Tag Archives: alum

#UDcommPR: 7 PRSSA-UD Representatives Will Attend PRSSA 2014 National Conference

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The following blog post was written by Natalie Hines, senior mass communication major and current president of PRSSA-UD. Read further for exciting news!

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Hi, my name is Natalie Hines and I am the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter at the University of Delaware, an award-winning and nationally recognized Chapter throughout the organization.

We are pleased and fortunate to announce that we will be sending seven members of our Chapter to attend the PRSSA 2014 National Conference from October 10 to October 13 in Washington D.C. The conference’s theme this year is titled, “Intersections: The Meeting Place of Communications and Culture.” PRSSA-UD representatives include:

Natalie Hines, Senior, Mass Communication (President)

Keri Betters, Senior, Interpersonal Communication (Public Relations Director)

Laura Hepp, Junior, Mass Communication (VP of Professional Development)

Allison Lane, Junior, Interpersonal Communication (Meetings Coordinator)

Allie Kory, Junior, Mass Communication (Operations Director)

Katherine Bartell, Sophomore, Communication Interest (Finance/Fundraising Director)

Julie Millisky, Sophomore, Communication Interest (General member)

The National Conference is the largest annual event gathering public relations inspired students from an array of colleges and universities. Students arrive ready to network not only with public relations professionals from across the country, but with their future colleagues; other PRSSA members.

Professionals lead a variety of sessions tailored to several types of public relations including sports, healthcare, restaurant and corporate communications. Other leadership workshops, career exhibitions and celebrations bring the brightest public relations students together for a weekend of a lifetime.

PRSSA-UD and our generous sponsors have allowed me to attend two national events; PRSSA 2014 National Assembly and PRSSA 2013 National Conference. These experiences have truly shaped my professional and personal career goals. I have witnessed the personal success students achieve when they arrive in a new city, meet other PRSSA students and make connections with professionals. To say National Conference has changed my life would be a sincere and honest statement.

We would like to thank our sponsors who provided scholarships for seven young professional women attending National Conference this year. They include:

Please view our sponsor video from last year! To follow the event, join the conversation via social media with the hashtag, #PRSSANC, and follow our Chapter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our website, www.prssaud.com.

2 Internship Opportunities: WorldCom and CHOP

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Two exclusive internship opportunities for our Communication students are listed below! Check back each week for more!

1. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute is pleased to announce the 4th year of The CHOP Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP).  CRISSP is a 10-week competitive summer internship program for undergraduate students interested in careers in the biomedical sciences.  The internship is designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge, practical training in academic research, and critical exposure to pediatric-focused career trajectories under the direct mentorship of CHOP faculty.  Full time immersion in a lab or research group allows interns to experience science and discovery first hand.

CRISSP offers opportunities in basic, clinical, behavioral, and translational research.  In addition to completing an independent research project, interns learn basic techniques and gain exposure to how research is conducted under the direction of CHOP faculty.  Interns present their independent research project at a commencement event open to the entire research community.  A stipend will be provided.  The program runs June 1 to August 7, 2015.  Additional information is available on our website: http://www.research.chop.edu/programs/crissp/.

Applications will open in November. Up to 25 students will be accepted.

Independent internship

2. WorldCom Public Relations GroupScreen Shot 2014-10-08 at 9.56.28 PM

 

 

Tell Your Story: Jamie Lawlor, UD Communication Class of 2014

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Everyone loves stories. Learning from others, gaining insight, and sneaking a peak into someone’s life is all a part of the fun in Communication! We learn from others, whether it be through a blog post, a Tweet, a photo, or a face-to-face conversation. We constantly tell our stories and today, Jamie Lawlor, UD mass communication alumna from the Class of 2014, shares her’s.

Interested in telling your story? Email our independent study student, Keri Betters, today: kbetters@udel.edu

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What year did you graduate from the University of Delaware?

I graduated from UD in May 2014 with a major in mass communication, concentration in public relations and a minor in advertising! UD Comm photo

Where are you currently employed? 

I’m currently employed at AstraZeneca as Manager, External Communications in their Fort Washington, Pa. office (but their US headquarters are just a quick drive from UD in Wilmington, Del.)!

What are some of your every-day responsibilities?

This is actually only my first week on the job! I’ll be working with the company’s U.S. Diabetes business specifically and supporting the delivery of public relations strategy for the portfolio of diabetes brands. Just like any public relations job, there’s really no “typical day” and my responsibilities will range from developing external communications (like blogs or press releases), creating social media content, coordinating internal communications (such as Town Halls and videos), and supporting various other tasks to enhance the overall reputation of AstraZeneca’s diabetes franchise.

How did the University of Delaware prepare you for the workforce?

Starting out at UD, I really had no idea what I wanted to do. Ultimately, the plethora of diverse opportunities at UD helped me narrow it down to figure out what I wanted to do. I was exposed to so many activities and areas of study and when I discovered PRSSA, I realized that communication was the major for me. From there, I discovered my passion for the industry and was inspired to get internships and grow as a professional. The combination of UD’s education, variety of extracurriculars and the comm. department’s emphasis on internships really prepared me for the workforce.

As a longtime PRSSA-UD executive board member and last year’s PRSSA-UD president, what is one skill and/or experience that you’re thankful for post-grad? 

I’m so grateful that PRSSA-UD allowed me to emerge as a leader. Prior to getting involved with the organization, I was pretty timid and never saw myself as someone who could lead others. Through the opportunity to lead a group of peers, serve as a mentor to other members and be responsible for overseeing the success of a professional organization, I really discovered my ability to be assertive, accomplish goals and ultimately found out who I really am and what I want in life. Leadership is a valuable skill in any workplace and that experience will translate into every opportunity I pursue in my career.

From one Blue Hen to another, do you have any advice for current COMM students?

Do things outside of the classroom to supplement your education! The communication program is so amazing but it really helps when you add to that by getting involved in extracurricular activities, being a leader in an organization and having internships. It’s not enough to just have a degree – do something to set yourself apart.

What is one piece of advice you received that has helped you get to where you are today?

NETWORK! Building connections is one of the most important things you can do. The relationships I created through PRSSA led me directly to where I am today in my career – through that connection, I landed my internship at AstraZeneca, which led to my position now as a post-grad.

UD PRSSAWhat is a favorite memory from your college years? 

There are so many… But I’d say one of my favorites is when a group of us from PRSSA-UD traveled to Philadelphia for the PRSSA 2013 National Conference. It took endless hours of determination to raise the money to go and being able to finally get there showed me how our hard work paid off. We got to meet students from all over the country, attend amazing professional development sessions and even got to present about our Chapter to more than 200 peers. I felt really lucky to experience that and will never forget it!

What is a favorite memory from a Communications class you took and who was the professor?

Any day in Professor Bartoo’s Intro to Public Relations class! She brings such a fun energy to class, always keeps you on your feet and really challenges you to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to the real world.

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Tell Your Story: Elynsey Price, UD Communication Class of 2013

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Everyone loves stories. Learning from others, gaining insight, and sneaking a peak into someone’s life is all a part of the fun in Communication! We learn from others, whether it be through a blog post, a Tweet, a photo, or a face-to-face conversation. We constantly tell our stories and today, Elynsey Price, UD Communication alumna from the Class of 2013, shares her’s.

Interested in telling your story? Email our Independent Study student, Keri Betters, today:kbetters@udel.edu

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What year did you graduate from the University of Delaware?

Last year- 2013!

Where are you currently employed?  

I currently work as an Account Coordinator at Stanton Communications, a multi-specialty mid-sized Public Relations firm headquartered in Washington, DC. We serve corporations, industry associations and non-profit organizations throughout the US and abroad. We focus on education, energy, technology, health care, travel & tourism and industrial services sectors.

What are some of your every day responsibilities?

Every day I work closely with account managers and directors to execute public relations programs for our clients. I spend most of my time conducting outreach to journalists, media monitoring, coordinating interviews and briefings, assisting with event planning and developing content for social media platforms.

What is one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?

When I was younger, my dream job was to be an actress!

How did the University of Delaware prepare you for the workforce?

While I certainly had some great professors and classes at UD, I truly believe that PRSSA prepared me the most for the workforce. Between guest speakers, skill slams and many opportunities to be involved on the executive board, I feel as though I received a thorough understanding of what my future career path would be like after UD.

From one Blue Hen to another, do you have any advice for current COMM students?

Find the right balance between living in the moment and preparing yourself for the future. Enjoy your time at UD now (you have the rest of your life to worry about work!)- But also make sure you take small steps to make yourself a desirable future candidate. Companies are making a big investment when they hire you!

What is one piece of advice you received that has helped you get to where you are today?

“Never give up.”

What is a favorite memory from your college years? 

My favorite memory would have to be the priceless time I spent hanging out with my floor-mates freshman year. They turned out to be my best friends throughout college and even after graduation!

What is a favorite memory from a Communications class you took and who was the professor?

My favorite memory is whenever Professor Bartoo would give her infamous “Tip Time” In COMM309!

Will you be attending Alumni Weekend 2014? 

Yes, of course. I can’t wait!

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Tell Your Story: Abby Ecker, UD Communication Class of 2012

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Abby Ecker currently serves as the Connecting Director at The Journey Church in Newark, Del. Before coming into her role at The Journey, she spent a year and half as the public relations coordinator for ATI Physical Therapy’s East Coast division and developed and implemented the company’s progressive social media strategy. A 2012 graduate of the University of Delaware with a B.A. in Mass Communications, Abby served as the president of PRSSA-UD from 2010 through 2012 and led a team to present at the 2011 PRSSA National Conference.
Her work experience includes internships at the Delaware House of Representatives Democratic Caucus, Inside Out Creative Agency, Autism Delaware, American Cancer Society, and the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union. Forever a student of the digital age, Abby actively contributes to a variety of online publications about social media and public relations, and her work has been featured in USA Today College, Pitching Notes, Get Busy Media, the PRSSA National blog, and Start Networking Today. Abby is currently No. 5 on Jeremy Pepper’s “Future PR Pros To Watch” list and was recognized as one of the ”Top 100 Twitter Account Every Job Seeker Needs To Follow” by Youtern.com. In 2011, she received the PRSA National Government and Public Affairs Grant and was named a “Woman of Promise” by UD’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. Abby is currently serving her second term of the PRSA Delaware Board of Directors.
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What year did you graduate from the University of Delaware?

May 2012

Where are you currently employed?  

I currently work at The Journey as our Connecting and Church Development Director.

What are some of your every day responsibilities?

As our Connecting Director, I oversee all areas that deal with connecting people to The Journey. One of my main roles is communication and branding; I oversee all of our website and digital content writing, as well as social media strategy, management, and content development. From a leadership perspective, I oversee our small groups ministry, hospitality team, follow-up team, care team, and missions. On a regular day, I am working hard to empower and develop leaders in those key areas.

What is one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?

I absolutely love long-distance running, so they may be surprised to know I didn’t run at all up until about two years ago! I started training for my first half marathon in January 2012 and completed it five months later. In 2013, I took the plunge and finished my first full marathon. It’s definitely a new hobby for me, but I love it!

How did the University of Delaware prepare you for the workforce?

I don’t think I can say enough great things about UD! I absolutely loved my time as a student. I was able to blend a variety of classroom learning, undergraduate research, and real-world internships to graduate well-rounded and ready for the job search. I had a few great professors who took a personal interest in me and really mentored me throughout my years at UD.

From one Blue Hen to another, do you have any advice for current COMM students?

Get real world experience! It’s so important to go into the real world with a resume full of internships and related activities. UD offers great resources through the COMM Department and Career Services, but don’t feel limited. Go out and pursue what you want to do, and you’ll be surprised how many potential employers would love to have you as an intern or volunteer.

What is one piece of advice you received that has helped you get to where you are today?

Professor Bartoo shared so many important tidbits of wisdom with me in my time at UD, but one of the most important things she ever taught me was the difference between being assertive and being aggressive. I’m naturally a more passive person, but I also have a strong interest and love for leadership. Sometimes those two can be at odds with each other, but Professor Bartoo really showed me how to passionately pursue what I want while still being myself.

What is a favorite memory from your college years? 

I have to give just one?! It’s tough, but I think I’d have to go with attending the Joe Biden rally in October 2008. Biden, who was Delaware’s senior Senator at the time, came to UD four days before the presidential election for a rally. While I was walking through security, I had someone from the Secret Service stop me and ask if I would want to stand up on stage with now-Vice President Biden. Um, yes! I love political communication, so being at UD in 2008 was such an exciting time. Between having one former Blue Hen acting as campaign manager for President Obama and another for Sen. McCain, as well as Biden running as VP, Delaware was really the “epicenter” of politics!

What is a favorite memory from a Communications class you took and who was the professor?

Again, it’s hard to choose just one…but it’s pretty hard to beat Professor Dee’s rap from Media Law!

Will you be attending Alumni Weekend 2014? 

I just might! Thankfully I am still local, so I love being able to pop in and out of UD whenever I can.

abby ecker

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Tell Your Story: Jessica Bryk, UD Communication Class of 2011

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Everyone loves stories. Learning from others, gaining insight, and sneaking a peak into someone’s life is all a part of the fun in Communication! We learn from others, whether it be through a blog post, a Tweet, a photo, or a face-to-face conversation. We constantly tell our stories and today, Jessica Bryk, UD Communication alumna from the Class of 2011, shares her’s.

Interested in telling your story? Email our Independent Study student, Keri Betters, today: kbetters@udel.edu

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Jessica Bryk: BA, Communication 2011 (Minors: Advertising, Journalism)

What year did you graduate from the University of Delaware? December, 2011

Where are you currently employed?  

I am currently working as a freelance copywriter, under contract with a Wilmington, DE-based ad agency called Caspari McCormick.  I started working with them as an intern in February 2011, then began working there full-time after graduation.  In June of 2013, I approached my boss with a proposal that would allow me to move to Rhode Island and continue working for them as a contract copywriter.  Interestingly, the company has a number of clients in the New England area, so this worked out well for everyone.  But, my last day is actually this Friday and I will start work as a Marketing Coordinator at A/Z Corporation (North Stonington, CT) on Monday, March 24.

What are some of your every day responsibilities?

In my current position, I write, edit and proofread advertising copy for a variety of media.  One day I might be writing a technical brochure for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and the next I’ll be on a beach in Rhode Island helping to creative direct a commercial shoot for the Block Island Express Ferry.  Since Caspari McCormick is a small agency (6 full-time employees), I work very closely with the creative director.  Another big part of my job is proofreading proposals for prospective clients.

In my new job at A/Z Corporation, I will be working with the in-house marketing team, which will be a bit different.  The position will be more focused on editing proposals, with occasional event planning for trade shows and potentially writing copy for a new website.

What is one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?

As far as my career goes, people might be surprised to hear that I actually enjoy the more technical aspects, like proofreading and formatting. I’ve always considered myself a creative person, and while I do enjoy brainstorming and developing new ideas, it can get exhausting!  It’s hard to sit down and be expected to be funny or witty or insightful day after day.  Being able to bust out my red pen and look for typos – where there’s a definite right and wrong answer – is a nice break for me.

How did the University of Delaware prepare you for the workforce?

Probably the most influential part of my UD career was PRSSA.  I served as the Professional Development Director during my junior year – a position that put me in contact with alumni and local professionals.  I learned to plan large-scale networking events and that it’s completely okay (and encouraged!) to ask those who are successful in your field for advice. I also improved my professional writing skills in my ad/PR classes, learning to write news releases and proposals.

From one Blue Hen to another, do you have any advice for current COMM students?

Get involved in clubs outside of class!  Whether it’s PRSSA or the Blue Hen Marketing Club, some of the most marketable skills you will gain will come from actually getting hands-on.  And don’t just show up to the meetings – consider running for the executive board, or even see if you can do marketing or PR for your sorority or another club you’re interested in.

Check out Jessica’s portfolio: http://www.behance.net/jbryk

tell your story

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Celebrating 40 years as a Department.                                                                        Join the conversation with the hash-tag: #UDCOMM40