Public Relations Advice from CEO Debbie Mason

"Don't let the "PR" title confine you," said Debbie Mason, the CEO for the United Way of North Central Florida.

Mason graduated from the University of Florida in ’85 with bachelors in journalism on the public relations track. Public Relations was not a stand-alone major in 1985.

Mason is saying that while one is looking for a job position it is not enough to only look for positions titled “public relations” but note that other titles such Communications specialist, Media specialist, Marketing Communications, require the same skills one learn by going through a public relations track.

“Go where you want to be,” said Mason.

She continues on to say not to rule out the non-traditional path as one search for the next step after school. She encourages participating in AmeriCorps, Peace Corps or Teach for America.

Debbie Mason, CEO of United Way of North Central Florida and UF alumnus. photo by Ann-Makir Magloire.

The skill that is necessary to hone and practice is writing. Mason said in whatever she may do requires writing, whether it is in house or press releases. She also stresses the importance of writing for a nonprofit organization that may have to request funds from outside sources.

“What am I willing to do to get what I want,” Mason said.

It is important to be involved in the different aspects of public relations whether it is through volunteering, shadowing a public relations specialist or being involved with the different chapters.

What is behind confidence is knowledge and courage, Mason said. There’s no reason to not pursue a goal if one is willing to find the right information and have courage to pursue it.

Career Planning to be PR Practitioner: Listening

On Wednesday, I went to a career planning panel hosted by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The panel included; Melinda Adams, human resources specialist for Ketchum, Maria Copeland, public education coordinator for LifeQuest, Troy Sultan, director of talent acquisition for Grooveshark and Dwaine Stevens, director of media and community relations for Publix.

Grooveshark rep, Lifequest rep, Publix rep, Ketchum rep. photo by Ann-Makir Magloire

It is important to know what people in the career field are thinking and doing when they are hiring individuals like us, college students or recent graduates. I learned some great tips and took pictures. Here are some of the great tips from these individuals:

Panel member from Grooveshark answer's question from moderator. photo by Ann-Makir Magloire

1.      "We hire the person we like. Your resume gets you in the door, but your personality gets you on the team. You sell yourself."

2.      "If you have an opportunity happening now, you have to be brave and go with it. The doors aren't always open."

Panel listen to questions from the moderators. photo by Ann-Makir Magloire

3.      Have realistic expectations after graduation and get experience in with internships!

 4.      Start getting involved in professional organizations now.

Career Planning Panel. photo by Ann-Makir Magloire

5.      There IS such a thing as showing up too early. 15 minutes is a safe amount of time, no more than that.

Finally, my favorite…….

6.      “The best time to network and build relationships is now, when you're not hungry or desperate for a job.”

Panel and students at PRSSA presentation. photo by Ann-Makir Magloire

 Another tip from a panel member was to look at the requirements for an entry-level job position and work on attaining those skills. 

It is very important to stay connected with industry leaders. These individuals could be anyone, and social media is a great way to stay virtually connected with these people. Don't just follow but also join the conversation, engage and be memorable.

Natalie, student rep for DECA and Adara Ney, assistant direct for Alpha PRoductions. photo by Ann-Makir Magloire

Public Relations Advice

I have just finished reading an article titled "The best advice I've received about PR" by Ronnie Manning from Ragan Public Relations.

I have chosen a few that I really like and will use as a motto as I continue in this journey of becoming a public relations professional.

Some of the advices I liked were;

When something happens the first two questions to ask oneself are "who do I tell?" and

 "Who do I need to thank?" - Laura Kane.

“Listen before you speak. And when the other person is done talking, ask if he or she has anything else to say.” - Susan Matthews.

"Tell your story and Tell it fast" - Jill Morris.

“Relationships matter above all and that you build relationships by making yourself useful, not annoying" - Laura Fitton.

“Best advice I got and give is. ‘Just because someone asks you a question doesn’t mean you have to answer it.’” - Darlene Tenes

“Read, read and read some more. The best way to be a strategic counselor to your clients is if you build time into your day—every day—to read about what is going on in the world.

Schedule time on your calendar if you need to, but make reading a daily habit.” - Lisa Tilt.

“Public relations is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Before new practitioners commit to an organization or even to an industry, they need to understand what that organization/industry places under the public relations umbrella.” - Alana J. Mauger.

Finally,

“Tell the truth faster” - Dave Phillipson.

I know these are many sayings, but I have different reasons for liking them and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to post them all up in one place so that I can keep track.

This blog is for those who are not sure what Public Relations is, it is also a way for me to record what I discover about the field and how it is a part of my everyday life. This may be beneficial for those who are unsure about their major or career path, those who are switching into public relations or perhaps even wanting to switch out. I would love comments, feedback and guest posts.

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