the prospective internship position.

If this is your fi rst internship and you have not had any professional experience yet, that’s okay. Companies understand that you have to start somewhere. If you fi nd yourself in this situation, expand on any jobs you have had and focus on

your involvement with different clubs and organizations. Being active in your community says a lot during your interview; it shows that you have a good work ethic and are willing to commit to any task at hand.

When they ask if you have a question, always have a question.

Research the company before the interview and know exactly what they do. Reading recent press releases will also give you great topics to talk about. If you know who will be interviewing you, look up each person’s name on the company’s website and familiarize yourself with his/her

biography. If you fi nd something really interesting, work that topic into your conversation so that the interviewer will see that you have taken the time to really get to know the company and

its employees.

Take advantage of informational interviews.

If you are considering applying for an internship or if you just want to learn more about what exactly a company does, call and set up an informational interview. This experience will clarify any questions you may have about a particular position and will give you insider’s knowledge about how a company operates. An informational interview is also a great way to start building a network within a company. Even though the interaction may not lead to a job offering, down the road you could meet with the same person again during a real interview.

The Interviewing Process: How to stand out among other applicants

“Companies understand that you have to start

somewhere.”

Rebeka Geer

3

Carly Nash

Applying for an internship or job can be inti midati ng, especially when you have had litt le to no prior experience. This makes it important to fi nd a unique way to stand out. Creati ng an online portf olio is one way you can impress future employers with your digital media skills while showcasing your writi ng samples, graphics projects and resume. Also, it allows you to be creati ve and show off your personality.

How to get started:The easiest way to create a professional portf olio is by using resources that already exist. There is a plethora of websites that support building a personal site for free. Browse through examples and determine which site has the tools and design that best match your goals for the portf olio. Starti ng from scratch can be a daunti ng task, and you never want to make a site live before it is complete and perfected. Set aside an enti re weekend to learn about the site you choose and create your online portf olio.

What to include:As a student, you are creati ng content daily that you can include on your portf olio. Even if you have never had an internship, you have writi ng and graphics samples from your classes. You do not want to clutt er your online portf olio with every assignment you have done, so choose your best work and explain the context and importance of the piece. Try to vary your examples by displaying a mix of media materials. If you sti ll lack content, do not be afraid to create new samples. Find a student organizati on or local nonprofi t you are interested in and ask if you can create press materials they can use for an upcoming event.

Brand yourself:Your online portf olio will oft en be the fi rst impression an employer gets of you. It should be error-free, professional and unique to you and your personality. It is an opportunity to show off your creati vity, highlight your strengths and even draw att enti on to your interests that may not be on your resume. Your online portf olio should refl ect you as a brand through the layout, design and content. If you enjoy traveling, include a secti on about your trips and explain how the experiences will help you in a job. If you love sports, design your page to look like an athlete’s bio and display “stats” about your previous experiences.

Once you have created an online portf olio, it is be crucial to keep it updated. Remember that like social media sites, your online portf olio will be available for anyone to view and it needs to represent the best you. Professionals will be impressed with the eff ort you put into your site, so share it oft en.

Carly Nash uses weebly.com to host her online portfolio. She has a page for each signifi cant internship and leadership role she has held, highlighting her many talents and abilities.

weebly.com

wix.comyola.com

webs.comwordpress.com

you!Showcasing the best—

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PRSSA gives back to UGAThe diversity committee hosted the PR Workout Conference on Jan. 28

at the UGA Tate Center. The annual event gives PRSSA members an opportunity to share public relations knowledge and best practices

with the PR chairs of UGA student organizations. Thanks to the hard work of the diversity committee, more than 28 student organizations were represented at PR Workout this year.

“Through PR Workout we are able to provide a service to PR chairs by teaching them how to implement effective public relations strategies,” Diversity Committee Chair India Pender said.

“The event gives student organizations an opportunity to network with one another while sharing the plans and struggles within their organizations,” she said.

PR Workout featured a variety of seminars relevant to student organizations. The seminars focused on everything from social media and recruitment to media relations and legalities. Will Hedgpeth, captain of the UGA Men’s Rowing Team, attended PR Workout to learn new techniques for recruiting members through social media.

“The ideas to recruit members and make the team’s name more prevalent on campus have been especially helpful,” said Hedgpeth. “I’ve learned that social media is not about picking one type or the other, it’s about tying the different sites together. I definitely want to implement Twitter and blogs.”

Thinh Vu, PR Chair for the Vietnamese Student Association, attended PR Workout because he wanted insight on how to attract and sustain membership successfully in his organization. He attended the recruitment seminar to learn new recruiting techniques.

“A lot of members come to the first meeting but membership dies down,” Vu said. “I like the idea to make recruitment more fun so that people can see you are interactive and joyful.”

If you missed out on PR Workout this year, be sure to look out for the conference next year!

Students from a diverse range of UGA organizations attended PR Workout to

learn how their organization could enhance their PR skills to grow their organization.

Katelyn Fish leads a session on Event Planning. She gave tips on how to plan and implement a successful event. Students from UGA Heros, FCS, AutismUGA and UGA Crew attended PR Workout.

Heather Kevern

5

the knowledge each area has to off er. However, it was Williamson whom Nash identi fi ed as her greatest mentor, recalling his offi ce as a safe-haven where she received answers to her questi ons and made several important career decisions.

Clearly, Coca-Cola is not one for letti ng an intern go without making a lasti ng impression. Yes, interns will get plenty of practi ce using their PR basics, but it is the Company’s approach and dedicati on to their brand that stands out. Williamson stressed that he is looking for the next Carly Nash, Colleen Murphy or Daniel Youmans, who all brought diff erent skill sets and disti nct personaliti es to the internship. Keeping this in mind, there is a lot to live up to when applying for the positi on.

If chosen for the internship, the experiences Coca-Cola provides far exceed what any intern could hope to receive in just three short months’ ti me. According to Nash, one of the most insightf ul things Williamson taught her was that, “Coca-Cola gave an ordinary person the opportunity to accomplish extraordinary things.”

Carly Nash wrote news releases, pitched media and created media contact lists during her Coca-Cola summer internsip. On top of all the PR experience, she also helped deliver more than 400 cases of Coca-Cola product to local Atlanta convenience stores— talk about “hands-on.”

several important career decisions.

Clearly, Coca-Cola is not one for letti ng an intern go without making a lasti ng impression. Yes, interns will get plenty of practi ce using their PR basics, but it is the Company’s approach and dedicati on to their brand that stands out. Williamson stressed that he is looking for the next Carly Nash, Colleen Murphy or Daniel Youmans, who all brought diff erent skill sets and disti nct personaliti es to the internship. Keeping this in mind, there is a lot to live up to when applying for the positi on.

If chosen for the internship, the experiences Coca-Cola provides far exceed what any intern could hope to receive in just three short months’ ti me. According to Nash, one of the most insightf ul things Williamson taught her was that, “Coca-Cola gave an ordinary person the opportunity to accomplish extraordinary things.”

Carly Nash wrote news releases, pitched media and created media contact lists during her Coca-Cola summer internsip. On top of all the PR experience, she also helped deliver more than 400 cases of Coca-Cola product to local Atlanta convenience stores— talk about “hands-on.”

Coca-Cola Continued

CC Team: Walk MS GeorgiaWhat is it? A series of 5K fundraisers held in nine locations in the state of Georgia. Th e Walks increase awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and raise money to fund cutting-edge research and vital patient programs. Th e PRSSA CC team is planning the Walk in Watkinsville.

Account Executive Angelene Crosswell, Paige Hutches, Mariah Gazaway, Junior Account Executive Christine Boddy and Caroline Harris.

“Creative Consultants has given me an unequaled opportunity to apply the abstract knowledge taught in classrooms. I’ve learned a lot about PR, of course, but I was surprised to discover how much I had to learn about being a professional. Professionalism is probably the most vital lesson that I will take away from this experience.”— Christine Boddy, Walk MS junior account executive

What’s been done so far:

• What—Walk MS in Watkinseville• When— March 31, 10 a.m.• Where— Oconee Veteran’s Park• Goal— raise $30,000 and enroll 435 participants

• Sent news announcements to media• Recruited businesses to sponsor and donate• Held a percentage night at Sweet Peppers Deil• Created a Facebook Page and Twitter account

Upcoming Event:

EXTRA EXTRA!

6

Websites like UGA’s DawgLink or InternWeb.com provide easy ways to sort through all of the internship postings out there. Also, Cecil Bentley (cbentley@uga.edu) sends out bimonthly updates with new and recurring internship listings.

Communications InternsTh e Chick-fi l-A Bowl is seeking candidates to fi ll four full-time paid internships for the 2012 college football season. Begins— June 25, 2012Ends— Jan. 31, 2013. Pay— $1,260 per month stipend.Deadline— Feb.17More Info— http://cosida.com/jobs.aspx?jobid=3114

Chick-fi l-A Bowl— AtlantaMoceri Management— AtlantaMedical Event Planning InternSpecializing in medical event planning, Moceri Management is equipped to handle every aspect of preparation from registration to logistical planning and even event design. Duration— Summer 2012. More info— info@MoceriMgmt.com

Georgia Aquarium— AtlantaPublic Relations InternInterns are responsible for researching and writing various press releases, website content, enewsletter articles and marketing pieces. Additional responsibilities include assisting in coordinating photo and fi lm shoots, media interviews and site visits, working in multiple databases to keep information current, helping to grow the Aquarium’s reach on social media and actively participating in staff meetings and events.Deadline— March 15More info— manderson@georgiaaquarium.org

Advertising Interns 22squared, the largest independent advertising agency in the southeast, is looking for interns to join their team for Summer 2012. Route 22 is 22squared’s ultimate intern challenge! What— Route 22 intern challengeWhen— Summer 2012Pay— Course creditDeadline— Feb. 27More info— https://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EJETH7W8X

22squared— Atlanta

Atlanta Conention & Visitors BureauPublic Relations InternAtlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is seeking a public relations intern for the summer, fall and spring semesters to assist the public relations team in marketing metro Atlanta to local, domestic and international media. Deadline— Feb. 27More info— rrosenberg@atlanta.net

Sports Marketing PR InternsCSE, one of the leading sports marketing fi rms in Atlanta, is currently accepting applications for summer (May – Aug.).Paid— YesDeadline— Feb. 27More info— internmgr@groupcse.com

CSE— Atlanta

Fleishman Hillard— AtlantaPublic Relations InternFleishman-Hillard Atlanta off ers three internship sessions throughout the year, including a winter, summer and fall internship.Deadline— Feb. 27More info— atlantainterns@fl eishman.com

Fire & Flavor— AtlantaPublic Relations InternFire & Flavor, a local food product company, is looking for a part-time public relations intern or employee to assist with sending press kits for new summer food and grilling products.More info— gena@fi reandfl avor.com

Get your internships here!

7

UpcomingEvents

As a student at UGA, you can attend a wide variety of campus-sponsored events. Most of the events are free and provide an excellent opportunity for students to network, receive constructive criticism from professionals, and gain additional insight into their academic areas of study. Here is a list of a few upcoming events that would be great to check out.

Using your study abroad experiences during an interview is a great way to stand out among other applicants. The UGA Career Center and UGA Education Abroad have paired up to provide students with advice about how to discuss their study abroad experiences during an interview and how to market effectively their international experience in a resumé. The event will be in room 142 of the Tate Student Center.

You have been given a job offer, so what happens next? Many different factors need to be condsidered prior to accepting or declining a professional position. At the Terry Career Boot Camp, students learn how to evaluate a job offer to ensure that the position is a perfect fit. Also, they learn what questions to ask after an offer has been extended. This event also provides students with effective ways to negotiate a starting salary. It will be in room 148 in the Miller Learning Center.

Choosing a major is a important decision for a college student. The process can be stressful and overwhelming, so the Career Center has designed a workshop to help make the decision a little easier. Students learn how to choose a major that is compatible with their interests. Also, the workshop highlights different career choices that correspond with particular majors. The workshop will be in room 248 in the Miller Learning Center.

Feb. 27, 3:35-4:25 p.m.

Callie Walker

Marketing Your Study Abroad Experience

Terry Career Boot Camp: Evaluating the Job Offer

Choosing a Major

Feb. 16, 3-5 p.m.

March 7,4-5:15 p.m.

Spring Schedule: Tate 480, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 15: Coca-Cola’s Scott Wiliamson

Feb 29: Meeting TBA

March 20: Meeting TBA

April 4: Elections

April 18: Member Appreciation

2012 Important Dates:Feb. 17: Real World Conference

Feb. 22-25: D.C. Agency Tour

March 12-16: Spring Break

If you would like to submit an article for the next PRecedent, email meaganrkelley@gmail.com

PR ecedent

2011-2012PRSSAExecutive Board

PresidentCarly Nashcarlynash@gmail.com@carlynashVice PresidentSarah Varnersarah.varner89@gmail.com@sarahvarnerCreative Consultants Director Hannah Berlehannahberle@gmail.com@hberleTreasurer Dave Adamsjdadams@uga.edu@daveadamzSocial Media DirectorKatelyn FishKef2012@gmail.comPR DirectorHeather Kevernhkevern@gmail.com@HLKevernHistorian Katie Strasbergkstrasberg@gmail.com @kstrasberg89

Publications EditorMeagan Kelleymeaganrkelley@gmail.com@mrkelley

SecretaryTina Theriaulttinat.mtr@gmail.com@tinatheriault

Faculty AdvisorDr. Betty Jonesbetjones@grady.uga.eduCreative Consultants AdvisorKristen SmithKMSmith@uga.edeProfessional AdvisorJessica Laitijessica.laiti@coxinc.com@jlaiti

8

L ast week, my grandmother called me and told me to

fl ip to the news. The person of interest was Lauren Berger, the self-proclaimed “intern queen.” Her book, “All Work, No Pay” — which I now own — is all about fi nding internships, building your resume, making connecti ons, and gaining job experience. The index in the back of the book helps you quickly fl ip to any topic you have questi ons about, such as proper atti re for the interview, what types of questi ons to ask during interviews, and what kind of writi ng samples to bring. “All Work, No Pay” also includes examples of what good business cards look like, resumes and lett ers of recommendati on. The book systemati cally explains how to get an internship, what to do on the fi rst day, what to do aft er it is over and how to “brand yourself” with social media. Berger also discusses how to use Facebook, Twitt er and LinkedIn in the most advantageous way possible. In the book, she even

Book Review:

All Work, No Pay

Rachel Nevil

provides housing opti ons for those with out-of-state internships. “All Work, No Pay” has answered all of the questi ons I was afraid to ask and has given me more confi dence to pursue internship opportuniti es.

Berger’s website, www.internqueen.com, lists countless internships and even allows you to apply for them from her site for free. The website is user-friendly, with all internship opportuniti es organized by state, semester and industry.

Berger works with more than 500 employers to connect students with their dream internships. She has spoken at more than 35 colleges and universiti es to help students fi nd great internships and has given students advice about how to make the most of their experiences. If you are searching for an internship or want to learn how to bett er brand yourself, the Intern Queen is a valuable friend to have.