The
PEAK Weber State University - Ogden Peak Communication - PRSSA
President Shaquille Heath
Vice President Camille Twitchell
Account Executive Digital/Social Editor Publications Editor Laycee Moss Christa Lindley Chelbie Hunger
WILDCAT PRSSA ATTENDS NATIONAL CONFERENCE: TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS
PEEK INSIDE THE PEAK:
This year, Weber State University sent PRSSA students to the National PRSSA Conference for the first time. I was among the three fortunate executive staff members to attend this year’s conference in Washington DC. Along with having a great time; there are five conference takeaways I would like to share with other future PR professionals:
Recap: October PRSA Luncheon
1. Writing Skills MatterI know we have heard this time and time again from our professors. However, it really sunk in how important professional writing skills actually are at the conference. Every seminar stressed the importance of Christa Lindley knowing AP style and being capable of writing across various mediums.
By Rebeca Leger
Interviewing Do’s and Dont’s By Jamie Hamilton
Student Spotlight: Courtney Keeffer PR Problems in the Gaming Industry
By Stetson Smith
2. Network, Network, NetworkEach presenting PR professional at the conference talked about a common theme; they got to where they are because of previous networking. Whether someone they knew helped them land their dream job, or they were able to get something published for a client because they knew a journalist, each speaker stressed the importance of making lasting connections. 3. Make Your Internship CountI know that it is tempting to take the easy way out and have an uncle sign off on your internship for running his company Facebook
page. However, the conference showed me that a great internship can help you make life-changing connections and get your foot in the door with a company you may want to work for. Some PR firms only hire starting positions from their pool of interns. 4. Public Relations is Needed in ALL Industries- From fashion to healthcare, every organization deserves a talented PR professional on their side. This is great news! If your passion is clean energy, you can utilize your PR education in this field. If you don’t have one set passion but enjoy variety, working in a traditional PR agency with a diverse client base could be an ideal fit. 5. Utilize PRSSA Resources- If you are already a PRSSA member, then you have access to national resources to help accelerate you into your career. Along with preparing you with an education, being a PRSSA member gives you great networking opportunities at events like the luncheons and regional conferences. Scholarship money is available and you also have access to internship and job postings at www.prssa.org. FALL VOLUME III, November 2014
Megan Crandall Speaks at October PRSA Luncheon: Teaches About Crisis Management Megan Crandall, external affairs chief executive for to public disapproval. Some important key points the Bureau of Land Management, shared that Crandall addressed regarding her personal expevaluable information with some rience with crisis in a company are to: be prepared, of our PRSSA members at the be available, be credible and act appropriately. She PRSA October luncheon. also discussed three important key points to regard The presentation was called after a crisis, which are: recovery, resilience and Weathering the Storm: preparation for the next storm. “Our employees are our Communication, The biggest takeaway from largest and most Planning, Survival and the luncheon is to Resilience. important stakeholders, remember that every Crandall discussed the made as a therefore reputations decision importance of effective public relations practitioner Rebeca Leger matter.” crisis management and should be ethical and -Megan Crandall resolution. honest, and that reputation Every company, client and organization with a client or employee is will be faced with crisis of all types, and public rela- significantly important. “Our employees are our tions practitioners need to develop strong crisis largest and most important stakeholders, therefore management skills and be able to react appropriately reputations matter” said Crandall.
The 7 Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing: You have the perfect resume and you’ve landed an interview your dream job. Here are some “do’s and don’ts” to help you prepare for the interview:
Do:
Don’t:
1. Take extra time to get ready and ensure your dress
1. Lie on job applications or resumes. Don’t miss out on the perfect job due to dishonesty.
2. Research the company, and be ready with specific questions. Show the interviewer that you care about the company personally and want to be a part of it.
2. Wear distracting jewelry or makeup. You want your interviewer to focus on your responses rather than to be distracted.
is proper for the job.
3. Arrive to your interview at least 10 to 15 minutes early. 4. Be courteous and polite to everyone that you encounter. You always want positive first impressions.
Jamie Hamilton
5. Know your interviewers name, and address them appropriately (Mr., Ms.).
6. Ask for clarification on any questions as necessary, and avoid answering questions with only a “yes” or “no” response.
7.
Always thank interviewers for their time and shake their hand as you leave the interview.
3. Chew gum or smell like smoke. Brush your teeth and have a mint before the interview instead. 4. Assume that a female interviewer is “Mrs.” or “Miss.” Instead address as “Ms.” 5. Be negative about previous employers. In fact, these are the exact people who can convince the new company to hire you! 6. Focus solely on salary. Make it clear to your interviewer that you are interested in the company.
7. Sound too desperate for a job. Instead show your con-
fidence and make the interviewer believe that they desperately need you.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be soft-spoken. A strong voice will demonstrate confidence.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Courtney Keeffer Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Public Relations? When I was little, my dad was in charge of all communications for the military post we lived on. He ran the television station, radio station, newspaper and all public relations communications. I always thought I would go into journalism, but after experiencing how my high school newspaper environment, I quickly learned I didn’t like just gathering information and regurgitating it. I discovered I wanted to build and cultivate relationships with people. That’s when I decided PR was the field for me.
Age: 21 Graduating: Spring 2015 Fav. Food: Steak Fav. Movie: She’s The Man
What are the essential skills a PR professional should have? Being able to communicate effectively: whether it’s writing, speaking, design or anything else you my need. Another important skill is being able be organized and self motivated.
Who is one of your role models? One of my role models is my dear sweet mother. She has been through so much adversity and tribulation in her life and is still the best, nicest, most loving person I know. She is definitely a person I try to emulate.
What has been your favorite experience at Weber State University? My favorite experience in college was being able to run on the Weber State University cross country and track teams. I learned so many things and made great relationships from running with such amazing women. I wouldn’t give that up for the world.
Come on Wildcats,
Join the PRowl! www.weberstateprssa.com
Top 3 PR Problems Facing The Gaming Industry
The gaming industry has millions of customers and is growing rapidly. In 2013 alone, the industry made 10 billion dollars and is on track to make even more in 2014, with the next generation console releases. Although this might sound like a lucrative business, keep these three issues you would need to face as gaming PR professional in mind: 1. Sexism in Video Games - Lately many people have been frustrated with the lack of female protagonists in games. Also, Utah State University had Anita Sarkeesian, a speaker for feminism in gaming, cancel her speech due to a school massacre threat. The sexism controversy has been labeled as “Gamergate.� The gaming industry is trying to combat this by letting players choose their gender when creating a character. 2. Keeping Up with Next Consoles - This has proven to be a problem, especially because the newest consoles are less than a year old. Video game companies have difficulties being able to utilize the full capabilities of the consoles before a new one is released. Stetson Smith
Consoles are engineered to last about seven years, therefore, console gamers have much to look forward to with the lasting capabilities. The gaming industry will prolong the release of a next generation console if they still feel there are more capabilities to be tapped into with the current model. Unfortunately, most gamers look at superficial gameplay, such as graphics, to judge a console rather than the scripts and processors it takes to run the games. 3. Creating complete games - The industry also has issues creating games that work great on the release day. Battlefield 4 was notorious for being almost unplayable, with servers being dropped. Some games have necessary updates from day one. Medal of Honor Advanced Warfighter is an example of this issue. Video games such as Driveclub and Battlefield Hardline are examples of games that learned to push back the original release date.
OGDEN PEAK COMMUNICATIONS FIRM, FALL 2014
From Left to Right - Front Row Seated: Camille Twitchell, Shaquille Heath Second Row: Matthew Norman, Zoe Hall, Laycee Moss, Chelbie Hunger, Christa Lindley, Jamie Hamilton, Courtney Keeffer Back Row: Shaun Wilson, Melissa Reese, Stetson Smith, Briana Drandakis, Rachel Koch, Megan Flint Missing from Photo: Dr. Nicola Corbin, Grant Dellow, Rebeca Leger