Category Archives: COMM content in current events

#UDcomm318 – Students Take Social Media By Storm

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By: Julie Solomon, a junior Interpersonal Communication major

As a class member of #UDcomm318, I have gotten to experience University of Delaware’s very first Social Media Management course. Two of the university’s finest social media experts, Carolyn White Bartoo and Meredith Chapman, lead the class. According to Professor Bartoo, this course was created by a “random impulsive moment that was actually a culmination of many years of thinking.”

When Professor Bartoo and Professor Chapman met, they found there was a natural relationship created due to their similar expertise. Professor Bartoo describes this as a magical coincidence or kismet. This excitement between the two sparked interest in creating #UDcomm318, and through several correspondences, they pitched the idea of a Social Media-focused class. The dynamic duo alternate for the weekly class, in which one is the “captain” for the night and the other plays the support role.

Many aspects of #UDcomm318 have been a success, including hosting a Google Hangout with international students about the use of social media. While we are busy talking about Insomnia or the latest fashion statement, their reality is war versus peace. Professor Bartoo noticed a “peace on earth moment,” seeing her students’ light bulbs go off in their minds and eyes while becoming personally enlightened about other cultures. In addition, students love creating digital stories in #UDcomm318. From a professor’s point of view, Professor Bartoo was having a blast running up and down the halls and seeing that “a silly activity was actually the culmination of 9 hours of the class so far.”

As a student within this course, Allison Lane, a junior communications major, spoke further about the digital story activity. During the digital story, we broke up into groups and created either a Vine or Instagram video. Before this class, many students had no idea how these types of digital media could actually be used to send effective messages, but the activity truly put what we had learned into action. Allison Lane states, “My favorite aspect is how interactive it [#UDcomm318] is that we are in class for three hours, but it doesn’t feel like that because we have a lot of hands-on activities.” This class always has us as students on our feet and engaging in conversation on several different social media platforms.

#UDcomm318 provides a learning environment to master new skills. One new skill that we have gained is “live-tweeting as well as deep dive-tweeting,” says Lane. This means live-tweeting an event, such as the several National Agenda speakers, while pulling outside sources into the conversation in order to create higher-level thinking and to increase engagement. We have also learned to use tools like TweetDeck and Hootsuite, which will be beneficial if (and when) we work with social media platforms in our careers.

Social Media Management is an extremely stimulating and advantageous course for any student at the University of Delaware to enroll in in future semesters. Allison Lane articulates it best when she says, “All companies need social media. It’s important to know how to effectively use today’s technology and engage with others on multiple platforms.” No matter the major or career aspirations, these skills are exceedingly critical to succeed in the so-called “real world” that students will be entering shortly.

#UDcommFUN: Spring Internship Opportunity with Congressman Carney

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Congressman Carney’s office is looking for interns for the spring semester.

Positions are open in the Wilmington and Georgetown offices.  Students would need to be available for 10-15 hours per week through the spring semester.  Although the position is unpaid, the office covers parking and is flexible with scheduling. The internship can also be taken for course credit.

Applications will be due Friday, December 5.  Interested students should email, fax or mail Albert Shields a copy of their resume and a cover letter.  More information is on the website here: http://goo.gl/32pknS.

Have questions? Contact Albert at: Albert.Shields@mail.house.gov or (302) 691-7333.

Intern Responsibilities:

  • Attend community meetings, business visits, and interviews with Congressman Carney.
  • Assist staff with constituent requests, including summarizing case information and distributing to appropriate staff members, sending out privacy release forms, drafting letters on behalf of Congressman Carney to federal agencies asking for their assistance.
  • Assist with press responsibilities, including drafting media advisories and press releases, tracking the Congressman’s print and online media presence, and helping to update the office social media sites.
  • Drafting letters to constituents upon requests: Eagle Scout letters, Greetings and congratulations, Letters of recommendation/support
  • Assist with policy research as appropriate

#UDcommFUN: 3 Tips to Make the Most of Your Crazy Schedule: Meredith Castellani

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While preparing for job interviews, I practiced answering a number of questions. One that was particularly difficult for me to answer was: “What is your biggest weakness?” After much thought, I found my biggest weakness to be taking on too much responsibility at one time. However, looking back on my past experiences, this might also be my biggest strength. I now look at this “weakness” as being open to opportunity.

The past year has been a whirlwind of opportunity for me, and I could not be more grateful. Last semester, I was New Member Orientation Chair for my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, which required managing and leading seventy-seven new members, all while balancing being Online Editor-in-Chief for UDress Magazine, the teaching assistant for COMM313 with Professor Bartoo, applying for summer internships, and managing my own school work. It is a miracle I made it out of that semester alive, let alone with my Honors Program GPA unscathed. I have to accredit my success to organization.

Here are some ways to stay organized amidst chaos this semester:

  • Plan ahead. At the beginning of each semester, write down all exams, due dates, events, and deadlines in a calendar. If you can anticipate what’s coming up next, you will be more likely to be graceful under pressure.

  • Utilize To-Do Lists. I make a to-do list religiously every day. I include even the smallest tasks on my lists, partially so I don’t forget and partially because crossing things off the list makes you feel productive! The more productive you feel, the more you will get done that day.

  • Prioritize. What is due at midnight? Tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Order to-do lists in this manner, so you get the most important and time sensitive items out of the way first. (Extra tip: Always ask for deadlines if they aren’t given to you initially!)

Bravo_TV.svgNot only does organization play a role in academic success, but it also makes applying for and maintaining internships more efficient. When looking to apply, I first list the ideal places I would like to work. Next, I check on application deadlines and requirements for each. Then, I research and customize each cover letter and resume. After submission, record the date you formally applied and plan when you will follow up. I recommend utilizing UD Career Services to help prepare for interviews! Taylor-Swift-Philadelphia-Style-Magazine-Cover

By following these steps, I have gained so many unique experiences through internships. My experience includes Masterpiece Advertising Design, Bravo and Oxygen Media at NBCUniversal, a handful of guest blogging gigs (Creative Multimedia Systems and most recently, Revel U), and currently, Philadelphia Style Magazine. I encourage any student to get as much hands-on internship experience as possible. Not only does it look impressive on resumes, but it will ignite the drive and passion in you necessary to be successful in all aspects of life!

Follow Meredith on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and her blog! 
Twitter: @meri_christmas & @mer_castellani
Instagram: @miss_a_meri_ca
Linkedin: Meredith Castellani

Tell Your Story: Scott Slotkin, Junior Editor for Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

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Scott Slotkin earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Delaware in 2011. He minored in journalism and interactive media.

Currently, Slotkin is a Junior Editor for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Among his many responsibilities, he edits content for the show, as well as for the YouTube channel and other media outlets.

But that’s not all. first-promo-for-the-tonight-show-starring-jimmy-fallon-new-era-begins

Slotkin also works at ABC, where he edits reality shows and sizzles for the network’s development department. These sizzles are pitched to a variety of networks like HGTV, DIY, Discovery, A&E, TLC and others.

Prior to ABC, Slotkin was a Jr. Editor at MLB Network, where he won a Sports Emmy award for work on MLB Tonight, their daily live studio show. Before that, he worked at Starworks Group, a marketing and branding agency, in their Branded Entertainment department.

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Slotkin’s impressive career started in the heart of the First State, right here at the University of Delaware. While an undergraduate studying mass communication, Slotkin interned for a year at NBC10 in Philadelphia and also at Wired 96.5/92.5 WXTU. On campus, he was actively involved with the Student Television Network (STN 49 TV).

Pictured: Scott Slotkin holding his Sports Emmy award for his work on MLB Tonight. 

Photo source for Jimmy Fallon photo: Aceshowbiz.com

Communications internship opportunity: Presidential Internship Program

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PRESIDENTIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: The American University in Cairo

The Program

Established in 1981, the Presidential Internship Program at The American University in Cairo (AUC) provides recent university graduates the opportunity to spend an academic year working at the highest levels of an international university, learn Arabic, and experience life in Cairo.

 Working at AUC

Interns work full-time in one of seven university offices, such as the Office of Communications, in which the intern writes for AUC’s daily email newsletter, researches and attends university events, and researches and writes longer articles for AUC’s magazine.

Benefits

Program benefits include a monthly living stipend, faculty housing, private Arabic tutoring, subsidized trips around Cairo and Egypt, and more.

 Applying

We have traditionally accepted a diverse array of students, including those with no background in Arabic or Middle Eastern Studies. Interested students should view the attached brochure and visit our website for more information on the program and how to apply. They can also visit our Facebook page and blog. The application is due January 15, 2015.

Sent by: Joanna G. Kelly: Office of Institutional Advancement, The American University in Cairo

 

Tell Your Story: Keri Betters, senior communication major, runs for Homecoming Queen

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Keri Betters, a senior interpersonal communication major, has been named a member of the University of Delaware Homecoming Court 2014.

Betters, who minors in interactive media and advertising and concentrates in public relations, is the second communication student in the past 2 years to represent the Department of Communication on Homecoming Court.

“I’m thrilled to represent the Department on Court,” Betters states. “Being a communication major has opened so many doors and given me many opportunities. It’s helped me find my passions in public relations and social media strategy. The classes and extra-curriculars have helped me develop into a professional and I’m eager to take my skills into the workforce after graduation.” BzIMNm-IIAEHlXS

As a 3-year member of PRSSA-UD, Betters has served as its program director, winning a YouDee Leadership Award for the Night With the Pros event she executed in Fall 2013. Now, she currently serves as PRSSA-UD’s public relations director, managing their 5 social media platforms, overseeing the Communications Committee, and mentoring four underclassmen via the Mentor-Mentee program.

Betters is also a Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society member, a sports sideline reporter for STN49 TV, a social media ambassador leader for UD’s Office of Communications and Marketing, a social media/marketing intern for UD Career Services Center, a social media independent study student with Professor Carolyn W. Bartoo, and content creator for the Department of Communication’s Facebook page and blog.

Throughout her campaign for Homecoming Queen, Betters has used a variety of communication skills she’s learned through COMM classes. She executed a social media campaign complete with a hashtag (#Keri4Queen) and Facebook event, created advertisements to pass out around campus, and filmed a video (with the help of STN49TV).

The video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ila8Quc2QdY

UD undergraduates can vote all day on Friday, October 17, via the Homecoming website (www.udel.edu/UDHCvote/). The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at halftime at the football game on Saturday, October 18.

Congratulations, Keri! The Department of Communication wishes you the best!

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