#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 Networking

Guest Blogger: Steven Coyle, graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with a degree in Public Relations 

How I Got Over My Networking Fear

One of the first things I was told by my public relations professors was, “Learn how to network, your career will depend on it.” Immediately I developed this odd fear of networking even before I knew what it truly meant. I was that one kid who told himself, my skills should get me the job not my connections. I was quickly proved wrong.

The truth is you need both; the connection and the skill. After going through a deep unemployment depression, I snapped out of it, threw my pride out the window and started networking.

Twitter became my mecca for networking. I found my niche in participating in twitter chats, responding to influential professionals and giving my own advice to others. I was no longer afraid.

Honestly my fear was truly based on the fact I didn’t know how to network. I would just simply collect random business cards of professionals I met and then ask myself, what do I do now? Do I just ask them for a job? Do I just email them my resume? The confusion was discouraging. So in-case you’re discouraged, here are five things that helped me.

1. The worse they can say is “No.” They could possibly say more rude things but the usual response of someone who doesn’t want to help you is no response at all. Out of the 14 professionals I reached out too, only 4 responded. Rejection is a huge part of the industry, just get use to it.

2.Twitter Chats! Find a twitter chat that interest you and participate. I love chats about job hunts and resume building. HAPPO hosts some really good ones. I always learn something and meet awesome people.

3. Follow-Up. If you met a professional who is willing to help you and give you advice, try your hardest to keep up with. Learn their clients or some of their interest and follow up with small things. If you notice some press about their clients, send them a congratulations. Show them that you aware of what’s going on and that you have an interest in him or her. But don’t fake it, and don’t bug them. No one likes a suck up.

4. Have your own stories. Whenever you are meeting with a professional to discuss anything regarding help or advice be prepared to share your own stories. I feel like this helps them relate to you more. If you two can find some common ground they will remember you.

5. Join professional groups on LinkedIn. I belong to about 4 groups and actively participate in all of them. Find a topic you are interested in or know about and engage in conversation. Show them that you have personality and expertise then use it to your advantage. Follow the people who you responded to on twitter, engage with them there and then ask them for advice. Like I said in number one, the worse they can say is no.

I haven’t mastered this whole networking game, but these things have helped me become a whole lot better.

Steven Coyle is a social media strategist based in Chicago, IL.
Find him on twitter: @steveninpr

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
  

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

3 PR lessons from Sex and the City's Samantha Jones

Who is the most famous PR professional? Samantha Jones of course! 

As many of you know, Samantha Jones is a successful PR exec that knows what she wants...and gets it!  While she isn’t a real person, she is one of the most well known representatives of PR professionals in the media. 

As a character on the popular show Sex and the City, Samantha (played by Kim Cattrall) gives everyone a glimpse of the life of a practicing PR professional. Although, most of what is seen on TV and in the movies is not entirely illustrative of the day-to-day lives of PR professionals, there are a few things we can actually learn from Ms. Jones. 

·      Be persistent

If there’s one thing Samantha is, it’s persistent. Being persistent in this industry is one of the best ways to achieve your goals or your clients. To receive press for your client being persistent with reporters is an invaluable tool.

During your hunt for the perfect job persistence becomes valuable too. Being turned down for a job can be a disheartening thing for everyone. But having the determination to keep at it, will surely land you the job of your dreams. 

·      Be an opportunist

When Samantha sees an opportunity she latches on to it and won’t let go.  Having an “I can” attitude is important in the PR & Marketing world. Remember nothing happens by luck alone; luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. So the next time you are offered any opportunities (that will benefit you of course) take them!

·      Keep up with the what’s hot 

       Given Samantha Jones’ age in the television show and films, you would think that she isn’t aware of what’s hot. But on the contrary, Samantha is conscious of popular trends. As a future PR professional you should make it your business to know what’s popular. The media and general public are always looking for the next big thing and your client or business could just be that.

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

Internships: Only the Beginning

I have come to realize that my university did not teach me some practical skills that over the past six months since I have learned after graduating. For example, how to make those tough decisions right out of college, but that is a different story. You may feel that being in class is great, but worry that you will not have the tools to pilot the tough postgrad waters?

Who is teaching you these life lessons? Where are you learning them? In what circumstances can you learn them? These are all great questions and thankfully they do not need to be answered now.

But you can start learning these lessons by taking advantage of those internships that everyone is talking about. You hear your teachers drone on and on about them. You may even be required to take one, but what are they? Internships give you a great opportunity to learn life lessons in the real business world outside of the protected 4 walls of a classroom. Being among seasoned professionals in a real business will give you one of the most valuable experiences in your career.

Here @ Colorado PR Club we will help you learn the skills that will help you navigate this new world. Also we will help you land that sought after internship because we know how important they are.

To come we will talk about networking, resume & coverletter building, and also how to become a professional. All helping you build your first & most important brand: YOU, and how to create a personalized elevator pitch that will get you noticed. 

Summer 2011 Internship Opportunity in Colorado Springs

Want to gain PR & Marketing experience through an Internship this summer? Red Energy Public Relations currently has 1 opening left for sharp undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in receiving college credit as part of a college internship or independent study requirement. Email resume to Brittany@RedEnergyPR.com

Red Energy Public Relations
http://www.redenergypr.com/
@RedEnergyPR

Welcome to the Colorado PR Club!

The Colorado PR Club is just the beginning of world domination! Well, truthfully, it’s the brainchild of two budding PR and Marketing professionals. This blog was created in an effort to share knowledge and insight with those who are trying to maneuver their way through this unique industry we call public relations and marketing. Learning about internships and professional development opportunities is a difficult task for many.  Because this is an issue for most we have created a place that will offer all of that information and so much more!

Here at the Colorado PR Club, you will find a variety of internship opportunities, relevant and timely news, and useful information, all coming to you from the Centennial State (Colorado).

We will make a dedication to provide our subscribers and readers real world explanations, advice, skills, and tools that are not taught in the classroom. This will serve as a safe place to ask questions, debate issues, and learn about great opportunities.

We are very interested in receiving feedback from YOU, our readers. This will give us the information we need to improve our post and better tailor them to YOUR interest and needs!

Again, Welcome!