PRSSA at Central Michigan University

“Question everything. Don't just consume information. You will learn more by asking questions than researching and people will respect you more for asking the right questions. If you understand what it is you are trying to communicate you will be a better communicator and more valuable to your organization."

Allan Schoenberg (@allanschoenberg), director of corporate communications at CME Group, Central Michigan University, '90

“To be great in PR, you must be flexible. Each day offers a new scenario and you can never be sure of what to expect next. Be open to change, OK with hearing the word no and most of all, bring a great attitude with you to work each day.”

Lauren Weber (Panaretos) (@laurenweber84), senior account executive at Franco Public Relations Group, Central Michigan University, '06

“Your job is your job, not eight hours of socializing time. I encourage young PR professionals to stay out of office drama and politics as work is a place to do work. E-mails can be forwarded and cubicles do not have doors so watch what you say and do to ensure you come off as the young professional you aspire to be.”

Teresa Asevedo (@tasevedo), support specialist at American Greetings, Central Michigan University, '08

“Young PR professionals need to think of themselves as integrated communicators. It's no longer sufficient to just be great at writing and securing media coverage. Social media have added a completely new element to the PR industry. PR pros must possess a variety of new skills in addition to the fundamental ones you learn in college, including understanding how to plan and implement social media strategies, having (at the minimum) basic SEO knowledge and understanding Web analytics. I see the PR industry continuing to evolve in years to come, so never stop learning.”

Nikki Stephan (@estrellabella10), social media strategist at Identity Marketing & Public Relations Central Michigan University, '06

“Never underestimate how much time and planning is needed for a photo shoot. No matter how much you plan, how many scenarios you plan for, something will go awry. Be ready to think on your feet. It's never a matter of ‘just taking a quick picture.’ Always work with your photographer to carefully plan the shoot.”

Anne Veltema (@anneveltema), marketing communications coordinator at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Central Michigan University, ‘02

“Always remember the ‘L’ when you spell ‘public.’”

Jen Vetter (@jennifervetter), instructional developer at TorranceLearning, Central Michigan University, '07

“My father, Glen Esterline, recently told me this: ‘Every day is an audition.’ Keep that thought in mind every day while at your internship or job. Everything about you is evaluated. Show initiative, pitch your great (or crazy) ideas, demonstrate professionalism and extensively critique your own work before turning it in. Work hard to make yourself irreplaceable at your company or organization.”

Rachel M. Esterline (@rachelesterline), account executive and social media specialist at AGP & Associates, Central Michigan University, '10 (Pictured in the right column with Promotions Director Deidre Sayles)

PRSSA at Central Michigan University

Alumni Advice for the PR World