Tag Archives: tell your story

#UDcommFUN: Internship Opportunity with Bellevue Communications Group

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Bellevue Communications Group (Bellevue) seeks candidates for semester-long internships in our Philadelphia office.  This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-paced public relations firm with extensive connections to regional media outlets and business interests.  Interns will work closely with professional staff on client services such as drafting press releases and media advisories, making story pitches, follow-up calls, managing social media, attending press events and more.  Additionally, interns will work on long-term projects involving research and analytical thinking for both Bellevue’s general operations and client specific needs.

Ideal candidates will be undergraduate or graduate communications majors with an interest corporate and government relations.  Every effort is made to tailor internships to the specific skills and interests of each candidate.  Internships are typically part-time (20 hours/week) for three-month terms.  All internships with Bellevue are UNPAID, but students may seek college credit for their time.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter describing your interests to Alex Styer, Account Executive, at astyer@bellevuepr.com.  No phone calls please.

About Bellevue Communications Group:
Bellevue Communications Group (Bellevue) is a full-service public relations firm specializing in media relations, crisis communications and issue management.  Bellevue was created in a joint venture with S. R. Wojdak & Associates, and Bellevue draws on Wojdak’s long-standing reputation as one of the preeminent lobbying and government relations firms in Pennsylvania.  Bellevue is committed to the development of strategic, carefully tailored communications that put a premium on getting results for the client.

#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

Tell Your Story: Chelsey Rodowicz, 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, 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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#UDcommFUN: Sydney Scheiner’s Summer Experience as an Orientation Leader

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It’s plain and very simple. Being a 2014 Orientation Leader has thus far been the greatest experience of my life. I didn’t expect this. I expected to have been fortunate enough to be hired to wave foam fingers in people’s faces. I thought I was getting paid to be (borderline obnoxiously) energetic about UD.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Being an OL was the most transformative, unparalleled and beautiful experience I have ever had and I was fortunate enough to do it with 21 incredible student leaders by my side. It was exhausting, but worth it, frightening, but challenging, and a yearlong journey, but over in a blink. Here are the top 5 things I learned throughout my time as an OL.

5. Orientation Leaders can have the same effect on each other that coffee does. We were up every morning at 5am. That’s right. At Trabant by 6:15. We had a morning meeting, we had our ritual pump-up chant and then we ate breakfast. By 7:15 we were expected to be in “Orientation Mode.” That would be: smiles on, energy way up, and ready to literally dance outside as a way to greet the students and families. A common question we got was, “How much coffee did you drink this morning?” The answer was always, “None. This is just our job.” Being surrounded by the OL’s created perpetual energy. We all fed off of each other and it never ran out. When one of us was slightly down, someone would swoop in and pick them back up. As a whole, we were a well-oiled machine crafted to create energy.

4. There’s something called the Fishbowl Effect. When you take on a leadership role (especially one where you meet all 4,000 incoming freshman), you are surrendering yourself to the Fishbowl Effect. This is the effect of everyone in the room watching you, even when you think no one is. The OL’s wear bright gold polo’s, so you really can’t miss us. We had to be aware that probably at any given moment, there was at least one pair of eyes on us. Those could be the eyes of our fellow Leaders, a student, or maybe a parent. Embracing the Fishbowl Effect has had a lasting impression on me. I’m now more aware of my everyday actions, like what I post on social media or how I express my opinions. The fun thing about being an OL is that we knew this, so we wanted all eyes on us so we could represent UD the best way we could.

3. There are a lot of meals you can make with chicken. After our first two weeks of training, we were left on our own for dinner. This was the first time I had to truly cook meals for myself. It’s pretty simple: Go on Pintrest. Bake at 350. Add asparagus or something.

2. Other people share your thoughts, and even your fears. We had this amazing thing called Retreat. You may have been on one before. What I learned at the OL retreat is that I am not alone, and therefore, neither is anyone else. I was able to share stories with my team because I knew they could identify with me. Some people told me they were feeling the same way I did, for example, about the pressures of being a leader. This was one of the first times I expressed some feelings I had with a group of people and what I have taken away from it is that I’ll never be afraid to share feelings again. There are people who are feeling the same way you are. It sounds cliché, but you truly will never know you are not alone until you consciously choose not to be. I was so pleasantly surprised by the responses I got and it truly changed my life.

Finally…

5. Trust the process. This would probably be the most important thing I learned during my time as an OL. I used to find myself thinking about the third step before I even completed the first, resulting only in me being overwhelmed. Worry only about the first thing you need to complete and then progress from there. You don’t always need to know the end result. If people you trust surround you, then trust that what you are doing will turn out the way it is meant to. Trust your co-workers, trust your instincts.

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Sydney Scheiner is a junior, Interpersonal Communications Major from Old Bridge, NJ. She is one of the Student Coordinators for the Office of New Student Orientation, a Blue Hen Ambassador and also serves as the Program Director for the University of Delaware Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America. She loves anything related to coffee or music.

Want to apply to be an Orientation Leader?
Applications are now available at www.udel.edu/students/nso/
Applications close at 4:00pm on October 15th. 
 
For more information, stop by the kiosk in Trabant from 11-2 on Tuesday, October 14th.

 

#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.