Happiest Cities for Public Relations Professionals

As aspiring public relations professionals with goals of someday landing a job we love, it is helpful to know where we will be able to find that dream job. I was always told growing up that if I am doing something I enjoy I won’t work a day in my life, and that will be my goal as I enter into the workforce. 

With that said, there is more opportunity for jobs in the public relations profession near a city than in a small town. The United States is full of cities with endless opportunity and various career paths in the public relations field. Each city has something unique to offer a recent college grad looking to embark on a journey.  

So, what are the happiest cities for public relations and marketing professionals? According to an article published on PR Daily earlier this year, the top 10 cities in the United States with the most satisfied workers in the industry were named based on a study performed by the American Marketing Association along with staffing agency Aquent: 

1. Phoenix

2. Indianapolis

3. Houston

4. St. Louis

5. Detroit

6. Charlotte

7. Boston

8. San Jose

9. Chicago

10. Austin

I hope to one day find a job in public relations near a city with opportunity to grow in my career. Perhaps I will end up in one of these cities and will be able to say that I, too, am happy with my job. Where will you go to pursue your dream job? Share with us!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Kaitlyn Mashack. 

How To: Make The Most of Your Summer Internship

Whether it is your first, second, or third internship, it’s important to know how to make the most out of a summer job. I have had many internships and jobs in the past where some were quite busy while others...not so much. Here are some helpful tips to cater to both busy and slow internships. 

If your internship is slow, always remember that you have the power to control the pace. Sure, maybe there is no work provided by your boss, but that does not mean that you stop trying to find tasks. 

• Ask other departments for work: Currently, I work in the media planning industry for advertising. I know that if my team has no work for me to do, I can shoot out a quick email to different teams such as the creative or marketing teams. This can apply to any internship. 

If working in a fast pace environment, plan ahead and focus on one thing at a time. Let your team members know in advance the amount of work you are already carrying in order to prevent overload. The team would rather have quality work then a ton of projects completed in a haphazard manner. 

• Ask questions: Although it is scary to ask when in doubt, asking questions is the best way for you to learn and your team to take back quality work. If you don’t know how to do something and you don’t ask a question, you are hurting the team as a whole! Don’t be afraid; it shows you are trying your best!
• Make friends with coworkers/other interns: This part is often overlooked and is not taken seriously by interns. When working in an industry like communications, communication is key. The other interns are in the same boat as you and sometimes helping each other out makes the experience easier. Making friends with coworkers also is a good networking tool. You never know, a past co-worker, may already work for a job you apply for in the future! 

Do you find yourself struggling in any of these areas? Utilize these tips in order to make the most out of your summer interning experience. 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Jessica Mancuso. 

PPRA Annual Meeting Recap

Wednesday evening at the PPRA Annual Meeting, the Philadelphia Public Relations Association honored past Temple University PRSSA President, Mackenzie Krott, with the PPRA Dr. Jean Brodey Award. This award honors a student for outstanding interest and professional promise in the field of public relations, academic excellence and community contribution. With a warm welcoming of applause from PPRA members, Mackenzie thanked everyone for their continued support to PRSSA as well as to us eager PR students, whether it be as a mentor, an informational interview or sending us internship openings, they continue to motivate and help us in any way. 

I was lucky enough to join Mackenzie at the event and was reassured once again of the importance and necessity of joining PPRA and their role in PR in the area. We were able to network with familiar faces, esteemed alumni, as well as new faces that we cannot wait to make further connections with. 

The evening started with Tom McGrath, editor of Philadelphia Magazine, as the keynote speaker, followed by the induction of the incoming president and Board of Directors. Tom McGrath spoke about the future of Philadelphia Magazine in print as well as the ever-expanding need for online content. He also mentioned the controversial topics that the magazine covers and how they deal with reactions and potential backlash. We were all excited to hear his positive attitude and confidence about the future of publishing and the magazine, and pleasantly shocked that the number of subscriptions has not changed, even with the presence of multiple online ways of receiving news. Seeing the new Board of Directors inducted was exciting, with multiple Temple and PRSSA alumni serving on the board, it furthered our determination to work hard so that these positions could be in our future. 

A professional association event that took time to award and focus on Mackenzie was incredible to see. All of her hard work has paid off and the award summarizes her qualities. No one was more deserving! 

This guest blog post was written by PRSSA President Brianna Rooney. 

The Supreme Court & Social Media

From the president to hundreds of municipal officials, many government-affiliated people and businesses have given in to social media. However, there is one federal agency that lacks social media use and does not seem to be giving in anytime soon; the U.S. Supreme Court.

After waiting all day to find out Wednesday's two major decisions on very controversial issues, the social media world was buzzing with excitement. Hashtags like #DOMA #Prop8 and #Scotus were popping up all over the Twittersphere. Yet, the news of the decisions did not break digitally; they came out on paper.



Decisions by the high court are handed down pretty much as they've always been: written rulings posted without notice nor prior missives indicating timing or outcome. Once the rulings are issued they are then distributed in paper form simultaneously to interested parties. This old school process is deliberative and leak-free makes sense and seems to work well.

But, is there a chance the Supreme Court will delve into the ever-popular realm of social media? Experts think not however with a digital age upon us you never really know.

What do you think? Will the high court start tweeting in the future? We want to know your opinion!

Escape the Echo Chamber

Our tendencies as humans are to seek information that we will agree with or is well known and not pay any attention to opposing views. Partaking in the echo chamber and aspiring to be a PR professional is not a good match. In this world filled with news, information and different media, it's not wise to solely depend on only one source of media. I know everyone has their specific likes and favorites but it's advisable to get familiar with the different outlets.

If you are victim of partaking in the echo chamber I challenge you to escape it and open your mind and seek out other sources that will offer new perspectives and challenge your own postulations, instead of reinforcing  your existing opinions. It's understood you mightn't agree with some media but its always refreshing to hear or read someone else's views.

I am from the Republic twin island of Trinidad and Tobago and coming to America to pursue my degree was my first step of escaping the echo chamber. I made the decision that i didn't want to learn in a setting I'm accustomed to or learn a culture I already knew. My escape has definitely broaden my beliefs and changed my perspectives on a few things, even PR.

The following are other ways to escape this effect:
1. Read from media outlets you never experienced.

2.Learn from people who have a totally different culture from you. Observe their writing and views on certain topics.

3. Pay attention to people who have contrary views to one of your favorite outlet's positions.

What other ways you can escape the echo chamber? Let us know!

Six Tips For Speaking Up

Many times, interns or those of us just starting out in real world jobs have a hard time vocalizing our opinions. Since I first began taking on PR internships, I've heard plenty of interns complain or express themselves behind the scenes, but rarely do they speak up when it really counts. While confronting your superiors can be a very intimidating experience, it is sometimes necessary and when done properly, wont be so bad! Here are my 6 tips for speaking up:

1. Timing is everything - When confronting someone in the workplace, it is crucial to pick the appropriate time and place. Do not make a scene or drag others into the situation. Wait until you can be one on one with that person.
2. Watch your tone - Remember that confrontation and attacking someone are two different things entirely. Speak in a calm, relaxed tone and express your thoughts clearly. Speak using "I" statements (i.e "I feel that...") to avoid sounding like you're placing too much blame on the other person.
3. Have a game plan - Don't approach the person super charged on emotions! Before you go in, write down a few notes so that you know everything you want to get out. This will allow you to speak clearly and directly without getting lost in your thoughts.
4. Remember that your opinions are valued - No one hires an intern or employee because they don't want them to add to the team. If you think an idea of yours could strengthen a project, it is likely that you're right. After all, it is your original ideas that set you apart from everyone else.
5. Tell them why, not what - Don't just shoot down the ideas or opinions of others without offering an alternative. Simply saying that something won't work is not enough. Instead, give an example of how you've seen something done better, and what the results were.
6. Be able to receive constructive criticism - Just because you have finally figured out how to speak out doesn't mean everything you say will be well received. Prepare yourself to have someone disagree with or challenge you, and accept it gracefully. Use the criticism to help better your strategic thinking, so you will have even better ideas next time!

Have you ever struggled to speak out in the workplace? How did you overcome? Let us know!

No LinkedIn? No Job.

LinkedIn has become a staple in job and internship searches.  It gives employers a way to check out your experience and internet presence before you even step foot into an interview.  This can be a great opportunity for you to make a statement about your professional self.  It can also be a way for you to lose points with an interviewer.

I was recently told by a family member that they knew of a company that wouldn't hire someone if they didn't have a LinkedIn profile.  My family member was shocked.  They don't have a Facebook or a Twitter or a LinkedIn simply because they don't feel the need to share so much information with the public.

I explained that there are many benefits of LinkedIn, but only if it is used properly.  I've had a lot of classes that require you to make a LinkedIn and all too often after the class is over students neglect their profile.  That sends a negative message to potential employers.  I think LinkedIn is a great way to connect with the professional community, but if you're going to have a profile it's important to keep a few things in mind:

Use it. Don't just let your profile sit with a blank picture and out of date information.  Even if you don't check it every day, make sure you're updating your content and interacting with people once and a while.

Join groups.  There are tons of groups on LinkedIn that talk about job postings or just advice for young professionals.  They are a great resource.

Connect the right way.  It's important that you're personalizing your messages when asking to connect with someone, especially if it's someone you're interested in getting a job with.  That little message is your first chance to show someone who you are.

So whether you have an up to date and well used LinkedIn or you're just considering getting a profile, keep these tips in mind! 

Do you think it is wrong for companies to disregard interviewees because they don't have a LinkedIn? Share your thoughts!