It's Almost Here!

May first brought around some unsettling feelings. It's graduation month...how did that happen? Although the feelings are quite different from past months it is still unreal that we are done with our college careers in a few short weeks. The breakdowns and freakouts have subsided, partly because I found an apartment with two great friends. The job aspect of my life is still to be determined, but with a little luck that will come in no time. Despite the senioritis and lack of motivation this semester it's probably been the best semester yet. We're all growing up and becoming "real life" adults while still having to balance school work. The PR 107 Campaigns class was the most beneficial class Hofstra's PR program could offer. Instead of being lectured about what PR is we were able to see for ourselves in a real life situation. Although it often got frustrating when clients would not cooperate or contact the group this experience was extremely beneficial for our learning in this final semester at Hofstra. As the weeks to graduation fly by all we can do is enjoy the few special moments we have left. Whether it's Hofstra's Gala, spring formals or moving into a new apartment there's so much to enjoy. I hope everyone enjoys these last few weeks and I wish you all the best!

FREAK OUT!

The hot topic on all seniors minds is, graduation. I was reminded yesterday by my boyfriend's mom that this looming day is only nine weeks away. That's right, n-i-n-e. So what's next? First, a job would be nice. The job search started about a month ago for me. While some might think this is too early in our industry, I have a case of OCD when it comes to knowing what's next and I felt that I had to get a jump start. Although I have not heard back yet it is reassuring that I have some resumes and applications submitted already. Next on my to do list, find an apartment in Queens. I have the roommate, my best friend Dan, but we need an apartment. The qualifications are simple. Two bedroom, safe area, walking distance from a subway. Is that too much to ask?! With everything piling up it's hard to focus on the task at hand, finishing this last semester with a desirable GPA. Everyone's telling me to enjoy my last semester and take it easy but it's so hard to when there's so much to get done in nine weeks. NINE WEEKS?!

Perhaps we all need to just take a breath and realize that all our skills learned from our amazing PR professors will be our secret weapon in the "real world" . Doesn't hurt to have an internship, or two. I've had four the past few years, two in the fashion industry working as a copywriter and two in the non-profit/government sector of PR. All of these experiences have taught me what I like and what I don't like and I can therefore narrow down my job applications.

So maybe we don't need to freak out. If we realize that we have all the tools in our tool belts and we just need to showcase them, then we'll be all set. Until then, a few words of encouragement won't hurt. So good luck everyone searching for jobs! We're bound to stick somewhere.

PS- NINE WEEKS!

OMG! Who Made Your Dress?

While watching this year's Oscars it was evident it was an all-out battle of the sexes at my boyfriend's house. His mom and I verses him and his stepdad. Some men just don't understand the importance of fashion at awards shows and his stepdad replied, "Who cares who made their gowns!" this got me thinking. The hot topic on the pre-Oscar show red carpet is all about the gowns. Who's wearing what, what color, is it a fashion do or don't. This is the PERFECT opportunity for Public Relations. Each actress is asked the all to familiar question, "Who made your dress" or another version of the question, "Who are you wearing?" The actresses promptly reply, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, etc. This is the perfect opportunity for new designers to get their name out there. When each actress replies, millions of people are listening and then take to the internet to find more info about the designer and their designs. What's even better is with each Oscar show, a few weeks later replicas of the most fabulous dresses are made. It's a win win! The designers get recognition, and free PR, and fashionistas get to not only drool over, but own their very own inspired Oscar gown.

Public Relations-For Free

Interning is a very important part of our Public Relations experience and learning as a student. Some internships can be beneficial and create the networking platform that we seek. On the other hand, other internships can show us a side of interning that we may not love. Last semester I had the opportunity to intern for a local not-for-profit organization in Melville. As the PR/Marketing intern I was able to work hands on with events and promote the organization to increase the member rate. Although it was a good learning experience I often felt neglected and taken advantage of, even though I was an unpaid intern.

Things took a change for the better this semester. As one of the current interns at NYS Senator Kemp Hannon's office I was welcomed openly into the office. I have guidance and the opportunity to use my creativity with the tasks I am presented with. I am doing Public Relations tasks as I did at my previous internship but this experience is proving to me how different people act towards others, especially interns in the work place.

Both internships allowed me to come to the decision that I would like to work in the public affairs/government aspect of Public Relations. More importantly, from these experiences I have learned that although you can have a negative experience with an internship it can still be beneficial and lead you to the right direction.

Valentine's Day- What's all the hype about?

As a hopeless romantic I can't help but pay attention to all the media hype surrounding this lovers holiday. From TV commercials, to segments on the Today show to the internet we can't escape the hype of Valentine's Day. So what's the big deal? We celebrate the ones we love, but we can do that any day. What I found interesting about this Valentine's day was a PR campaign Macy's started. In light of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, Macy's will donate $1, up to $250,000, to the American Heart Association through their Facebook page. All you have to do is send a message to those you love through the page. The perk, it's completely free and it goes towards a great cause. Finally, there's more depth to Valentine's day.

I heard about this campaign through a TV commercial. Amidst the typical chocolates, jewelry and flowers commercials Macy's stood out. This is a great tactic to not only get viewers to visit the Macy's Facebook page, website, and store but it also gets the word out about February's Heart Healthy month. What's better than sending a V-day message and donating money to heart health at the same time. I personally love this campaign and think it's creative and innovative. Perhaps this can be used as a future case study for campaigns to come...Happy Valentine's Day!

PR is like Sex and the City...right?

Sex and the City glamorizes the life of the Public Realtions professional. Samantha prounces around at parties and bars looking faaaabulous. Reality check! PR is NOT sitting in limos and drinking cosmos with a celebrity. PR is NOT about looks, tight clothes and boobs. PR is hard work. Blood, sweat and tears-sorry for the cliche. As a naive freshman I never understood what PR actually was. I thought okay great, I'm a people person, I'm creative and I love the media. Naturally, Public Relations was the perfect major to decide on. Although these tools of my personality will come in handy in this profession there's more that's needed. Throughout the past four years at Hofstra as a PR major I've learned all the necessary things to be successful in the world of Public Relations. What I thought would be a fabulous profession will be fabulous, but I will definitely not be a Samantha, more like a struggling Public Relations graduate desperate to show the world what she's got. So bring it on world, I accept your challenge.