Meet your new executive board

This year’s executive board election was neck-and-neck.   The results were very close with a record number of members running for positions.  As a graduating executive board member, it was exciting to see our chapter grow this year and bring in new talent for next year.

Congratulations to our new executive team!

• President — Genevieve Krier (2008-2009 Communication Director, Spring 2008 Vice President)
• Vice President — Megan McIntyre (2008-2009 Newsletter Editor)
• Firm Directors — Paul Spooner (Spring 2009 Firm member) and Tina Larson (Fall 2008 co-Firm Director)
• Communication Director — Natalie Dubs (Spring 2009 co-Firm Director)
• Public Relations Director — Brittney Wichtendahl
• Newsletter editor — Danette Kapler
• Secretary — Shannon Kane (Spring 2009 Public Relations Director)
• Finance Director — Kelsey Thortsen
• Social Media and Web Editor — Kelly Trettin (Spring 2009 Relay For Life Account Executive, Firm Committee)
• Marketing Director — Hannah Lee

We are still looking to fill the Historian/Alumni Relations position.  If interested, please contact Tegan Zimmerman with your intent to run.  We will hold elections at meeting on Wednesday, April 29.

There were many wonderful candidates and only so many positions to fill.  There are still plenty of ways you can get involved if you didn’t get the position you wanted.  Volunteer on our various committees, write for our newsletter or blog, or propose an idea to an exec member.  We are always looking for new ideas and ways to grow as a chapter.

– Caroline Jones

‘Freezin’ for a Reason!’ Special Olympics Polar Plunge

On Saturday, March 28, the University of Iowa PRSSA firm participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.  The tagline, “freezin’ for a reason!” rang true: it was cold.  The last few weeks of March had been surprisingly warm for Iowa standards, yet the one day we decided to jump in the Coralville lake, it was snowy and cold.  Despite my disdain for cold weather, I can say we all had a great time.  Our team costume theme was 80’s and special kudos to Sarah Washler, Allie Howarth and Paul Spooner who demonstrated the most team spirit!

From top left: Allie Howarth, Stephanie Block, Sarah Washler, Paul Spooner, Megan McIntyre, Caroline Jones, Natalie Dubs, Natalie's roommate

PRSSA is proud to have helped Special Olympics Iowa raise more than $33,000 in donations that went to help fund the Special Olympics competition in Iowa City.  This is an event I hope our Firm continues to remain actively involved with.

– Caroline Jones

Spring agency tour a valuable opportunity

On Friday April 10, more than 20 of UI’s PRSSA members descended upon Chicago for a day of invaluable learning and guidance from some of the PR industry’s top agencies.  Although we are lucky to gain useful insight from an industry professional every other Wednesday evening at our regular meetings, the experience of actually visiting an office and being able to chat with the person to whom we may be applying for a job someday is an exceptional opportunity.  The following advice is composed of notes I jotted down while listening to professionals at Fleishman-Hillard and Ketchum.

At Fleishman-Hillard, Account Supervisor Kate Murphy, one of the University of Iowa’s own, shared five tips for getting in the door:

1)     Know your competition—think about the other candidates who will be applying for the same job as you and find a way to stand out from the crowd.
2)    Highlight transferrable skills—writing, researching, media experience.  If you’ve done it, make sure your potential employer knows that you have a strong knowledge of these highly versatile skills.
3)    Demonstrate hands-on experience—again, if you’ve had experience that will be useful in your new job, don’t be shy about letting your future employer know.
4)    PROOFREAD—all application materials should be proofread; get a second, and even a third, opinion.
5)    Be prepared to present yourself in person— do plenty of research on the organization beforehand and when you show up for an interview be enthusiastic, curious, and prepared to ask informed questions.

Later in the day, PRSSA paid a visit to Ketchum.  As anyone who has ever applied for a job knows, organizational skills are key.  The insight of Account Supervisor Abby Berg-Hammond taught PRSSA that while anyone can say they are organized, here is how you can show it:

1)    After you’ve landed your interview, confirm the date and time for it anywhere from one week to two days ahead of time.
2)    Arrive early for your interview.
3)    Be sure to bring professional copies of your resume, portfolio and any other application materials.  If possible, bring a copy of these materials that you can leave with the organization; otherwise, kindly explain that you need to take it with you.
4)    Send a thoughtful follow-up note after your interview.

Follow the above tips and you may be well on your way to landing that dream job or internship!

– Kelly Trettin

Be Careful What You Tweet For…

Twitter is a great tool for connecting with friends and others about topics of interest. Needless to say, Twitter is becoming more and more  integrated  into our lives and the media.

While Twitter is terrific, it is important to remember that what you post is public- don’t tweet inappropriate things, especially about your employers. 

Check out this article from MSNBC.com- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796962/

While it is awesome living a more digital lifestyle than our parents, don’t let it come back to haunt you.