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

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

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

Tell Your Story: Chelsey Rodowicz, UD Communication Class of 2014

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, Chelsey Rodowicz, UD interpersonal 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 in 2014. I miss it already!

Where are you currently employed?
I am working for Ogilvy Public Relations in San Francisco in their technology practice.
What are some of your daily responsibilities?
So many different things. I create media lists, draft pitches, staff calls with clients, pitch media, plan events, write briefing documents for our clients, work on coverage reports for announcements, and so much more. The great thing is it changes every day!
What is one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?
I’m not sure if it’s really a surprising thing about me, because I’m not too quiet about it, but I love languages. I’m making it a goal to be fluent in at least two additional languages at some point in my life. Ideally, I would be able to speak Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German and Polish, but I’m not sure how realistic that is.
How did the University of Delaware prepare you for the workforce?
At UD, there are so many resources for students to utilize. I think taking advantage of all of the networking and professional development opportunities that PRSSA offered really helped jet set me into public relations. I keep thinking about how I got to where I am today and it truly all started from Fall Activities Night freshman year when I found out about PRSSA.
As a longtime PRSSA-UD executive board member and a past PRSSA-UD president, what is one skill/experience that you’re thankful for post-grad?
I’m thankful for so many of the experiences that I got to have through PRSSA-UD and each one has had a hand in launching my career. However, I think my favorite experience and most memorable would be when Grace Leong came to speak at one of our meetings my freshman year. After hearing her explain what Hunter PR does and really what it actually means to work in public relations, I felt that spark, the light bulb lit up, whatever cliche term you want to use. It just hit me that this is what I want to do.
From one Blue Hen to another, do you have any advice for current COMM students?
Aside from joining PRSSA, which was instrumental for me, I’d say it’s best to try everything out if you can. If you’re in Mass Comm, try taking an Interpersonal elective and vice versa. The great thing about COMM, and sometimes the downfall, is that the opportunities post-grad are endless with this degree. To get some direction, it’s best to try a little bit of everything and see where your heart lays.
What is one piece of advice that you received that has helped you get where you are today?
I think the one piece of advice that I kept reminding myself of throughout my college years was “do what you love.” It sounds so cheesy at first but I think it is so impactful on your wellbeing. If you’re spending 60 hours a week working at a job that you love, you will be much happier than if you were working 40 hours a week at a job you hated. And I found what I love, and I feel very blessed and lucky to have been able to do so.
What is a favorite memory from your college years?
How can I even choose one? I loved college! When I think back, I have so many great memories – from classes, to conferences, to time well spent with my best friends. Gosh, I’m starting to feel nostalgic! One of my favorite (and saddest) times was graduation. It’s breathtaking to be on the Tubby Raymond field with thousands of your fellow underclassmen and your family in the stands. I felt more accomplished, proud, excited, nervous [insert essentially any emotion here] in that moment than I have ever felt before.
What is a favorite memory from a Communications class and who was the professor?
Where do I start? It was an absolute pleasure to have every single Communication professor that I had. I’m going to break the rules and provide three favorite memories – two with Danna Young and one with Scott Caplan.
So we all take the COMM245 class with Danna (if you’re a declared COMI already), and you find out how truly hilarious she is. I think now that she’s tenured I can tell this story… She was a little bit late to one of our classes one day, only by about 5 minutes or so. She comes in out of breath and apologizes profusely for being late. Dr. Young then goes on to say she got pulled over on her way to class (at the dreaded speed limit change on 273) and I think she was going something like 55 in the 25. She was just trying to get to class! I can’t remember the exact outcome if she was able to talk her way out of it or not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she did. Another one with Dr. Young was in her persuasion class. We were discussing affirmative listeners and she called out myself and another girl in the class, Jess Klein, as being affirmative listeners meaning that we show our understanding and attention by nodding, saying “mhm,” etc. while in class. To this day I still catch myself doing it (Thanks, Danna!).
Another memory is from Dr. Caplan’s Communication and Conflict class. I don’t think any other class taught me so much about myself. I don’t think there is one specific memory from the class but I just know that was one of my favorites. I was going through a bit of a rough time that year and his class really helped me get a grasp on how to handle the situation. I’m sure I’ll be analyzing conflict situations for years to come!

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Celebrating 40 years as a Department.

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Communications internship with Human Ecology Foundation

The Human Ecology Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic student to take the lead in the development of web and social media based campaigns for The Human Ecology Foundation.

To collaborate with the HEF board and develop strategies to heighten the public awareness of HEF in high schools and with non-profit organizations. A solid understanding of web-based platforms for application and installation of online courses using Moodle, RCampus, Learnopia or comparable platform. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office/PowerPoint, database experience, along with the ability to develop short videos and YouTube initiatives designed to enhance the awareness of the HEF program and create interest for the online course and education materials. Ability to compose and edit written materials. Must possess organizational skills and attention to detail. This is a part-time position that may develop into a full time job.

When applying, please submit a one-page cover letter and your resume as one document. Also, please provide names, addresses and telephone number of at least three references.

 

Mike Carney
Executive Director
Human Ecology Foundation
302-562-7653
mcarney7959@gmail.com
http://www.humanecologyfoundation.org

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

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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Celebrating 40 years as a Department.

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#UDCommFUN: Internship with Seventeen Magazine

Calling all interns! Seventeen is looking for Winter Marketing Interns in New York City.

See below for details and how to apply!

SEVENTEEN – MARKETING INTERNSHIP 
(Winter 2014 Term, For Credit / Unpaid) seventeen

Details:
-Will train with the Creative Services Managers and marketing staff at Seventeen on project-based advertiser proposals and program executions (e.g., creating custom blog posts, sweepstakes, videos, photo shoots, etc. for advertisers)
-May attend informational “Lunch and Learns” with the Seventeen Editor in Chief, Ann Shoket, Seventeen Publisher, Jayne Jamison, and members of the Seventeen Marketing and Advertising teams
-Assist with organizing and executing promotional events (e.g., casting models, stylists, photographers, etc. for advertiser, mall and campus events)
-Assist with organizing promotional event collateral (cover blow ups, gift bags, counter signage, etc.)
-Assist with Seventeen’s contest and sweepstakes execution (e.g., contacting winners and organizing prizing)
-Help manage Seventeen’s online promotional listings with staff
-Assisting with the upkeep of the Seventeen’s promotional social media sites, including our Style Pro Facebook page and promotional YouTube channel
-Help research and brainstorm with the Marketing team for upcoming promotional programs

NOTE: All intern applicants must be enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college and be able to receive college credit for the internship. The Seventeen Marketing internship is an unpaid internship opportunity.

-If interested, please forward your resume, cover letter, and dates of availability in the winter to simparato@hearst.com.

 Please include answers to following questions in the body of your email (NOTE: there is no minimum or maximum word limit to your responses).
-Have you ever read Seventeen? If so, what is your favorite thing about the magazine? If not, why not?
-Articulate your interest in marketing and advertising.
-What ad campaign/promotion has stuck in your head recently and made you think about and/or purchase a product? Why?
-What challenges do you believe face the magazine publishing industry today, and in what ways do you think these challenges can be conquered?
-Why do you feel like you would be an ideal candidate for a Seventeen Marketing Internship?