PRoud & Thankful

Three years ago, if you had told me I'd be writing my final blog post as PRowl Public Relation's firm director, I would have never believed you. When I came to Temple University as a public relations major, I had no clue what I was doing or where I was going. I was lucky enough to meet a group of people who took a chance on me and welcomed me into the firm - and since then, it has turned out to be the greatest, most rewarding, and proudest accomplishment of my life.

Each and every year I have watched this firm reach new heights. Whether it's hiring larger-scale clientele, recruiting more talented staff then ever, or finally achieving goals that once seemed impossible as we became nationally affiliated. All of these accomplishments are a direct result of my incredible executive board, account leaders, staff members, faculty adviser and general supporters. 

I want to take the opportunity to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication. Without you, there is no firm and there is no success. I have no doubt each of you will go on to achieve great things.

I want to thank my amazing account leaders: Alex Crispino, Mackenzie Krott, Samantha Miller and Doug Bennett for being the glue that holds this firm together. The growth I have seen in each of you is incredible and your leadership and guidance is the sole reason we ended the year with successful accounts, happy clients and talented staff members. 

I especially want to thank my executive board: Samantha Wanner, Emily Ascani, Doug Bennett and Marianna Morris for being my support system and helping guide the firm when the direction wasn't always clear. Know that I couldn't have made it through the year without you standing beside me.

And lastly, I want to wish next year's firm director, Samantha Wanner and her executive board, Marianna Morris, Amber Burns, Cori Shearer and Kaitlyn Sutton the best of luck, although I know you won't need it. I can't wait to hear about all of the amazing things you and the firm go on to achieve.

Best of luck and well wishes to everyone.

xo,

Niki

PRowl's Seniors

PRowl is so PRoud of our seniors!

Doug Bennett (Account Executive &

Director of Finance)

Doug is currently interviewing for corporate communications positions and is now an intern at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. During the summer, Doug will begin studying for the LSATs and then apply to law schools.

Emily Ascani (Assistant Firm Director)

Emily will be continuing to intern full time this summer as a Public & Media Relations intern at Morgan Lewis, a law firm in Center City. She is looking for an entry-level public relations position in the Philadelphia area, concentrating in hospitality, tourism & corporate or agency public relations. She is interested in utilizing her skills in social media, editing, writing and blogging.

Steve Jacobs (Staff Member)



Steven Jacobs will graduate this May with a bachelor of the arts degree in strategic communication, public relations concentration. He is currently in the interviewing stages of his job search, while finishing up his internship at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. He hopes to stay in Philadelphia and land a job doing public relations for the City.

Kurie Fitzgerald (Staff Member)

After graduation Kurie will have a paid internship/PR coordinator training position with Van Eperen & Company in Rockville, Md. VE&Co's mainly focus is strategic communications consulting. Kurie plans on visiting Chicago the week after graduation and Canada during the summer. 



Frank Kunkle (Staff Member)

Frank will be continuing his internship at University of the Sciences while looking for a career in higher education. Whether corporate or nonprofit, Frank envisions working in a PR/marketing role. He would like to stay in Philadelphia for at least a few more years before thinking about moving to another city. 

Alex Crispino (Account Executive)

Alex Crispino will be graduating Magna Cum Laude and staying in the Philadelphia area. She is hoping to start her career at a Philadelphia agency and plans to eventually return to graduate school. Feel free to reach Alex on Twitter: @alexcharli.

Niki Ianni (Firm Director)

Niki Ianni is proud to be a May 2012 Temple Graduate with a degree in Strategic Communication and a concentration in Public Relations. With her sights set on nonprofit public relations, she is packing up her bags and moving to Washington, D.C., to pursue exciting career opportunities. With a passion for animal welfare and advocacy and a love for her two cats, Niki hopes to work in an organization that makes large strides and impacts in the animal world. She is incredibly excited about the adventures to come living in the nation's capitol.

We wish you all the best!

GPTMC Dishes It Up on Foodspotting

As a self-proclaimed "foodie-in-training," it's no surprise an app like Foodspotting would capture my interest and appetite. Started in 2009 and launched in January 2010, the guide was created to help users not only decide where to eat, but what to eat through its rating system and photo-sharing capabilities. Since its launch in 2010, more than 1.5 million foods have been spotted around the world.

One organization taking the food-sharing phenomenon to the next level is the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation (GPTMC - www.foodspotting.com/visitphilly). Recently, GPTMC (@VisitPhilly), in partnership with Foodspotting Philly (@Foodspotting Philly), hosted an "Eat Up" of 25 hungry people. Traveling throughout the city on a bus, attendees were able to visit various restaurants with featured dishes from GPTMC's recently created "Taskykake-inspired Dishes" guide. Foodspotters and bloggers were able to visit Stephen Starr's SquareBurger for delicious Butterscotch Krimpets shakes and then follow it up with Peanut Butter KandyKakes ice cream at 10 Arts by Eric Ripert. The night ended at Square Peg with Tastykake Apple Pie Milkshakes.

TastyKake Apple Pie Milkshake @ Square Peg

With tourists (and locals) always looking for a great bite to eat, GPTMC is incredibly savvy for becoming a leader in the "culinary tourism" trend. It was one of the first destinations to launch a major program on Foodspotting and has gained more than 1,500 followers - more than any other destination. Philadelphia has become a city of fantastic cuisine, from five-star dining to authentic Italian eateries. Guides are added to the Visit Philly Foodspotting guide regularly including Down-Home Eats: Philly BBQ, Finger-Lickin' Fried Chicken and Wings, Gayborhood Grub, and Old-School Red Gravy Italian Restaurants in South Philadelphia.

What do you think of tourism marketing groups' uses of Foodspotting? Let us know!

Don't Worry - Be Happy!

Happy National Stress Awareness Month! If you're anything like me... you're probably living off of coffee, four hours of sleep, and the last remnants of sanity. Don't worry though - the end is in sight! For many of us, classes are coming to an end, graduation is near, and it looks like there might actually be some light at the end of the tunnel.

In order to celebrate this special month-long "holiday," here are some of my personal favorite tips for de-stressing. Feel free to comment with your own!

1. Laugh often. Your mom was right - it is life's best medicine.

2. Take a walk. It's important to get up, get moving, and soak up some sun!

3. Read a book. One that ISN'T on a syllabus. Get away from theories & read something you enjoy.

4. Write. Whether it's a blog or a personal journal - get out your thoughts & frustrations.

5. Organize yourself. Make lists, take notes, set reminders to keep yourself on track.

6. Make a playlist. Jam out to your favorite songs. Sing loud & dance hard.

7. Tell yourself you can do anything. Give yourself daily affirmations. Like this girl.

8. Celebrate the little things. Got a good grade? Give yourself a high five.

9. Spend time with loved ones. They are your biggest support system.

10. Always remember, "this too shall pass." Don't sweat the small stuff - life always has a funny way of working itself out!

Coca Cola Shares Happiness Through Hugs

Coca Cola has always been known for its innovative marketing strategies, so its no surprise when buzz started generating about the new vending machine stunt in Singapore. Located on the campus of National University of Singapore, the machine reads "Hug Me" and spews out free cans of Coke for anyone willing to give it a squeeze. The stunt is a part of the "One Happiness" campaign in addition to Coca Cola's recent strategy to personalize cans and bottles with the first names of potential customers.

"The Coca Cola Hug Machine is a simple idea to spread some happiness. Our strategy is to deliver doses of happiness in an unexpected, innovative way to engage not only the people present, but the audience at large," said a representative from the company’s "Open Happiness" campaign, Leonardo O’Grady.

I believe Coca Cola's new strategy is a winner. It's unique, it's consistent with the branding of the company and most of all - it's fun. It was also incredibly smart to place the machine on a university campus. Students are constantly making social gestures through their social networks such as Facebook and Twitter via status updates and uploaded pictures. This campaign is simply an extension of those social gestures that are increasingly important to younger generations. Coca Cola has been a company that strives to evoke warm, nostalgic feelings from its products and campaigns, whether its the adorable polar bears or the old-fashioned Christmas commercials. What better way to get that warm fuzzy feeling than from a hug?

Watch the video here:

Happy Holidays from PRowl Public Relations!

From all of us at PRowl Public Relations, have a Happy Easter & Passover Weekend!

StratComm's #LeadershipLookbook Shines from Head to Toe

Photo Courtesy of Sharla Feldscher

Last night, the Department of Strategic Communication (StratComm) hosted it's first-ever Leadership Lookbook event, an evening designed to teach students about the importance of leadership and professional dress in the workplace.

With over 30 students in attendance from the School of Communications and Theater, the event began with Dr. Tracey Weiss, a StratComm professor, and Shari DaCosta, a StratComm alumnus, who spoke to the audience about becoming a leader in your career. Students were also informed about the benefits of the department's leadership minor, which teaches students one of the most desired traits by today's employers.

Four of StratComm's very own students "hit the runway" as they modeled looks from Les Richards Menswear and Ann Taylor. Knowledgeable representatives from both retailers gave great tips and advice to audience attendees on how to assemble a professional outfit for both men and women, while further emphasizing the importance of dress and first impressions during the job search process.

To complete the leadership look, representatives from Jean Madeline Salons provided live hair and makeup demonstrations during the event to teach students that a professional look doesn't just end after the suit. Quick and easy tips were given to students on how to achieve a polished look, from smooth hair to healthy skin.

At the end of the event, various prizes were raffled off to audience members including gift cards for local restaurants, gift cards to Jean Madeline Salons and a free suit courtesy of Les Richards Menswear.

Les Richards Menwear will continue to help Temple University men get the leadership edge with an extra 10% discount throughout the month of April with the presentation of a Temple ID.

For more information about the Department of Strategic Communication, follow @StratCommTU on Twitter or visit http://www.facebook.com/StratCommTU.

Branding Yourself with Online Portfolios

Since Fridays are the one day I have dedicated to searching and applying for jobs, I feel its fair to make every Friday a post with advice for everyone's job search.

My latest project has been creating my online portfolio to stand out amongst the competition and make my work more accessible to potential employers. After reading several forums and articles on which platform is best to use - I have decided on Weebly, as its one of the few I can actually figure out how to use (http://niki-ianni.weebly.com)!

Heather Huhman has quickly become one of my favorite resources for advice on anything ranging from networking tips to creating an online personal brand. While amidst the great "online portfolio platform debate," I found a great presentation from Heather about how to create and maintain one's personal brand. I have embedded the presentation below, however here are a few key highlights on online portfolios:

• Build and design your online portfolio using a free content management system, such as WordPress, Weebly, About.me, or VisualCV.
• On the homepage, include a welcome message that is similar to a more generic version of your cover letter.
• Create tabs for the following:
  
  • Resume page where visitors can download in PDF format (iPaper is a good app)
  • Portfolio page with an example of you work including graphic design, writing samples, class projects, case studies
  • Professional testimonials/recommendations
  • A link to your professional blog
  • A contact information page
    

• For a good example of a student portfolio, click here.
• Find ways to bring up parts of your online portfolio in face-to-face conversations by asking what their job and their day-to-day is like, while mentioning your interests and experiences at appropriate moments.

Creating & Maintaining Your Personal Brand -- and Rocking Your Network

View more presentations from Come Recommended, LLC

What other information do you have to share about online portfolios and they're benefits during the job search? Let us know!

Networking Tips for Owning the Room

I can't tell you how many times I've heard the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." As I have been looking for jobs, I've come to realize more and more how true it really is. On Tuesday, one of Philadelphia's biggest networking events for students is being held - PPRA Careers 101. Panelists from the event include professionals from all areas of the profession including travel and tourism, agency, corporate and sports. Additionally, several PR professionals will be there to network with students about their current job search, resume and cover letter critiques and how to become more involved with professional organizations such as PPRA and PRSA. With this highly anticipated event approaching, its important to learn how to work the room like a networking pro. An article from Forbes' Deborah Jones outlines a few great tips on being a networking all-star:
1. Go with a purpose. Remind yourself why you are there. You are using your precious time to network and to make some useful connections, so make sure you aren’t wasting energy. Set a couple of targets like: speak to three new people; or try to learn at least two new pieces of information or gossip.

2. Use inside contacts. If you know the event organizer and he or she is around during the event, ask for an introduction to key people who you ought to meet there. Having a warm overture will make the process of networking easier. It will also save you the time of trying to find people who you don’t know.

3. Be a lone ranger. If you’re attending the event with people you already know well, such as colleagues and friends, don’t fall into the trap of sticking together for the whole event. Talking to people who you already know will lessen your chances of meeting new ones. To extricate yourself, deliberately sit next to someone you don’t know during a talk or a meal that takes place during the event.

4. Break the ice. Don’t feel like you have to say something profound. Breaking the ice can be as simple as commenting on the venue, the program or the food; asking people where they’ve traveled from or whether they’ve been to the event or place before; or expressing an interest in why they are attending.

5. Ask open-ended questions. These are questions that ask who, what, where, when and how – as opposed to questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Your goal is to explore ideas and opinions and also to show your listening skills.

To read the rest of the article and Deborah's great tips, click here.

What other advice would you add to this list of networking tips? Let us know!

Museums Receive a Social Media Makeover

I have a confession to make: I am a museum geek. Ever since I visited the Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C. for my third grade field trip, I've been hooked. Yesterday, I took a day trip to D.C., a museum-lover's paradise, and hit up a few of the free Smithsonian buildings. During my trip, I noticed a drastic shift in the way museums have started to embrace the use of technology and social media in their exhibits. It used to be you'd get your hand smacked for snapping a picture in a museum (sorry National Archives...I didn't realize twitpic-ing the Emancipation Proclamation wasn't allowed). Nowadays, many museums are adapting to the shift in society and embracing the technology and social media frontiers.

Yesterday I made a visit to the National Air and Space Museum. When walking through the exhibits, I noticed many visitors had their cellphones glued to their ears and I thought to myself - how rude...take your phone calls outside. It took me a few seconds to realize, nobody was talking on their phones - only listening. I walked up to a crowded artifact and on the plaque it provided a number for visitors to call and listen to a renowned astronomer give more information about the medieval telescope. It used to be one would have to pay a decent dollar to receive a private tour from an expert or a scholar, however the National Air and Space Museum has provided every visitor with a cellphone that same opportunity - for free.

The Natural History Museum has also provided guests with some fun new ways to be more interactive with the exhibits. QR-Codes were made present at a few of the exhibits, allowing guests to turn what was once stagnant and stationary into something fun, interactive and exciting. While looking at the caveman exhibit, I was able to follow a QR code to an App where a user could snap their picture and see what they would have looked like as a caveman or cavewoman. While I may not have been happy my Stone Age makeover - I thought it was a fantastic way to get guests more involved with the exhibit.

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has also done a fantastic job getting their visitors more engaged and interactive with their exhibits. When touring the Cleopatra exhibit with my grandparents, several signs and plaques were placed throughout, providing guests with suggestions to snap a picture and upload it to their social media sites. Twitter handles and hashtags were also provided on the signs, making it easier for the pictures and content to be shared and searched by others. Guests were also encouraged to tweet and post about their favorite parts of the exhibit - providing the Franklin with a slew of easily shareable third-party endorsements.

I believe this shift in museums' embrace of technology and social media is beneficial for both parties involved. Visitors are now able to enjoy a much more interactive and educational experience and can share their thoughts with their followers and friends. For museums, this is great news because many guests base their decision to visit on other visitors' reviews and comments. While this may leave some room for negativity as there always is with social media, the overwhelming majority of comments and reviews are positive and can get other guests excited about visiting a new exhibit.

What are your thoughts on museums and their new embrace of social media and technology in their exhibits? Let us know!

Skipping Cancun for Cover Letters

For Temple students, Spring Break officially starts tomorrow. While a few of my friends may be skipping the colder Philadelphia weather for bikinis and sandy beaches, I know several others who are using this next week to catch up on their job search. With many of us so bogged down by classes, internships, jobs and student organizations, Spring Break is the perfect chance to get in gear for the job hunt. Here are a few ways home-bound seniors can spend their Spring Break productively:


1. Perfect Your Resume. Putting together a great resume takes a lot of time. Use this as a chance to read up on a few blogs about ways to spice up your resume and really make it pop. Make sure you're including links to your social profiles such as Twitter (only if you're active and professional), LinkedIn and your personal website if you have one. Also make sure you are quantifying your previous experiences. Here's an article from Come Recommended on ways to get your resume noticed.

2. Learn the Art of the Cover Letter. Often times, the cover letter is the most important document you submit for an application. It's the employer's first impression of you and you need to wow them. Cover letters also take a lot of time to put together because you should tailor each letter to each different job. Here is a great article on how to write a "knock 'em dead" cover letter from US News.

3. Link in with your LinkedIn. I know I created a LinkedIn account for myself a few years ago, and until about a week ago, it still said my profile was only 90% complete because there were missing fields I wasn't taking advantage of such as writing a summary about myself or including searchable keywords about my skills. I now have a complete profile, but there are so many components to the site all job seekers should be taking more advantage of such as joining groups and participating in forums. Corn on the Job has a great post about 5 Ways to Boost Your LinkedIn Profile.

4. Phone a Friend. I'm told by everyone I know that when it comes to the job search, its all about who you know. Take advantage of your professional network. Call up a mentor and see if you can treat them to coffee or lunch during the week so you can get advice and see if they have any insight about potential opportunities. Mentors are incredibly important during the job search process because they've experienced everything you're going through and can offer valuable advice on how to be successful.

So yes, while a pina colada and the beaches of Cancun may sound more appealing than looking for a job, just remember sometimes you need to work hard before you can play hard.

Making Your Resume Go Viral

If you're anything like me, you've put out a few job applications, haven't really heard anything and realize this whole job-search thing is going to be a steep up-hill battle. I know I have an impressive resume, but so do the other hundreds of job applicants up against me, and I'm becoming more and more aware that maybe a simple black and white word document isn't going to do the trick anymore. I've seen people with amazing personal websites, crazy cool infographic resumes, and now people are even "pinning" their work on their Pinterest boards! After researching all of the new, innovative ways people are making their resumes more tech-friendly and eye-catching, there are endless possibilities for creating the "wow" factor. An article from U.S. News outlines five ways many job seekers are showcasing their resumes online:

1. Create an infographic. If you'll be working with data or visuals on the job, an infographic resume might be the way to go. These are naturally packed full of information, which means you'll have ample opportunity to strut your stuff. Below is an example of social media strategist, Hagan Blount's infographic resume:2. Produce a video. A video resume allows the hiring manager to get a feel for your personality before meeting you in person. And since likeability and cultural fit are often high priorities when considering a candidate, introducing yourself via video can put you ahead of your competition. You'll need multimedia skills and a friendly, upbeat-yet-professional personality to make this work, so if cameras and editing tools aren't your strong point, it might be smarter to skip this option. Alternatively, consider a tool like Hello There that does some of the legwork for you.

3. Use a QR code. For techies, QR codes—or barcodes that direct you to a website when read by a smart phone—present the possibility of opportunity. The code itself isn't difficult to generate. What's more time-consuming is figuring out where that code will take your potential employer; whatever is at the other end has to be impressive. Make sure the hiring manager will understand and appreciate this technology before using it as part of your pitch.

4. Just go digital. LinkedIn works for getting your experience and skills online, but what if you displayed your resume on your own website? Even without interactive bells and whistles, offering a good-looking resume at a URL rather than on a piece of paper shows you're ahead of the curve.

5. Pitch yourself with a PowerPoint. If you're looking to work at a presentation-oriented company and can convince the hiring manager to click through more than one page, a PowerPoint might be the right choice for you. Pitching your skills isn't the only way to approach this; you could also offer ideas on how the company could become more effective and the role you'd play in that transformation. Prezi has become a large attraction for soon-to-be grads as well as an alternative to standard PowerPoints.

What are some other creative ways to get your resume online and noticed? Let us know!

The "How to Land a Job" 2012 Checklist

For those of us graduating this May, the panic attacks have set in and the job search has begun. While I spent the first few days aimlessly clicking around job posting sites, applying for a few interesting positions here and there, I felt hopeless knowing my resume was one of hundreds, possibly even thousands. While the economy is slowly recovering, the job market is still pretty tough, which is why I found this post from Corn On the Job incredibly useful with its list of "Ten Things Job Seekers Must Do in 2012." Here are a few of my personal favorites:


2. Stop Applying to Every Job: Applying to every single thing you see is the wrong approach. It’s easy for recruiters to tell that you are just taking a stab in the dark. When you’re passionate about a job and/0r determined to gain a position in a specific field/industry, it shines through like you wouldn’t believe. Focus in on a few specific job types to apply to. --- I already know the type of job I'm hoping to find and therefore, when I conduct job searches, I know the keywords I need to use. My passions are animals, events, nonprofits and travel. I know there are things I don't like as well, and therefore I know I'm not going to apply to a giant corporation or take a job in the mid-west.

4. Learn a new skill: Find a class or certification that’s relatively inexpensive. While learning something new, you’ll end up boosting your resume and meeting new people that could potentially help you find a job. --- Personally, I have always been interested in learning more about web and graphic design. Through personal instruction and a free seminar, I plan to familiarize myself with a few programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Quark Express.

8. Blog: Social Media usage has seen tremendous increases across all demographics over the last few years. More than ever, company recruiters are utilizing social networks to connect with and also learn about job seekers. "Hire Me" campaigns were huge in 2011. Starting a blog for your industry will help you make tons of connections, while also furthering yourself as a thought leader. --- I know from personal experience this has worked for a few of my friends in the past. I still find it impressive that one of my friends landed her first job out of college as a result of Twitter. Social media is a great tool for building your network of professionals, so use it to its full potential.

To read the other seven job-searching tips, visit the Corn On the Job post here.

What other suggestions do you have to offer for upcoming graduates in search of a job? Let us know!

Jean Madeline Hosts Heart 2 Heart TODAY!

Stressing about this year’s Valentine’s Day look for tonight's date? Looking to freshen up your look to score a last-minute Valentine? No need to worry! Jean Madeline Aveda Institute has you covered.

Today only, now until 4 p.m., all Jean Madeline Institute campuses will be hosting the first Heart 2 Heart fundraiser. Jean Madeline Institute students will be offering a Valentine’s Makeover special, which includes red and pink makeup and a hairstyle of the customer’s choice for the entire day.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary heart-shaped donuts, donated by a local Philadelphia Dunkin' Donuts franchisee.

All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. Students will be dressed in festive attire and show off trendy looks clients can use as inspiration for their own. Don’t wait until the last minute! Stop into your closest Jean Madeline location to look great and feel even greater after supporting such a worthy cause.

Don't be Afraid to Ask the Intern

About a month ago, I began my internship at Sharla Feldscher Public Relations, a firm in Old City with diverse clientele. Not sure of what to expect, other than knowing I would be learning a ton from one of Philly's most seasoned and well-known PR professionals, I never would have imagined how rewarding my internship would turn out to be.

I have held five internships in total now, ranging from large non-profits to small PR agencies and as my experience has grown, a trend in the intern world has slowly begun to grow as well. In the PR blog, Flack Me, a post titled "Never Underestimate the Intern: Why PR Needs Reverse Mentoring," Kimberly Shrack goes on to explain the new-found importance of the intern in the work place.

Although interns are there to learn from the seasoned and experienced pros, we have a skill of our own that shouldn't be ignored - social media. "Reverse mentoring," a coin termed by General Electric CEO, Jack Walsh describes the idea of students teaching professionals about the web and its latest channels, applications and tools in a mutually beneficial relationship. This practice is being adopted by several large corporations and several other industries, however this mentorship is largely lacking in the field of public relations, although it is slowly becoming more realized and adopted.

My internship is the perfect example of building a mutually beneficial "reverse mentor" relationship. I have the opportunity to teach the associates of the firm about sites such as Twitter, Facebook and blogging platforms while they are able to help me with media and community relations. I am sought after when they need to know how to compose the perfect tweet and I knock on their doors when I have a question about writing the perfect headline for a release.

So if these relationships hold so much value, why is PR slacking in adopting them? A study published in the Public Relations Journal revealed 74% of respondents said their organization does not practice reverse mentoring. However, of these respondents who do not practice reverse mentoring, most could identify the benefits of such a relationship including improvement in social media skills and vocabulary (I am currently putting together a glossary of terms for my office) and involvement with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic mentor.

So while many of these relationships may be informal and occur over a casual conversation over lunch, perhaps a more structured and formalized program could lead to a more beneficial intern-employer relationship. The field of PR is drastically changing and it is the interns who are the ones helping to change it.

What are your thoughts on developing reverse-mentorships in the PR workplace? Let us know!

PRowl Public Relations is Nationally Affiliated!

After opening its doors for business four years ago in January 2008, PRowl Public Relations, Temple University’s first and only student-run PR firm, recently became nationally affiliated by the Public Relations Student Society of America! This level of distinction is only made to student-run PR firms that exhibit professionalism at a high standard, as well as meet the standards of connection, professionalism, and ethics, upheld by PRSSA.

PRowl Public Relations began the application process to become nationally affiliated in late November of this year. Cohesively, members of the firm and the executive board compiled case studies, letters, and background information on the firm and clients to be submitted to PRSSA headquarters for approval. In the four years PRowl Public Relations has been active, the firm has made great strides in such a short period of time. The firm was recently recognized as one of the “50 Best Blogs for the Public Relations Major” by Bachelors Degree Online and becoming nationally affiliated by the Public Relations Student Society of America is an honor the firm has been working towards for years.

All of these amazing accomplishments wouldn't be possible without our amazing staff members, our encouraging alumni and those who have always supported the firm and our efforts.

Check out the National PRSSA website to see us listed among the most prestigious student-run firms in the country!

From ABCs to Can I Get A Job Please?

With the start of 2012 comes the start of my official job search and anyone else who is graduating this May. Its hard to believe how quickly time can fly. Sometimes it feels as if it was just yesterday when I was enjoying cookies and nap time in Ms. Wright's kindergarten class. When looking for articles for job search lessons, I absolutely loved the post 5 Job Search Lessons you Learned in Kindergarten by Heather Huhman (probably because it included something about a nap...) It's funny how we can often learn the most important lessons before we even know how to tie our shoes.

1. Say "please" and "thank you" - Manners are very important during the job search process. Make sure you are being courteous to everyone you meet (even the receptionist) and always remember to follow up an interview with a thank you card.

2. Don't give up - At the age of five, learning to read may have seemed like an impossible task. But with words of encouragement from your teacher, you calmed down, picked up the book and tried again. Use your professional and personal network as a support system during your job search because they have already gone through it and can offer great advice.

3. Be respectful - Playing nice with others and listening to your teacher were important in Kindergarten. The same rules apply in the work force. Arrive on time to your interview, come prepared with thoughtful questions, be attentive, dress professionally, etc....the list goes on and on. First impressions are often the most important so get started on the right foot by being professional and respectful.

4. Take a nap (or break) - Nap time was always my personal favorite time in Kindergarten. Who doesn't love curling up on the floor after a warm plate of cookies and an hour-long recess? It's important to take breaks during the job search as well otherwise you'll get completely overwhelmed and frustrated. Brief breaks will allow you to re-energize and refocus so you can return to the search feeling refreshed.

5. Balance your day - In Kindergarten, days were filled with a myriad of activities from finger painting to block building to snack time to reading. The same rule should apply to your job search. Make sure you don't spend all day applying for jobs. Balance your days with other activities such as networking, participating in Twitter chats, tailoring your job documents and more.

While these are just a few valuable lessons we learned at the age of five, there are certainly many more. What lessons did you learn in Kindergarten that can apply to the job search? Let us know!