#UDcommFUN: Summer 2015 Communications Internship: YES NETWORK, LLC

The YES Network is the exclusive television home of the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Nets. YES, which has earned 346 Emmy Award nominations and 80 Emmy Awards since its 2002 launch, also televises original biography, interview and magazine programs, in addition to college sports. The company has been named the seventh-most valuable sports business brand in the world the past three years by Forbes.

Timeframe: May-August 2015

Pay: $10/hour

Location: Manhattan, New York

Submit resume to interns@yesnetwork.com, with “Summer 2015 Communications Intern” written in the Subject line

JOB DESCRIPTION

  • Work directly with the Vice President, Communications in the publicizing of the business and on-air activities of the YES Network
  •  Fulfill internal and external information requests
  • Review and identify newsworthy passages within YES shows for publicity purposes
  • Research and identify possible stories and other exposure opportunities for YES and its senior executives
  • Research, write and edit press releases, biographies, fact sheets, awards competition submissions and other press materials
  • Manage online media database and photo library
  • Research and maintain YES and industry ratings databases
  • Manage daily and ongoing article filing system

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be a matriculating undergraduate student
  • Must be able to commute to YES’ New York City office
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary
  • Must possess excellent office demeanor
  • Must be meticulous, professional, responsive and resourceful
  • Must know how to conduct research over the Internet
  • Must be proficient in Word and Excel
  • Working knowledge of the business of sports, television and new media is preferred
  • Must have a genuine interest in the communications/public relations field

#UDcomm318 – Students Take Social Media By Storm

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: 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

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

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.

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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