PR Job Seeker of the Week: Sandra Florent

Meet Sandra Florent – also known as @SoloDovePR on Twitter.

I think I am a natural born publicist if that makes any sense. Even when I didn’t know what PR was people were telling me that I should go into it. My formal background comes from a B.A. in Communications from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I am currently a freelance publicist based out of New Jersey working in entertainment and fashion. I had an internship with the YWCA of Bergen County, held the publicist position for a number of college organizations and did some consultant work here and there for family and friends.

What drives me to pursue PR is that it’s always a learning experience. PR is about strategy and branding and that is something that I am very interested in. Also PR is about relationships and people and I love that part of it. I want to be able to showcase something that I believe in to the world and that’s what being a publicist allows me to do. To get publicity and eyes watching something that I myself enjoy.

I would like to work in a PR environment that is working with the trends and is finding new trends. An environment where ideas are allowed to flow and everyone matters. Also, a place where there is a variety in the workload and strong teamwork.

I think the reason I should be hired is that I am willing to learn and to share. As a freelancer I have experience doing PR but being hired to a PR firm or agency will just shift how I currently work. I will be able to bring things to the table that others may not have thought about. I have worked with a variety of people so I am able to adapt to a wide range of situations.

To get a copy of my resume employers can simply email me at solodove@msn.com

What I would  like the PR community to know about me is that even as a “newbie” PR is something that I am very passionate about and I like to learn and meet new people who share that passion. I want to one day be that person who can be credited as a reliable PR source.

 

PR Job Seeker of the Week: Kara Kelley

Hello potential employers. Looking for a bubbly, smart PR professional to fill a position in your company? Well, it’s nice to meet you.

My name is Kara Kelley and I am a senior Media Communication Studies major at THE Florida State University – Go Noles. I am a social media enthusiast, junk-food junkie and lover of all things fun. I was born and raised in the Tampa bay area where I am hoping to establish myself in the PR industry. My ideal position is in tourism or sports but I have a knack for making the best out of a situation and would be open to other opportunities.

All this information is fine and dandy but let’s get to the good stuff, why would you want me?

Well, let’s see, I am a hard-worker. Doesn’t everyone say that? But, I really am. During my senior year I have worked part-time at a local public relations firm, interned at FSU’s Sports Information Office, planned two professional development trips as the Vice President of FPRA and helped a local non-profit coffeehouse get noticed on campus, all while maintaining a 15 hour course load (and my sanity).

I have a lot of experience with social media. I have helped manage various Facebook and Twitter accounts for clients, sports and clubs, and helped create an award-winning blog for FPRA. I have also worked with other sites such as, bit.ly, Hootsuite, live game chats and Google Reader. What better way to learn about incorporating social media into your business plan than from someone who deals with it on a daily basis?

I have learned a lot over the past few years but don’t worry; I know I don’t know everything. While I have jumped at almost every opportunity I have been handed, at 21 years old, I still have a lot to learn and experience. It’s a good thing I love being taught new things.

Now that I have introduced myself, I hope to have the opportunity to sit down with you, potential employer. I can tell you more about my past work experience and answer any questions you may have.

Want some more information in the mean time? Contact me at klk06d@fsu.edu for a copy of my resume or direct message me on Twitter @KaraKelley.

*On a side note: I want to thank you, Lauren, for featuring me on your “Job Seeker of the Week” series not only because of the impressive following you have established on your blog but because of the caliber of fellow students who have been featured before me. I am honored.

 

PR Job Seeker of the Week: Kelly Knickerbocker

Hello! My name is Kelly Knickerbocker and I’m from Dallas, TX. It’s an honor to be Lauren Novo’s “PR Job Seeker of the Week” and I want to thank her for giving myself, and others, the opportunity to communicate our passions, personalities and goals to her network of followers.

Although I currently live in Dallas-Fort Worth, I am looking for entry-level opportunities in Seattle! My fiancé was recently accepted into the Art Institute of Seattle. We both love the Emerald City and can’t think of anything more exciting than relocating to a gorgeous town to pursue our passions. For him, it’s an education. For me, it’s the beginning of a rewarding career in public relations; one that’s full of challenges, discoveries and victories.

Up for an adventure? Oh yes, yes I am.

To start off, I’m going #HAPPO-style on you. Here are a few reasons why I’d make a great addition to your Seattle-based PR team:

1. I’m a writer! I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in May 2009.
2. The skills I acquired as a journalist will benefit my future PR team and the clients, individuals and organizations I represent. I speak and write clearly, I ask questions and can craft a story – or message – that’s easily digestible by the masses.
3. I had an amazing opportunity to intern at Fleishman-Hillard Dallas in 2009. Because of the experience I had there, I know it’s PR or bust! I respect the industry pros I worked alongside at FH Dallas immensely. I loved being able to play a legitimate role in the day-to-day operations at FH; I drafted press releases, pitch letters and media advisories, generated earned media analyses, coverage reports and targeted media lists, proactively pitched and more.
4. When I’m passionate about something, I dig my heels in, get prepared for the long haul and make things happen. There’s no alternative.
5. I possess all of the skills to succeed as an entry-level PR professional…
6. …plus the drive and motivation to stand out.
7. I am always open to learning and expanding my knowledge on any subject. I’ll never think that I know everything or reject the opportunity to learn something new, interesting and/or innovative.

I’d love the chance to speak with agencies that are looking (or who will be looking) for new talent hires in the near future. I’d make a valuable, teachable, enjoyable and motivated addition to your talented team.

Additionally, I’ll be in Seattle on April 17-18, 2010. I’m very much hoping to connect with some PR pros while I’m there.

Reach out to me!

Kellyknick13@gmail.com

@lkknickerbocker

Facebook.com/kelly.knickerbocker

I also wanted to share a few things that I’ve learned over the course of my ongoing 2,000-mile job search. These may be things you’ve read before or learned for yourself while looking for a job away from home, but this is a new experience for me. Any other aspiring PR pros that are in the same position: buck up. We got this.

1. Show off your PR skills by representing Y-O-U like you’d represent a client – Cross-country job seekers are at a slight disadvantage; they can’t set meetings or interviews at the drop of a hat nor can they “start next week” (or even the week after).

Think of it like a PR campaign. Will every event, company or organization you represent in the PR world be located in your own backyard? Nope. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have success in building up your client’s capabilities, products or other offerings.

Fellow cross-country job seekers, you have the opportunity to launch your own PR campaign on behalf of, well…you! It’s a great chance for you to think outside of the box and get yourself noticed. While in-city candidates might just go through the motions, cross-country applicants need to be on the ball. What will make your letter or résumé look different or stand out against a candidate who already lives in the city to which you’ll be relocating? You might be the better, more passionate candidate, but unless your work ethic, qualifications and personality are easy to detect in your e-mails and letters, some firms might go with the candidate they have easier access to. It’s a challenge, but you’re up to it… right?

In order to be seen from far away, you’ve got to shine brighter than any other [PR] star.

1. Get creative when looking for PR professionals to connect with – Some of the most meaningful connections I’ve made are through personal appeals to employees of a company I’m interested in. Not overly-emotional, “please give me a job or I’m going to starve” appeals, but something along the lines of, “Can you direct me to the person in charge of hiring? I’d love to speak to someone who can tell me more about the current opportunities at XYZ firm. I’ve already submitted my application for the Assistant Account Executive position that’s posted online and would like to go one step further and make a connection with someone in your office.” Search Facebook networks, Twitter, #HAPPO – whatever outlet will broaden your network and provide you with additional inroads to your future job.

Side Note – The “employment@xyzfirm.com” e-mail addresses are stressful! Coming across so many e-mail addresses like that is what led me to dig deeper, to find additional contacts and to make personal appeals. It also may have led to my discovery of #HAPPO and the myriad of connections a future PR pro can cultivate via Twitter. This is an industry based on building relationships with people. Nothing is more intimidating than sending an e-mail or resume to a nonexistent recipient.  It’s difficult to articulate your goals, dreams and qualifications to an address that belongs to nobody.

1. Schedule a trip. Schedule two. – Show that you’re serious. This isn’t a random, spur of the moment decision you’ve made. You’ve done your research and you mean business! You’re goal is to be a valuable part of their team for the long haul.

1. Don’t lose heart – I kept a spreadsheet of all the firms and agencies I reached out to between September and December 2009. I contacted 51 Seattle-area PR companies. They were mix of small, medium and large firms and represented a variety of client groups, but each offered something that specifically appealed to me.

I got a response from 10 of the 51 firms I reached out to. Of those 10, eight were automated, “Thanks for your interest, we’ll keep your résumé on file” types of replies. Out of the two that were written by humans, both also said things like, “Thanks so much for reaching out to us, unfortunately we’re not hiring right now.” So, after researching 51 agencies, tailoring letters and résumés to each, I had zero prospects. Not a good feeling.

If your experiences have been similar: erase the frustration you’re feeling. This is a new year and the economy is looking up. More places are hiring, or are planning to in the near future. Take advantage of that. Hit up the agencies that you reached out to last year; I did. It was a more successful effort and I’ve had encouraging communication with a handful of agencies.

If you get mad or stay frustrated, your communication with prospective employers will reflect your change in attitude and overall, you’ll become a less attractive candidate.

Thanks again and I hope you all have an amazing week!

Sincerely,

Kelly Knickerbocker

 

PR Job Seeker of the Week: Jessica Griffin

When the economy got tough, she faced it head on by starting her own consultancy: Glass Half Full Communications. PR employers, I’m happy to introduce you to Jessica Griffin, whom you may already know as @GlassHalfFullPR.

What sort of PR background do you have? Feel free to include any education, jobs, internships or freelancing experience.

I’ve been in the PR industry for about 5 years.  I’ve been in love with this profession since high school in Buffalo, NY at Mount Saint Mary Academy.  I was lucky that our PR and marketing director took me under her wing to help host events and open houses.  I then attended Canisius College, also in Buffalo, and graduated in 2004.  During that time I completed internships for the local Citadel Communications radio stations, the Buffalo Sabres hockey team and a boutique PR and public affairs agency, E 3 Communications.

After graduation I was chosen to do a summer internship in New Orleans, LA with one of the top boutique PR firms in the nation, Deveney Communications.  After completing that internship and re-locating back to Buffalo, I worked as a copywriter for The Buffalo News in their marketing department and a marketing intern at Curbell Plastics.

In the summer of 2005 I secured a full-time communications position with the University at Buffalo alumni office.  For two and a half years I helped to facilitate the online alumni community, plan alumni/student events and be the eyes and ears of the alumni community.  It was a great challenge.  During that time I began my graduate school education at St. Bonaventure University.  Halfway through grad school I was offered a development and marketing position with Beechwood Continuing Care, a premier senior-care organization in Western New York.  Working in the non-profit sector was another great experience and it gave me a great outlook on the world.  By graduation in December 2008, due to the economy, that position was about to be phased out and I decided re-locate with my fiancé to Greenville, SC for his new employment.

Moving during a down economy was not easy but it gave me a chance to brand my talents and myself.  I started my own consultancy in the beginning of 2009 called Glass Half Full Communications.  I primarily focus on public relations including social media tactics with local organizations, agencies and start-up/entrepreneurial companies, such as, Asurency, an identity theft protection company.  I have also consulted on project management with name brands like Dirt Devil.

I am heavily involved with the Public Relations of Society for the past 5 years, attending many events and networking with great people.  Recently I have also joined the American Advertising Federation of Greenville and serve as their Communications chairperson.

What are your PR passions and strengths? What drives you to pursue this career?

Ultimately I think PR is about building strong relationships.  That is one of my biggest strengths.  Whether building relationships with the national, local and regional media or local organizations to build community involvement, I do it well.  I have always felt that my creative spirit fuels my passion for informing and educating the public.  At many points in my life I wanted to become a journalist, so I know I have that background for writing well and informatively.  And that is a necessity to be a good PR professional.

In what sort of environment are you hoping to work? This can include everything from city/state location to corporate/non-profit/agency preferences.

I’m always looking to diversify myself and with experience at the agency, corporate and non-profit level, I know can be a good fit in anything.

I can see myself working in an agency environment that promotes both traditional and non-traditional PR (social media, etc.) I also would enjoy working in a corporate environment that does the same, with an open-mind for new and emerging media technologies.  As far as location, I’m looking for agencies, companies and organizations up and down the east coast.  I would particularly like to re-locate to cities such as: Boston, Philadelphia, New York City or Washington DC.

Why should you be hired into a PR position? What makes you special?

I think I dare to be different and take things to the next level.  I have always been a very ambitious person and I bring that to my work and the organization I’m working for.  Also when working on a project I tend to do as much research as I can.  I want to be able to know what the audience I’m working to reach is thinking.

What is the best way for employers to get a copy of your resume?

LinkedIn is going to be the best way.  It is as up-to-date as my resume document: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jessgriffin

They can get more information at my web site:  www.glasshalffullimc.com

Employers can email me at jessica@glasshalffullimc.com and I don’t mind sending a resume to them personally.

Is there anything else you’d like the PR community to know about you?

I believe the PR industry is going through a mass shift in the way things are done.  I find it fascinating and I cannot wait to see what happens next.  With the emergence of social media technologies, I find myself consumed with expanding my depth of knowledge.  I consider myself a PR and social media enthusiast and I know I always will be.  It is what I am passionate about and I truly believe you have to what you are passionate about to make difference in this world.  And that is one of my biggest life goals.

I am always socializing and networking with other professionals both online and offline and I can be found at @GlassHalfFullPR via Twitter.  Feel free to send me a tweet anytime and I’d love to chat.

 

PR Job Seeker of the Week: TaQuinda Johnson

Public Relations Employers: please allow me to introduce you to TaQuinda Johnson (known on Twitter as @TMariePR).

What sort of PR background do you have? Feel free to include any education, jobs, internships or freelancing experience.

I graduated in 2005 from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Language, Literature and Writing.  My passion for PR started by doing grassroots promotion around campus for Friendship Productions, a Christian Entertainment company. It escalated to media kits and press releases. I then changed my major and have been pursing PR ever since. During college, I had the opportunity to intern with the Career Services Center at Eastern, the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, MI and with the General Motors Minority Dealers Association (GMMDA). After graduation, I was offered a position as the assistant Public Relations and Member Services Coordinator at the GMMDA. While employed with the GMMDA, I was responsible for various projects and initiatives such as 2005 -2007 GM Winter and Summer PEP Conference, 2005-2007 GMMDA Scholarship Program Meet and Greet Program and dealer participation within the 2006 BET Black College Tour. Due to downsizing and restructuring of the GMMDA, I was laid off in 2007.

Outside of the automotive industry, I have worked within the Gospel/Christian entertainment industry coordinating and facilitating event planning as well as various public relations efforts for concerts and events featuring Mainstream Gospel Artist such as Marvin Winans Jr, Cross Movement Records artist, Da Truth, Reach Records artist Lecrae, EMI Gospel artist Kierra Sheard and many more.

I am staff writer for Detroit Gospel.com, where I have the opportunity to highlight Gospel events and artist album reviews.

What are your PR passions and strengths? What drives you to pursue this career?

I have been told that I have a vision runner. When someone tells me about their vision or mission, it is so easy for me to run with it and see it through to the end. I believe this quality alone allows individuals to trust and know that whatever task that is placed in my hands will be fulfilled.  I have strong communications, writing and event planning skills. I am also a social media junkie. I strive to find new, innovative ways to use social media and “out the box” strategies to fulfill a client’s public relations needs.

What drives me the pursue my career… The Call. I believe that going into PR is a call, part of my destiny. I strive to see clients receive what they desire and for their company or product receive the exposure they need. I thrive off that. I am like the Energizer Bunny… I keep going and going and going.

In what sort of environment are you hoping to work? This can include everything from city/state location to corporate/non-profit/agency preferences.

I desire to work in an environment that is conducive to learning. One where individuals, coworkers and boss can establish a mentorship with their employees pushing them to new heights in their careers. I am all about positive re-enforcement. I believe this drives a person to get going when stressful situations may arise. At this moment, I desire to stay in Michigan, however I am open to relocation to Jacksonville or Tampa, Florida; Dallas or Austin, Texas; or Atlanta, Georgia.

I am open to agency and the non profit or entertainment industries.

Why should you be hired into a PR position? What makes you special?

As I stated before, you can trust me with your vision/mission. I will treat your company as if it were my own, through my PR efforts. I am a very diverse employee. I can work in any type of environment with various personalities. I am patient, ambitious and tenacious. I strive for excellence in every area that I place my hand to. I stay until the job gets done, no matter day or night.

What is the best way for employers to get a copy of your resume?

My resume is available through LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/tmarie or via my blog site at www.tmariepr.com. Both sites provide employers with recommendations by professionals as well.

Is there anything else you’d like the PR community to know about you?

As I stated above, PR is more than just a job to me. It’s my call, my destiny.

 

PR Job Seeker of the Week: Jessica Lawlor

Contact: Jessica Lawlor

@jesslaw

jessicallawlor@gmail.com

215-327-5018

http://jessicalawlor.com/

MEDIA ALERT

WHO: Jessica Lawlor, senior public relations student at Temple University

WHAT: Future PR professional Jessica Lawlor is graduating from Temple University and is available to work for YOU

WHEN: Available for interview immediately and available for hire after May 13, 2010

WHERE: In the Philadelphia and New York City regions and surrounding areas

WHY: Jessica Lawlor is dedicated to PR. As a sophomore, she joined PRSSA and immediately got involved. In the same year, she co-founded PRowl Public Relations, Temple University’s first and only student-run PR firm. She served as the firm’s director of public relations, implementing all social media strategies and keeping the Temple community and the local media informed of PRowl Public Relations. In her junior year, she served as secretary and head of the newsletter committee for Temple’s PRSSA chapter. Now, as a senior, Jessica leads Temple PRSSA as chapter president.

In addition to her leadership experience, Jessica has completed several internships in the public relations and communications field. In her sophomore year, she interned for the newspaper Metro where she honed her AP style and journalism skills. In her junior year, she interned for LevLane Advertising and Public Relations where she learned the ins and outs of a full service agency. During that same year, she worked with Heather Huhman developing a PR plan for Come Recommended. During her senior year, Jessica interned with The American Cancer Society where she polished her press release writing.

Perhaps Jessica’s most unique public relations work to date is her recent experience promoting debut author Kristin Walker’s novel A Match Made In High School. Kristin Walker found Jessica through her book review and writing blog Cover to Cover. Jessica implemented a social media plan which involved teaching Walker how to use Twitter, researching and reaching out to influential book bloggers, booking online radio interviews and creating an online press kit.

 

The Art of: Nailing the Job Interview

Jason Mollica has had the fortune of wearing many hats over his career. He has worked in television places like NBC10 and Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia, Pa., where he was nominated for an Emmy. In 2001, he joined Fox News Channel in New York and was part of the team that launched Fox News Radio in 2003. Seeking a new challenge, Jason entered the public relations and marketing profession. He currently works as the public relations manager at Carr Marketing Communications in Amherst, N.Y. In 2009, he launched One Guy’s Journey, his blog about life, career, and everything in between. You can also find him adding value to the online PR community on twitter @JasMollica.

So, you’ve been sending your resume and cover letter to various places in the hopes that it will be one of the few they pull out of the stack.  It’s enough to drive you crazy.  Will they call? Should I write/call to make sure they got my information? WHEN WILL THEY CALL?

What I want to talk to you about today is not if they’ll call or mail you, but WHEN they call or mail you for an interview.  It’s your chance to hit it out of the park and be the next public relations manager or account executive.  Your first step should be to think about what you will bring to the interview.  I recommend having two copies of your resume and references, two pens, and your portfolio.

You also need to consider a plan of attack prior to actually going on the interview.  You’ve probably done a little research on your (possible) future employer.  Make it your duty to know everything you possibly can about them.  Research their clients, their history, and who the bosses are within the company.

Do you get a little shaky before interviews? It’s fine. You are going to be nervous. A little case of the nerves shows just how much you want the job.  It also keeps you on your toes.  I was very nervous prior to my last job interview and, in the end, felt it was the best interview I had ever been on.

Are you proud of your skills? Good.  Show your potential boss what you’ve got. A piece of paper only goes so far.  You want to give the interviewer something to think about during and after the interview.  It was always my intention to get in that room and I knew I could sell them on me.  Find some common ground and break the ice; show that you can think on your feet.

If you want the job as an account manager, then you should start thinking like the job. Know the job you are going for and what it entails.  Use your contacts or call another PR/marketing firm and ask what this type of job entails. Then, put yourself in a position of strength.  A question will come up if you know anything about the posted job.  I can’t stress how important this is for you and your interview.

Finally, here’s something I learned from a trusted colleague.  When the interview is wrapping up, ask your interviewer/future boss if they have any concerns about your resume.  This shows you have nothing to hide and are willing to discuss a job that may have not ended well.  Honesty is always the best policy. Doing this will show that you are trustworthy and can handle criticism.

This is an exciting time, whether you are a soon-to-graduate student or a seasoned pro looking for that next challenge.  Step up to the plate and nail it!

Jason has had the fortune of wearing many hats over his career.  He has worked in television at places like NBC10 and Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia, Pa., where he was nominated for an Emmy.  In 2001, he joined Fox News Channel in New York and was part of the team that launched Fox News Radio in 2003.  Seeking a new challenge, Jason entered the public relations and marketing profession.  He currently works as the public relations manager at Carr Marketing Communications in Amherst, N.Y. In 2009, he launched One Guy’s Journey, his blog about life, career, and everything in between. You can also find him adding value to the online PR community on twitter @JasMollica.

 

Introducing: PR Job Seeker of the Week!

There are countless PR job seekers out there (both entry level and seasoned) who have crazy talent and drive, but need an outlet to share their stories.

So in the spirit of #HAPPO (Help a PR Pro Out), an online initiative started by @ValerieSimon and @arikhanson to connect PR job seekers with employers, I’m hereby dedicating my blog to the cause every Friday.

Last week, I interviewed a different PR job seeker each day, and that seemed to be a hit. But from now on, the individuals I feature will have the opportunity to shine in whatever way they choose.

They can write a PR-related guest post to showcase their writing and critical thinking skills; craft a pitch message about why they should be hired into a certain niche or in a certain city; or even just answer a series of interview questions.

It’s all about you, PR Job Seekers, so come on: Get #HAPPO!

Next Friday, I will feature @jesslaw. She’s awesome and I can’t wait for you all to meet her. I’ve had several others interested and will be contacting them shortly. For the rest of you, please leave me your email address in the comments section below and I’ll start the scheduling process!

 

HAPPO Interview (2/5): Meet Sheryl Gudelsky

The following interview is part of my five day blogging effort to contribute to the “Help a PR Pro Out” (HAPPO) online initiative, which was started to help PR job seekers connect with employers. For more information on HAPPO: follow @helpaprproout and the hashtag conversation #HAPPO on Twitter; check out the blog; become a fan on Facebook; or connect with @ValerieSimon and @arikhanson, the two masterminds behind the campaign.

Meet Sheryl Gudelsky, a PR student in Georgia, hoping to secure a career in public relations upon graduation in May 2010.

What sort of PR background do you have? Feel free to include any education, jobs, internships or freelancing experience.

I am currently a senior at The University of Georgia, and will graduate in May with degree in Journalism from UGA’s Grady College of Journalism. My major is PR, and my minor is Spanish. I will also graduate with a certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership from the Terry College of Business’ Institute for Leadership Advancement at UGA.

I currently work as an intern for Sports Media Challenge, a PR firm providing services for athletes, coaches, athletic organizations and other corporate clients. My responsibilities have included analyzing and evaluating media coverage and creating reports of these results for the clients.

I also worked as a summer intern for Autism Speaks in Atlanta, which gave me a great understanding of the operations of nonprofit organizations. I assisted with event planning, and communicated on a daily basis with donors, sponsors, volunteers and local families.

Following my internship with Autism Speaks, I co-founded and directed AutismUGA, a student-run philanthropy at UGA.  AutismUGA was created in order to promote autism awareness and to impact those affected in Athens. AutismUGA provided me with a unique PR experience, as I was primarily responsible for creating and promoting the the organziation’s image and events on campus and in the community.

Serving as the Vice President of Communications for Pi Beta Phi at UGA was also a wonderful PR experience. As the liaison between Pi Phi and all campus and community organization, I loved helping girls become involved in groups that interested them academically or personally.

What are your PR passions and strengths? What drives you to pursue this career?

I am passionate about sports PR. As a lifelong sports fan, I view involvement in athletics in any way as a means to develop a healthy lifestyle and competitive spirit. Professional and collegiate sports are incredibly prominent in our society, and therefore the role of an athlete today has expanded beyond the field. I would love to pursue a career that would allow me to assist athletes, teams and leagues seeking to enhance community relations and make a positive impact.

I also am drawn to nonprofit PR. There are so many amazing causes to serve and to promote, and there is nothing more rewarding than using ones skills and training to advocate on behalf of others. My experiences serving the autism community have given me so much, and the gratitude that I have received from the Athens community is unparalleled.

In what sort of environment are you hoping to work? This can include everything from city/state location to corporate/non-profit/agency preferences.

I thrive in a team environment, and strongly value the ideas and opinions of others. I appreciate a variety of perspectives, and look forward. I am from the Atlanta area, but am extremely open to relocation.

Why should you be hired into a PR position? What makes you special?

My unique academic, internship and extracurricular experiences over the past four years have transformed me from a strong contributor to a competent leader. I am dedicated to lifelong learning, and am constantly challenging myself. I will bring this personal standard of excellence to any organization that I work for.

What is the best way for employers to get a copy of your resume?

Anyone is welcome to email me for an attachment at sheryl.gudelsky@gmail.com, or to view my LinkedIn for my resume or contact me on Twitter @sherylgudelsky.

Is there anything else you’d like the PR community to know about you?

I value leadership, and also understand the importance of effective followership. I am constantly seeking opportunities to learn from those around me, and look forward to obtaining a career that is challenging and allows me to grow as a PR professional.

 

HAPPO Interview (1/5): Meet Christian Betancourt

The following interview is part of my five day blogging effort to contribute to the “Help a PR Pro Out” (HAPPO) online initiative, which was started to help PR job seekers connect with employers. For more information on HAPPO: follow @helpaprproout and the hashtag conversation #HAPPO on Twitter; check out the blog; become a fan on Facebook; or connect with @ValerieSimon and @arikhanson, the two masterminds behind the campaign.

Meet CHRISTIAN BETANCOURT, a PR pro, living in the Twin Cities, with more than five years of experience in everything from political and radio to retail and corporate public relations.

What sort of PR background do you have? Feel free to include any education, jobs, internships or freelancing experience.

I have been working in the communications and public relations field for about five years now. I completed my education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities with a Bachelors degree in political science and public relations from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, which has been consistently ranked as one of the best journalism programs in the nation each year. I began my career working in public affairs and communications with a certain political party and then moved on to executing communications for a U.S. Senate candidate in Minnesota. After the successful completion of the campaign (in which the candidate won), I was offered a corporate PR internship at Best Buy, which is headquartered outside of Minneapolis. During my internship, I gained valuable knowledge about planning and executing successful PR plans while working to promote the organization’s community relations and corporate communications initiatives. As my passion for PR grew, I took a short-term position with Clear Channel where I was a promotions coordinator for the highly rated Minneapolis radio station, KDWB-101.3. While working there, I was offered a full-time position working with a St. Paul-based insurance firm called Johnson McCann where I was in charge of all marketing and communication efforts related to the business.

Most recently, I worked for Kroll Ontrack, a legal technologies company, as a public relations specialist. In this role, I was charged with managing all media relations for the company’s legal technologies product line. In addition to proactive and reactive media relations, I also lead the charge on the social media front establishing the company’s first-ever social media strategy. These are only a few examples of my experience. As an overview, my specialties include:

• Media Relations/Corporate Spokesperson
• Social Media Strategy and Execution
• Strategic Communications Planning
• Writing (AP Style, Persuasive, Editorial)
• Tradeshow/Event Communications Management
• Budget Management
• Internal Communications
• Key Message Creation and Executive Coaching

What are your PR passions and strengths? What drives you to pursue this career?

Public relations is my passion. I live for creating, implementing and measuring successful communications campaigns. I am a huge social media enthusiast and take part in many PR related industry chats on twitter like #Journchat, #pr20chat, #prstudchat and others. I am also very passionate about being involved in PRSA. Currently, I am the social media lead for the Minnesota chapter of PRSA (@MinnesotaPRSA) and serve on the Communication committee for the chapter.

What drives me in PR? The thrill of the chase and relationship building with journalists, colleagues and other industry professionals. I love to network with people, collaborate and learn from other experiences. Another aspect that drives me is helping others. Currently, I am doing some pro-bono PR and social media consulting for Arc of the Greater Twin Cities (arcgreatertwincities.org), a non-profit aimed at helping individuals and families with disabilities. I am helping them promote their Arcademy Gala fundraiser which helps fund their year round initiatives. Check them out on Facebook (facebook.com/arcademygala) or on Twitter (@arcgreatertc).

In what sort of environment are you hoping to work? This can include everything from city/state location to corporate/non-profit/agency preferences.

My career has focused mainly on the client (or corporate) side but I am also very open to experiencing new adventures on the agency side as well. I am looking for a position in the Twin Cities area but would not be opposed to considering a change in venue!

Why should you be hired into a PR position? What makes you special?

Aside from the unique mix of PR experience and my involvement with PRSA, I think my biggest asset to an organization is my drive to create a creative and collaborative atmosphere utilizing my outgoing personality and “do-whatever-it-takes” work ethic.

What is the best way for employers to get a copy of your resume?

Folks can e-mail me directly at cbetancourtpr@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter (@cbetancourtpr), Facebook (facebook.com/cbetancourtpr) or on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/christianbetancourt).

Is there anything else you’d like the PR community to know about you?

I am a huge hockey fan! I hardly ever miss a Minnesota Wild game. I enjoy outdoor sports, camping, canoeing, biking, writing, reading and almost anything else.