#FridayFive: How I got a job 24 hours BEFORE I graduated

Yes, you read correctly. I received a job offer from a great company literally a day before I was to walk across the stage. But hold on to your hats, because this story gets even more twisted. The job I was offered was a job I never even applied for!

So I know you’re wondering … How did this happen!!!??? Well in this post I will reveal that information and much more.  There are five essentials that I feel helped me to accomplish what most would call unthinkable in 2012. Take this advice to heart because it’s all from my experience and seemed to work pretty well.

Networking – Tell everyone you know (and people you don’t know) about your passion for whatever it is you’re passionate about. You never know whom someone else knows and could connect you with. Post it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin everywhere! Reach out to people who do what you want to do and talk to them about it! Trust me! They want to know you and share their knowledge.  

Resilience – This is a characteristic that is essential in any career and is helpful to anyone looking for a job. Looking for a first job is going to be difficult and stressful. I can remember nights in my last semester of school where I would apply for 5-10 jobs (not even having a degree) and beat myself up about not hearing back. Although, my case is extreme this shows my dedication to wanting a job. If there’s something you want in life don’t let internal or external forces stop you. Be resilient and you’ll be success. Read this post about resilience: http://www.reasonedpr.com/blog/promance-thoughts-from-guest-blogger-graduating-senior-james-burge/

Confidence – You know what you know, so show it in your interview. Make an extra effort to bring up skills and knowledge you have, even if the interviewer doesn’t bring those up. My number one piece of advice is BE YOURSELF during the interview! The person you are during the interview is the person they want to work with if they hire you. Start the way you want to finish.   

Innovation/Creativity - Do something no one else is doing. Think outside the box. In an effort to not be cliché, I’m basically saying create your own persona and don’t copy others. For me, this meant branding myself. By branding myself, I communicated two different skills. I showed my future employer that I am aware of the importance of consistency in branding and that I can do the same for his/her company. See my online portfolio: www.jamesburgepr.com

A Team – The old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child” is very true. When you’re trying to reach your dreams, or even when trying to figure out what those dreams are, a team of supporters is the most valuable asset you can have. These people will edit your resume, call/email you about new job openings they know of, and even provide an ear for you to vent about how you haven’t heard anything back or when you receive bad news. Your team is your core group that will offer you all the things you can’t do for yourself. 

#FridayFive: Things I wish I knew when I graduated

You are not a bum or a loser if you move home. Whether it is in the hometown where you grew up or a brand new city, moving home will give you a firm launching pad to job search, relax a bit and decide what you want to do next. Plus, half of your friends are doing the exact same thing so don't feel alone.

Do not know your next step? It's okay.  After reading multiple Gen-Y blogs and crying myself to sleep, I figured out it's fine to not have it all figured out. Your parents may be hounding your butt to know what you want to do. When they graduated college, they had a great economy to go into. We do not. Reality check to your parents! You are not alone in this feeling; a lot of new graduates are going through this.

Speak up. You have a passion? Bring it into your conversations as you introduce yourself to new people. "What do you want to do?" (A common question for new grads.). Originally, I was scared to admit my passion. But now when I am talking with people, it comes up organically. Doors have opened up for me to pursue that passion just by having conversations and talking openly with people. Passion for fashion? Talk about it. Passion for children? Talk about it. Pursue avenues to be able to tell people about your passions, you never know who will be that door into an exciting adventure.

Get Community. If you are moving back to your hometown and feel like the only one, or are moving to a new city where you know no one, get out there and meet some people. Having friends who are similar in age or share the same passion will make this transition period much easier. I moved to a new city out of the country to live with my parents. It took me 6 months of being persistent and proactive to have a semblance of a social life. Another great resource is your alumni organization within your university. Contact them and see what events they're planning, jobs they may know about or to see if they know of anyone who is working in the field you are passionate about.

Go easy on yourself. Give yourself some grace and slack for the different emotions that spring up after graduating from college. Unless you are going straight into a masters program, you are finally done with school after it has consumed 15+ years of your life. There is such a thing as a quarter-life crisis. Google it. It is normal to have differing feelings about moving on with your life and to fear the unknown. Now stop giving yourself such a hard time and embrace this new journey!

Is there something you wish you knew when you graduated that you have since learned?

Internship Opportunity with Local PR Firm & The BIG move!

Upon their announcement of their move to the downtown area our friends at Red Energy PR are looking for some new interns! Below is the announcement about their soon to be new office space and also the internship opportunity.

"After an exhaustive search for the best location in the 80903 (downtown) area, I have found a professional building on the corner of Tejon and East St. Vrain. It has just 5 tenants (attorneys, interior designers, architects). Red Energy will occupy 1/2 of the second floor in our own executive suite. The building is a historic landmark and has beautiful restored antique woodwork inside and large sunny windows. The streets are well kept and many of the nearby businesses are historic stone churches..so they are only busy on Sundays!

We will be 1/2 a block from all of the downtown restaurants and shops down Tejon. The suite we are moving in to is better suited for our growth than our current location, as it has a private restroom, a furnished conference room, 3 separate offices and an enclosed sun porch. "

Congratulations Red Energy! 

Red Energy Public Relations, Marketing & Events is currently interviewing for Spring and Summer interns. If interested in a Spring internship for credit we have enough client work that we can "catch you up" this semester to get credit starting now. Clients include shopping, food & beverage, non-profit, sports, products, finance and healthcare. Internships are unpaid and require 10- 15 hours per week. Contact us today if interested, interviews are going on through the middle of next week. www.RedEnergyPR.com

Congratulations Red Energy! 

What Big Brands Know Internship

About What Big Brands Know: 

What Big Brands Know Internship

What Big Brands Know is a company founded by Gerry O'Brion, a marketing executive who is now a speaker, author, and team development coach. The What Big Brands Know keynote address and guidebook translate the strategies used by billion dollar brands into techniques that businesses of all sizes can use to grow and thrive. Gerry has deep experience in marketing and strategy having worked with billion dollar companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coors, Quiznos and Red Robin. 

The Internship: 

Gerry is seeking an intern to aid in the development and growth of the company. The intern will be working directly with Gerry to Idette, research and develop the annual marketing plan. The objective is to book speaking engagements and other coaching work. In addition, the intern will take the lead in implementing several parts of the marketing plan such as executing a re-launch of the website (WhatBigBrandsKnow.com), Facebook page and YouTube channel. Finally, the intern may be involved with refining the What Big Brands Know Guidebook, and helping create a new DVD program.
The intern should be excited to work with a seasoned marketing executive who is launching a new venture. There is little structure and no checklist for success. Much of the work will center around understanding the challenge, research and brainstorming possible solutions, recommending a course of action, and then working to implement the plan. The intern will work in a very collaborative and informal environment and most of the work will be completed from your home.
The internship may include travel to one of Gerry's spring speaking engagements. 

Intern Qualifications:

• •   Ability to learn quickly, brainstorm solutions, and make recommendations.
• •   Ability to research, consolidate information and propose a course of action.
• •   Ability to write and communicate clearly and effectively.
• •   Professional attitude and approach.
• •   Ability to self-start and work in an informal situation.
• • Desire to learn from and work with an experienced marketing executive on a new venture.
• •   Experience with social media.
  Details:
  

• •   This internship is unpaid, but could lead to paid work in the future.
• •   We can structure this internship to help you qualify course credit. You will have to work with your internship advisor to determine what you'll need to do to qualify.
• •   The working hours are flexible. Expect 5 to 15 hours per week.
• •   The timing is flexible. It would be ideal to marry with spring semester - Jan through May.
  
  Contact Information 
  
  Please send a cover letter and resume to Gerry O'Brion at gerry@WhatBigBrandsKnow.com
  

Colorado AIDS Project Red Ball Event Internship!

Colorado AIDS Project Red Ball Event Internship Description

Internship runs from November 4-December 9

Deadline to submit: Monday, October 31 at 5 p.m.

About Red Ball: Igniting Awareness for World AIDS Day

Red Ball is a hip, chic and ultra-contemporary alternative fashion and outrageous hair show that features collaborations between local fashion designers and salons, as well as a fiery cocktail reception, amazing entertainers, a substantial silent auction and special guests. The event takes place three days after World AIDS Day and is intended to raise awareness around HIV/AIDS. Last year’s 2^nd annual Red Ball grew by leaps and bounds over the inaugural event in 2009, doubling attendance and creating a positive buzz in the community. The event is quickly becoming the “it” fashion event in Denver for people to see and be seen.

The 3^rd annual Red Ball takes place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 4 at EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver, CO 80205.

Funds raised at Red Ball support services provided by Colorado AIDS Project and its mission to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and provide for those affected by the disease. For more information, visit our event website at www.redballdenver.org or the Colorado AIDS Project website at www.coloradoaidsproject.org.

Internship Description

The Red Ball committee seeks a public relations intern to assist in increasing awareness about Red Ball and World AIDS Day among key influencers and publics with the end goal of increasing ticket sales and educating the public about the mission of Colorado AIDS Project.

The intern will be required to use several social media tools to disseminate messages and also may be asked to write news releases and other content for multiple platforms and audiences. The intern will also assist in follow-up tasks during the week after the event.

The intern is required to work an average of 10 hours/week. The workload is likely to increase as the event approaches, and the intern must be available to attend the event. Scheduling of weekly hours is flexible. Much of the work can be done away from the office; however, the intern should be available to attend meetings in Denver in the lower highlands neighborhood and in other locations as needed.

Please check with your internship advisor to determine whether you can receive course credits for this internship.

Intern Qualifications

All applicants must meet the following qualifications.

-       Possess superb writing and editing skills.

-       Exhibit a professional attitude and approach to all work and people.

-       Exhibit knowledge of and experience in social media.

-       Exhibit creativity in delivering messages to audiences through non-traditional channels.

-       Pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree in communications, public relations, marketing or some related degree.

-       Interest in nonprofits, media relations, special events, social media and the fashion industry.

-       Video production and photography skills are a plus.

Contact Information

Please send a cover letter and resume, with clear indication of social media knowledge and abilities, and two writing samples, to Stephanie Blake at stephanie@blakecommunications.com by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 31.  

Deadline

All resumes and cover letters must be received by Monday, October 31. Interviews will take place between November 1 and 3, and interviewees will be required to take a writing test. The internship will run from November 4 to December 9.

What to Wear Daily! (WWD)

INT. PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM – MORNING  

A contemporary office with postmodern furniture in every corner.

YOU stand up and reach over to shake the hand of your new supervisor, PR PRO. 

 

PR PRO 

(happily) 

Thank you so much for accepting; we will surely enjoy having you work with us as an intern.

YOU 

(appreciatively)

No, thank you for this opportunity.   

PR PRO 

We’ll see you next week and don’t forget, please dress in business attire.

YOU  

Right! Business Casual.

As YOU exit PR PRO’s office, you realize that you don’t have very many pieces in your closet that can be categorized as business attire. You panic as you also realized that you don’t have very much money to go out and by a whole new business wardrobe. Slowly you put your down on your steering wheel trying to figure out a solution.

  

Well worry no more! COPRCLUB is here to solve one of the most common and overlooked issues that many new interns go through. 

  

As college students, we don’t exactly have suits and pencil shirts at our disposal for our first and sometimes even second internship. Of course we have the usual: college hoodie (that says college), flip-flops for those really hot August days, and our best sundresses we got at a steal last week.  Other than those basics not many of us have complete business outfits. 

  

So what do you do? Shop Smart! There are many stores out there that have just the pantsuits or button ups that you’re looking for, at intern friendly prices. Below we feature must-have items to add to your intern wardrobe from H&M and Kohl's.  

 H&M

W

 M

 

Kohl's 

M

 W

Now raise your head from that steering wheel, you’ve got some business attire to shop for!

But it doesn’t have to stop there; below we’ve listed some other great places to find amazing deals:

TJ Maxx

Burlington Coat Factory

Ross 

Goodwill

 

 

Student Shadowing Opportunity

Student Shadowing Opportunity: PR Pros Give a Boost to Local Non-Profits

On Wednesday, September 7, PRSA Colorado will host its annual PR Boost event, which is designed to build relationships and drive communication between PRSA practitioners, local non-profit organizations and PRSSA students.

Approximately 25 PRSA professionals—with students at their sides—will counsel various philanthropic groups from the Denver area, focusing on skills and tactics including:

• Social media
• Crisis communication
• Media training
• Public affairs
• Branding
• Events
• Strategic planning
• Employee communications
• Community relations
• Publications

We’re looking for students who would be interested in shadowing these consultation sessions! This is a prime chance for students to embed themselves in their chosen industry, absorbing insight into how they’ll be able to apply academic knowledge to professional contexts. Further, specified networking times allow students to foster future communication with PRSA contacts.

This event will help non-profits receive the PR boost they need to thrive, and it just might do the same for students’ careers.

Date:  Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 7:30 - 11:00 am

Location:  Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, 1445 Market Street, Denver, CO 80202. All attendees can park in the parking garage at the intersection of 14th and Market St. (http://www.larimersquare.com/map/#garage). Parking vouchers are $4 upon request and can be paid in cash at the event.

Breakfast will be provided by Jason’s Deli.

Registration: To shadow a PRSA professional at PR Boost, please contact Ryan Arnold at rarnold@pure-brand.com.

New Job Opportunity in CO!

Cummins Rocky Mountain is looking to fill the position of Senior Project Market Analyst in Colorado. 

Cummins Rocky Mountain is an exclusive distributor of Cummins and Onan products for the Intermountain West region.They are headquartered in Denver, Colorado with 14 locations throughout Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Wyoming serving our customers with the finest products in the industry.

For more information please click here.

Internship Opportunity! #INTERN

Once again our amazing friends at Red Energy Public Relations have announced an opportunity for a rising PR/Marketing star to gain invaluable experience. Please see post below:

The Red Energy Public Relations and Marketing Colorado Springs office currently has an opening for a sharp undergraduate and/or graduate level student with an interest in receiving college credit as an independent study or as part of a college internship requirement. Students interested in the field of public relations, marketing, advertising, design, English, journalism, business and communications should apply.

Ideally the student would be available from October 2011 through February 2012 working a minimum of 15 hours per week. Interested applicants would attend regular meetings with our clients and assist with daily tasks such as pitching to the media and event coordination for an International Non-Profit’s gala fundraiser event in January.

Students would gain hands-on experience in writing, photography, editing, research, media buying, business operations/management and client support. Interested students should send their resumes via email to Brittany@RedEnergyPr.com, for review and to request an in-person interview. Students should have their own transportation and professional business attire is required.

The experience, letters of recommendation and pieces for the student's resume and portfolio will be outstanding.

Brittany Bermensolo 719.465.3565
National Event Manager
Red Energy Public Relations, Inc.

617 N. 17th St. Suite 204
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904

Are you working on your writing skills?

Twitter. Check.

LinkedIn. Check.
Basic writing skills needed for your classes and eventually to become a PR Pro? Sort of.

Every communication and business student alike needs to master their writing. College is the opportune time to take basic writing and grammar courses. Writing for PR is different than writing a short story for English 101. 

PRDaily.com's “8 steps to more concise writing”, lists in detail errors a writer should avoid. I have bookmarked it for future reference, you should too. Your professors will be amazed when you produce short, concise papers. 

Job Opportunity

The recruiter at GMR Marketing, Vanessa Kooi is looking to hire students for two open positions through their partner Comcast. 

The first position is a Lead Brand Ambassador and this person would work from August through December. For this position they are looking for a student who has a large group of Facebook friends and is familiar with the campus and off-campus housing, and preferably is a Comcast service subscriber.  

The second position is a Brand Ambassador’s for Comcast. This is a temporary position where you  would work  August 11-14^th from 12pm-6pm. For this position GMR is open to different academic standings and will be based on experience. GMR is looking for students to set-up a booth and help promote Comcast (previous sales experience is a plus and must be comfortable with soft sales).

If interested in either position, please email or call Vanessa Kooi for more information. 

Vanessa Kooi

vkooi@gmrmarketing.com
office: 262.780.6123

 

Internship Opportunity with 5280 Magazine

 Located in Denver, 5280 Magazine has a total distribution of 85,000, making it Colorado's largest local magazine. The magazine has achieved higher market penetration than any other city magazine in America.

Marketing Internship

5280 is looking for a well-organized, creative person with strong writing skills, an outgoing personality and an eagerness to learn for a 3-6 month internship within the marketing department.

This person will report directly to the marketing director and work closely with the marketing and sales assistant to create media lists, write press releases and pitch both local and national media. This person will also help draft sponsorship proposals, assist with the coordination of small events, attend meetings with local community leaders and learn the ins and outs of branding and marketing.

This internship provides a professional environment that allows interns to work side-by-side with an award-winning editorial and web staff and witness the behind-the-scenes of the magazine publishing business while providing assistance to the marketing director and sales staff.

Details: A commitment of 90 days is preferred. The internship is unpaid.

To apply: Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to marketinginternship@5280.com. Deadline for applications: Summer (March 5), Fall (July 5) Winter (November 5).

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

For more information please click here

PinkBerry's Grand Opening in Colorado Springs!

Yesterday, James attended the grand opening of the Pinkberry store in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Pinkberry is currently the most talked about, best tasting, premium-frozen yogurt. The event was phenomenal and luckily for us, James was able to meet and interview Ron Graves, Chief Executive Officer and Board Director of Pinkberry. 

Ron Graves spoke with Colorado PR Club's, James Burge on how his company markets events to why PinkBerry is on top!

James: How do you publicize events in different cities?

Ron: We use a lot of social media outlets to aid in our word of mouth campaigns. We have over 200,000 Facebook fans and over 80,000 followers on twitter. We depend on word of mouth through those outlets to ensure we receive new and return customers.

James: How do you decide where you will be opening a new Pinkberry Store?

Ron: 1-month before we make our decision to open a new store we have sample events at the location.  This helps to ensure that members of the community will be excited about the potential of a new Pinkberry store. Most of the time we already have fans in a specific location and when we open stores in their locations that fan base has already been established and that translates to a customer.

Our wonderful waitress, Audrey serving up Pinkberry!

James: What are Pinkberry’s core values?

Ron: We have 3 important elements that make us a leader in our market: our people, our product and the environment that we provide. Our products match our company and our stores, fresh, clean and light.

James: Recently you have launched delivery and catering services, why?

Ron: We want to show our customers that they can experience all the things we offer in our store at their events. We cater to birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and also churches.

James: Do you have any new products in the works?

Ron: Now I can’t tell you that, but what I can tell you is that we won’t stray far from our core. Too many times companies branch off to other markets and lose focus on where they started. We will continue to be innovative in our approaches to new products.

James: How do you plan to stay competitive with other frozen yogurt chains?

Ron: Pinkberry is an original brand and we don’t focus on our competitors. We will let the customer's taste buds decide who is best.

With 125 locations in thirteen states and eight countries, we believe the people have spoken! 
Pinkberry it is!

Line wrapped around new Colorado Springs' Pinkberry store