This past Wednesday, I had the great opportunity of
traveling to Milwaukee and meeting several public relations professionals. The
event involved professionals in the public relations field, interviewing and
being interviewed by fellow UW-Whitewater PR students. The event was located at
the Hudson Business Lounge (@HudsonMKE).
We first heard from Jeff Carrigan, founder and CMO
of Big Shoes
Network. Jeff talked about his website, but then gave us helpful facts about
job searching, and an example of a college student who made a great impression
on a hiring manager while interviewing.
My first interview was with Renee Vandlik(@rtv66). Renee is the owner of
The Advocacy Difference, which
serves Wisconsin non-profits. She asked me to describe myself, what I plan on
doing when I graduate, and what I ultimately would like to do in public
relations. Renee was really helpful because she pointed out some of my strong
interview points, but said I need to work on a more precise personal strength
statement.
During my second interview, with Chuck Weber, we
focused more on my experience with public relations. He helped point out what
sounded strong skills with organizations I have been involved in. He also taught
me that it’s an important interview tip that when asked a question, give a
complete statement, and then stop talking once I’ve said what has been asked,
instead of lingering on.
My informational interview was with Sarah Kikkert (@Sarah_Kikkert). Sarah is the Communications & Social Media Coordinator at Wisconsin State Fair. We discussed a lot
about media monitoring. I have only recently learned of the term, so Sarah
talked to me about what media monitoring consists of, some different media monitoring programs such as Cision, and how she uses media monitoring in
her position.
Overall, I think the networking event was a great success, and it helped
me immensely. The mock interviews made me realize I need to practice more than
I thought, and how important it is to be completely prepared when interviewing
for a position. A couple other things that the mock interviews taught me is to
start focusing on giving a clear answer when asked what my strengths are, and
that I need to not keep talking when I have made my point, or it can get me in
trouble.
I also felt that the professionals were great at giving interview advice and sharing their experience in order to give us a better idea of the PR world. I would have liked to talk to Sarah Kikkert since I didn't talk to any professionals that were really on the media side of PR both my professionals talked about the agency side of PR. Still though I also agree with you that this event prepared me for future interviews!
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting at how employers in the field of PR really value students that have done internships before. I have to admit, the mock interviews definitely made me realize that I can definitely step my game up! Definitely a productive evening
ReplyDeleteI also spoke with Sarah Kikkert. I thought she was very friendly and she made me feel really comfortable. I told her how I would love to work at the Wisconsin State Fair because it seems like a really exciting career. I also found media monitoring to be very interesting as well. I also agree with the event being a great success. I think we all took a lot away with us at this event and I would easily love to attend another one like this.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nikki's comment above, all the PR professionals were great at giving appropriate and critical advice that we can actually work on. I also like the tip about stopping after you answer the question because if you're nervous you could just ramble on forever.
ReplyDeleteWell done friend! The professionals were extremely helpful all around. I couldn't agree with you more. Jeff did an amazing job too. Good luck in the future! You'll do great in whatever you do!
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned the story that Jeff Carrigan told us about the student. That student sure is an overachiever, he gave wonderful examples and advice. Good speech in the matter of 15 minutes.
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