Travelling Tips for PR Students

Whether you are studying abroad or travelling to a different city to shadow a successful PR executive, it is important for students to master the art of travel and packing techniques that will save you time and stress!
1. Pack Basics: Regardless of your destination, you will need to be wary of how much you pack. If you are taking a flight, you may only be allowed one “free” bag check, and even if you aren’t flying, you don’t want to be lugging around multiple suitcases! When packing clothing items, it is important to pack essential pieces for the dress code you are hoping to fit into. If you are going for business casual, packing key pieces (khakis, blouses, etc.) will help you stay away from over-packing. Also, packing certain items over others will increase your ability to travel light. If you pack chunky suit coats or things that need to be carried, your baggage could weigh you down. Instead, pack items that may still be considered professional, but don’t need as much care! (sweaters, dresses, tights, etc.)

2. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your hotel details and to pack! Travelling itself is full of stress, so adding last minute troubles will only make your experience less enjoyable! Be sure to book your hotel room in advance not only for convenience, but because it may be cheaper to book earlier rather than later. Also, packing is a burden regardless of when you do it, but the sooner the better! Leave your toiletries and electronics out until the night before, but be sure to pack your clothing and professional materials (such as portfolios or resumes) at least a few days in advance.

3. Remember the Small Things: Your last packing step should be making sure you remembered small details that will make your travelling experience more pleasant. If you are taking a plane, remember to pack gum so that you can keep your ears from popping. If you will need a passport or some sort of ticket, make sure you have those items in an easily-accessible compartment of your bag!

Do you have any travel tips to share? Let us know!

My Mission Trip to Ireland And The Importance of CSR

This past July, I went on a two-week mission trip to Ireland with an organization, Adventures In Missions.  Along with 23 other members of my team, we partnered with a local church to help run programs for the youth, where we made crafts with the younger children, played games, and spoke about our experiences in the U.S. We also went door-to-door in the local village to hand out invitations for the youth programs and various events at the church. We also had time to visit a local university, where we got to speak with several international students and university staff. In between running the youth programs and helping the local church, we got to travel to the homes of some of the elderly people in the village. Through these experiences, I got to give back to the local community and develop meaningful relationships with the people in Ireland. Every time you travel, near or far, you have the opportunity to network, and I am happy to say I have connections in Ireland. 

Returning from my mission trip, I had a better understanding of the importance of corporate social responsibility. CSR is becoming more important to corporations as a way to give back to the community and develop relationships with their publics. When corporations implement CSR, employees feel more engaged within the company. It gives employees a sense of purpose and motivates them to do their best work. CSR is also a great way to show your customers how you are giving back.

More and more, companies are looking for employees who have a desire and willingness to volunteer and give back to the community. Any time you are able to volunteer and give back some of your time to people in need, go for it. You’re not only helping others, but you are giving yourself opportunities and experiences to learn from, which will in turn help you land your next internship or job!

This guest blog was written by PRowl staff member Megan Healy.

Why Going Abroad is Important for Aspiring Public Relations Professionals

Today is my last day abroad of the summer, and I'm writing this post from Berlin, Germany! I've spent this summer interning abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and also had the chance to visit the south of France, the Netherlands, and Germany. This summer, along with the summer I spent 2 years ago in London, Paris, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, has shown me how important it is for aspiring PR professionals, like myself, to experience the world beyond the United States. This summer has gone by far too fast for me, but before I (gratefully) return home, I wanted to share why going abroad is so important.

1. Living, studying, or interning abroad will undoubtedly teach you things about a culture you could never understand just by looking at it. Learning about the rest of the world through class and study is well and good, but cultural immersion is the only real way to experience it.

2. Our world is becoming ever more connected, which means that at some point, you'll probably be dealing with a foreign company or public. When you do deal with this foreign entity, knowing the culture can be vital to accurately forging a connection with them. For example, spend a week in Spain and you'll realize that between 2-4 pm is never a good time to do business, because everyone is on siesta, either getting lunch or napping. But, if you'd never been to Spain, you wouldn't know this, and your business efforts could go to waste.

3. An often-overlooked component of inter-cultural relations is food; and who doesn't love food? Well, if your're from Spain, you probably before some sort of Iberian ham, or some seafood. If you're German, on the other hand, you're likely to go for some sort of curry sausage dish, or some delicious brattwurst. And if you're from France, then a crepe or some crackers and cheese might be your preference. When interacting with people from a different country, serving the wrong food or going to the wrong restaurant can ruin the relationship from the start.

If you ever get a chance, even a glimmer of a chance to go somewhere abroad, then take it! Even if you're just going on vacation, go somewhere different, and take the time to feel out the culture. My professor once said that as soon as you arrive in a new city or country, take a minute to think about what your smelling. What you smell when you arrive will be the unique smell to that place, and if you don't acknowledge it immediately, you'll stop noticing it after a little while. So, all I'm saying is to get out of your bubble, your comfort zone, and go somewhere new. First time I stayed in a cheap European hostel, I hated it, but give it a chance, and it'll grow on you, just like whatever foreign destination you choose will grow on you.

"When In Rome..."

If there is one piece of advice I could give to every student out there it would be to study abroad! Everyone should be exposed to the world around them because it will expand your horizons in so many different ways. Traveling will change you as a person both personally and professionally.   

As a future PR professional in the making, I have learned the importance of being able to connect and relate to people. This summer I decided to venture outside of my home turf in Philadelphia and study abroad in Rome.  It has been nothing short of an adventure and eye-opening experience. The Roman culture is so different, ranging from crossing the street to the right way of dressing, and I’ve come to realize that adaptability is extremely important in the PR field. I’ve also had to re-learn everything that I thought I already knew about communicating with people.

Being culturally well-rounded will allow you to be the secret weapon and most valued employee at any agency, company or business. By studying abroad at any point in your life, you are setting yourself apart from the crowd simply because you have international experience and companies are finding out that they will thrive with these types of employees. Having employees that are knowledgeable of the world are becoming a necessity in the work force.

From being in Rome, I have come to realize that many Americans don’t realize that there are so many different cultures and different types of people in the world. It is important for PR professionals to have an international experience because America is turning into a melting pot of different cultures. The best PR professionals are the ones who can stay on top of the latest cultural trends and know how to interact with those of a different culture. By going abroad you are training yourself to do just that while also gaining an international perspective. You’ll expose yourself to how news in other cultures travels, how specific target audiences are reached, and you’ll gain a set of foreign language skills that are lethal in any workplace. One day you could have a client who is Italian, German, Spanish, etc. and you will need to be able to form a relationship with them. Not to mention, people who have been abroad are more likely to get jobs in senior management levels that pay a lot of money for your expertise in other cultures and your willingness to be put into another culture.

Believe it or not, America isn’t that big, but the world around you is. Studying abroad is an adjustment, but one worth making. Go abroad and make yourself part of a different culture, don’t be afraid of standing out or attempting to speak the language. Try to fit in, talk to the locals, order in restaurants where you don’t understand the menu. There is so much to see, so much to do, and so many opportunities to take…after all “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”   

This guest blog was written by PRowl staff member Alissa Steele. 

PR and Passports

            One of a PR professional’s greatest assets is a passport. It’s funny how the things you learn in class somehow come up in everyday life. In my Communication Theory course, the term Normative Public Relations came up. This means relating honestly to all groups of people. To relate to a diverse group of people, one must understand the cultures of different people. The best method to this is to immerse yourself in a culture different to your own. After doing this, you are able to utilize other ways of thinking, doing and living and apply it to your personal and professional life.

            I may be biased as someone who works in the Study Away office, but I believe one of the greatest assets of the School of Media and Communications are the Study Away opportunities. Not only can students take courses abroad or nationally within their own majors, but students are now gaining more opportunities to actually intern in these locations as well. The new and improved Global Internship opportunities include: Barcelona, Hong Kong, London, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Each of these programs offers students a full time internship, internship coordinator, job coach and a course called International Communications in the Workplace.

            The national programs give students a taste of what it’s like to live and work in the city of their choice. The international programs give students a cultural experience in a foreign country, while learning the professional customs of the country as well. Personally, I am participating in the Barcelona Global Internship Program this summer. On top of my public relations concentration, I have picked up another concentration in international communications and a minor in Spanish. To go to a foreign setting and apply the professional skills I have learned is petrifying and exciting all at the same time.

            Employers, especially in a fast-paced field like PR, are looking for employees who are relatable and adaptable to various environments and situations. Interning in a different city or country gives those students an edge that others cannot compete with. When sitting in an interview with a potential employer, being able to tell them how you adapted and lived in a place not native to you can really prove your skill set.

            There is a quote by St. Augustine that always comes to mind, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” I believe travelling the world, gives us the whole story: the story on people, places and life as we don’t already know it.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Brianna Prime.

Public Relations and Studying Abroad

As a public relations major, studying abroad may not seem like an option for you. Most locations and programs do not offer PR courses, and only few offer internships. I am here to present my study abroad advising services and present some hidden treasures for public relations majors.

1. The School of Media and Communication’s International Internship Programs:
The Barcelona and Hong Kong programs both offer public relations courses as well as an internship in any field desired. All students are required to take Intercultural Communication in the Workplace: STRC 3670. The other course is cross-listed with multiple other majors but there are two strategic communication courses:  STRC 3385 or 3585 - Internship in Public Communication. Both programs are a total of 10 weeks, with the first two weeks on campus to take the Intercultural Communication course. Past students have told us that this course put them a step ahead of other students interning abroad.

2. As for a semester abroad, SMC’s London program has three strategic communication courses offered during the semester including an optional internship. The courses include: STRC 3323: Political Communication, STRC 3585 – Internship in Public Relations, or STRC 3685 – Internship in Organizational Leadership. You would only be able to take two courses directly through strategic communication, but any time you study abroad the Global/World Society GenEd is automatically fulfilled. The rest of the credits would be taken as electives offered through SMC.

The question that most students have about studying abroad is how they are going to pay for it. These are the necessary steps to take in order to receive the most financial assistance:

1. The first step would be to make an appointment with the financial aid office. If you plan on going for a semester, your financial aid package may increase because the cost of living is typically higher when studying abroad.

2. File your FAFSA within the first few days of it opening. This is how you can receive the most aid possible. It is not necessary to have your taxes filed beforehand; you may go back and fill it in later.

3. APPLY FOR ALL SMC SCHOLARSHIPS. All tuition scholarships apply when you are abroad for a semester; however, in the summer this is more difficult. The scholarships that are due in February are the ones than can be applied for the summer, and there are less available. This makes the summer more difficult to pay for but not impossible.

4. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH THE EDUCATION ABROAD OFFICE. There are hundreds of thousands of dollars offered in scholarships through this office. The requirements are broken by location typically, which makes it easier to choose which ones to apply to.

5. If nothing else, apply for loans. Most students are eligible for the Parent Plus loan, which is cosigned by your parents. Students sometimes take out private loans, but you need to be sure to look for low interest rates.

Preparing for a study abroad experience is a lot of work; however, when planned properly the process will be less stressful. As much work that you put in as a student, the study abroad advisers will put in as well. We have amazing opportunities to connect nationally and internationally through Temple. The first step is deciding to take the leap.

This guest blog post was written PRowl Staff Member Brianna Prime.

The Benefits of an Internship Abroad

Internships are a major part of not only the college experience but of preparing yourself for what lies ahead after graduation. Many might even say that obtaining an internship is one of the most important aspects of college, but what about applying for internships that aren’t in your college state, or even the country? Is it beneficial to get an internship abroad? The simple answer is yes, and here’s why: 

1. You’re getting out of your comfort zone: Being away from the support of your friends and family can be quite daunting, but it also gives you the opportunity to work in an uncomfortable environment and rise to the challenge. 
2. You experience culture shock: Whatever country you may choose to get an internship in will most likely be completely different from anything you might have been used to in the United States, and that’s exciting. Not only will you see first hand how business is conducted in a different part of the world, but you’re experiencing an entirely new professional culture that you otherwise would have no idea of. 
3. You strengthen your resume: A strong and diverse resume is proving to be more and more important to young professionals today. Having an international internship is just the icing on the cake to increasing your marketability to prospective employers, and further separating yourself from the crowd. 

What do you think the benefits of interning abroad may be? If they match any of what I’ve listed above, then an international internship might just be for you!

This post was written by PRowl Staff Member Jenna Stern.

Public Relations, an Adventure Abroad.

Wagwan, fellow aspiring public relations professionals! Last week at this time I was teaching children at White Horses Primary School, an Elementary School in St. Thomas, Jamaica, about sustainability. Every year, my universtiy sponsors service immersion trips to locations which include Jamaica. So last week, I found myself in Jamacia with 12 other students completing service projects and fending off wild life. I couldn't use my phone and I had no access to the internet. As both a public relations student and college student, I found it hard at first to detach from my work and my online social world. However, by the end of the trip, I learned invaluable lessons about public relations which I couldn't have learned in the classroom or even in my student and professional organizations.

As aspiring public relations professionals it's our job to be informed. Traveling to Jamaica opened my eyes to different cultures and issues that impact those around the world. This is important because the context which we live impacts the way we communicate. I have also learned how culturally, social media is used differently. For example, unlike in the United Staes, social media sites aren't visited every hour on the hour. So, culturally a strategic public realtions plan involving social media for a company or organization in Jamaica would not be successful.

In all, I highly encourage every student, especially public realtions students, to study and to volunteer abroad. The more we understand about the world and how those around us communicate, the better and more strategic communicators we become.

Have you ever studied or volunteered abroad? If so, how has it impacted you professionally?

Crossing the Pond

As I run down my checklist of things to pack for my semester in London I begin to make another checklist. Instead of toiletries and shoes, this list immediately seems more important. This list includes the things I hope to bring to, and take away, from my internship abroad. While I will not know my internship placement until I officially cross the pond, there are some general guidelines I plan to follow:

1. Have an open mind. Easier said than done. But the last thing I want to do is waste time being stuck in an American bubble. Opening up to new experiences is what studying abroad is all about and I plan on bringing that openness to my internship.
2. Be patient. Adapting to a new culture and work environment is going to prove challenging. I must remind myself to be patient with change and new norms that will come with working abroad.
3. Offer opinions. When appropriate, it is important to bring my thoughts and ideas to the table. Giving input will prove my interest in the field and help make me more involved in the workplace.
4. Act eager. Even as I adjust to a new culture and way of life, showing my readiness to learn and work will make a positive impression to my employer.
5. Build relationships. As a PR student, I am constantly told how networking and relationships will take me far throughout my career. While I may not plan on staying in London permanently, building relationships with professionals abroad may still help me make a connection back in the States.

I can’t predict what the next 3 months will bring me but I do know that open communication, an eagerness to learn, and networking abroad will help shape me into a more well-rounded PR student when I return home.

Until April, America! Cheers!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Tara Innamorato.

Gaining Experience During School, for a Career Path After School

It is extremely important these days to have experience prior to graduating college. There are a number of ways to gain experience during college; studying abroad, interning, volunteering, participating in organizations, working with a mentor, and participating in career networking events, are all ways in which students can gain valuable experience.

Many students study abroad to see how their future professions operate in other countries. This is good, because it gives the student a well-rounded feel for their profession and industry while getting an inside look at other cultures. However, where is the professional experience? Site seeing and living in another country does not necessarily give you experience within your future profession and industry. A successful trip abroad will enable you to work among side professionals from your industry. Internships abroad will give you an international perspective on your career goal, professional relationships that can turn into references, the ability to network with students and industry professionals, bring you that step closer to your desired career path.

For those who cannot study abroad, experience must be gained right where you are! Your school is filled with experience-gaining opportunities. Select your classes wisely, it is always smart to choose classes that may not be required, but will give you an edge after school. A public relations major is required to take an array of PR and communications classes. However, it is important to stretch and take classes that are still relevant but not required, in order to give you that competitive edge come job seeking time. Graphic design is a valuable commodity in the job market because it is almost always needed. Taking a graphic design class will not only provide you with extra experience, but it will be a substantial resume booster for potential employers.

When in a classroom, treat all group assignments and collaboration efforts like you are getting paid to do them. If you treat assignments in a professional manner, it may be possible to use the finished product as a part of your portfolio. Group projects can give you a chance to know your classmates not only on a social level, but also on a professional level. Students in your classes have something in common with you, their strengths may balance your weaknesses and vice versa.

Once you realize that experience-gaining opportunities are all around you, the next step is to take part in anything that can give you experience thus giving you an edge over future competition after graduation.

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Kyle Nolan.

Staying 'PR' focused while Studying Abroad

I have recently been referring to my upcoming semester in Rome as a dilemma- not because I am not looking forward to it (ask anyone, I AM!) but because it is really starting to affect my development and opportunities as a PR major. We all know that experience is key when it comes to working in the public relations field- and being out of the country taking four art history classes isn't getting me too far ahead.

However, from seeing other PR students spend time abroad, I’ve come to realize a few benefits of this time spent in another country. I’ve come up with a few ways that I (and any other communications student) can keep involved and connected while studying abroad:

1. WRITING -- I plan on keeping an in-depth blog while I learn, live, and travel in Italy. After researching different travel blogs and speaking with other students who have done the same, I've realized that this is one of the greatest benefits of studying abroad. Telling a story and captivating an audience is a key task that PR pro's must be able to master. I also hope to be able to contribute to other travel blogs and websites as well.

2. KEEPING AN ONLINE PRESENCE -- With the amount of knowledge I've learned from social media over the past year or so, it would be very hard for me to abandon it simply because I'll be out of the country. I do however, want to live 'la dolce vita' and not be consumed with my laptop and other things the entire time, but I will try my best to stay actively involved with the people I have made connections with through using social media. And with maintaining my presence online, I also strive to keep up with industry news, trends, and current events back home in America.

3. BECOMING GLOBALLY AWARE -- I haven't thought of it much before, but living on the other side of the world for four months has some hidden perks. It could give me a definite edge over those who I may be soon competing with for internships and even jobs after graduation. Understanding and living within another culture could greatly benefit me when it comes to targeting specific audiences in future jobs. I think living as an outsider in another culture will teach me not only patience, but respect and appreciation of other types of people. And that in itself has the power to help with any type of job.

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Mackenzie Krott.

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

While studying abroad in Spain, I’ve come to understand how important it is to work effectively in small groups. I have been thrown into a foreign country with fourteen other students from Temple, who I didn’t know before. From coordinating plans to practicing a new language, working as a group has become a necessity.
While abroad, I read Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture, a book written in the last years of his life. In one section, titled “Enabling the Dreams of Others,” Dr. Pausch discusses a few key points on how to effectively work within small groups:

1. Meet people properly: Pausch explains that a solid introduction with eye contact is important because it lays a good foundation for the relationship in the future.

2. Find things you have in common: By doing this, it’s much easier to address differences that may be discovered.

3. Try for optimal meeting conditions: People will function better if they aren’t tired, hungry, or standing in the rain.

4. Check egos at the door: Ideas should be written down and identified by a description, not the person who thought of the idea. Additionally, it is a level playing field, with opportunities for everyone to succeed.

5. Praise each other: Even the worst ideas have a silver lining! This also helps keep everyone’s morale up.

6. Phrase alternatives as questions: You should suggest doing plan A, instead of plan B. It’s never a good idea to tell someone that you’re changing the plan to your own.

Pausch’s tips are more practical than others I’ve heard before. They have become very helpful while working in my group in Spain. For example, when a decision needs to be made about which direction to walk, removing ourselves from the rain calmed everyone down and allowed for more rational thinking, like #3 suggests. While these tips seem simple, they can change group dynamics if applied correctly.

The incredible experiences I’ve had in Spain are only because of our group working effectively to achieve a common goal, with patience and respect. I want to take this lesson back to Temple with me, so that each group experience from now on is equally as positive. I highly recommend The Last Lecture and following the tips above for a successful outcome.

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Alex Crispino.

PR Opportunities in London

Obtaining a degree in Public Relations is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a six week study abroad program in London, England and it is here that I realized Public Relations is an occupation that one can practice outside of the United States, something that I definitely wouldn’t mind doing. Everywhere I look there are promoters for restaurants, clubs and any attractions you can think of. There are advertisements across the entirety of this amazing city, and every inch of space is utilized to market different companies, venues, markets and entertainment.

London is also one of the top places for jobs in PR. Companies like PHA Media, Taylor Herring, Flipside PR, Premier PR and many more are headquartered here. There are tons of opportunities for one to pursue with a degree in PR, in addition to many educational opportunities. For instance, The London School of Public Relations and Branding (http://www.pr-school-london.com/), which was established in 1992, is now one of the leading educational institutions in PR, along with several other degrees. They offer a two-week full time PR course, along with an 8-week part-time PR course, making it easy for anyone to gain a diploma.

So for anyone thinking of visiting London—whether it is in search of education, job prospects or just a vacation, I would highly recommend it. London is one of the top cities in the world, filled with more than 8 million people from many different backgrounds. There are countless opportunities for anyone interested in PR, so come check it out!

What is your dream city to practice PR in? Let us know!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Kaitlin Tully.