On Public Relations with Suzanne Droese

By: Jessie Jilovec

On Feb. 8, public relations professional Suzanne Droese spoke at Baylor PRSSA’s meeting. She is the principal of Droese Public Relations in Dallas.

Droese PR deals with luxury public relations or things Droese said “are not really necessary” such as fashion, lifestyle and décor products. She started this firm with two other people in 2007 and bought them out three years later. Some of her many clients include Outdoor Voices, Soul Cycle, and Southern Tide.

Droese PR has clients all over the world from places like Moscow to Mexico and across the U.S. She said one component that is important to success in luxury public relations is using social media.

“Social media engagement is huge,” she said. “It’s all about what you’re going to see on Instagram and all the other social media channels. You need to study people and see what they’re doing. In PR, you need to stay on top of trends.”

She said another aspect important to public relations is research. Being effective comes from being knowledgeable regarding a product or client — she said knowing a client is important because a publicist has to advocate for what is best for a client.

“Public relations is a very intimate experience with a client,” Droese said. “You need to be able to know them, how they think and what’s important to them. They’re going to call you when the very best thing happens… they’re also going to call you when something bad has happened.”

“The most important skill for a professional to have in public relations is the ability to write and communicate,” Droese said.

“We can write up a pitch or do a press release, but once they open that email, I have about three sentences to get something across for them to continue reading or to click,” she said. “Many of the people I am most impressed with when I see their resumes are people who have good writing skills.”

Due to the rapidly changing nature of public relations, she said it is vital to be able to depend on co-workers to help each other.

“You just have to have faith in the people you are working with that they can help you so you’re not in completely over your head,” Droese said.

Local Public Relations Officers Share Advice with Baylor Students

By: Jessie Jilovec

Public relations professionals Andrea Gaul and Shelby Pipken spoke at the first two meetings of Baylor’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 respectively in Baylor’s Castellaw Communications Center.

Gaul works as a communications coordinator for the Dwyer Group in Waco, Texas. Pipken works for the Baylor Line Foundation as the marketing and communications director, also located in Waco, Texas.

Gaul graduated from Baylor in December 2017 with a degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations. She also concentrated in business. She started her job with Dwyer Group after having a summer internship and working part-time with the company.

“Community management is the main thing I do,” Gaul said. “Every morning and every afternoon, I’m the corporate voice online on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. I’m the one responsible to respond to positive comments, negative comments, reviews and questions across 11 brands.”

She said that though she does not claim to know everything about the workforce yet, she does know about the experience of transitioning from college to the workforce. Making oneself available is what Gaul said helps develop new opportunities.

“Look for opportunities everywhere and in everything,” she said. “Always be on the lookout for ways you can develop yourself.”

Pipken said the Baylor Line Foundation aims to tell stories with “transparency and honesty.” This mission parallels what skills Pipken said she believes to be most important for a public relations professional to have. These skills are the ability to put both oneself in the shoes of the consumer and engage with the audience.

“You won’t be seen if you aren’t getting any sort of engagement with your audience,” Pipken said.

Both Gaul and Pipken discussed the importance of networking. Gaul said the reason she landed some of her internships was because of connections she developed. Pipken said networking is key to landing one’s first job after graduation.

“Start networking now,” Pipken said. “Every single opportunity I have had has come from who I’ve known.”

As public relations has grown as an industry, Pipken said it has become a “very saturated industry.” She said any skills that a student can develop early will help set that student ahead of others. Gaul said to be successful, giving one’s full effort is essential.

“Give 110 percent, and always make yourself available…” Gaul said. “You never know what types of things you’ll get to work on if you just make yourself really available and take initiative.”

Past and Current Members of Baylor PRSSA Give Advice

By: Taylor Ward

WACO, Tx – The idea behind transitioning easily into a job after college graduation is vastly different from its reality.

The public relations field has become more competitive and even with several internships under one’s belt, a job is not a done deal.

“Network with as many people as you can,” former PRSSA president Parmida Schahhosseini said. “If you’re not sure where to start, joining PRSSA is a great organization to connect you with PR professionals.”

Schahhosseini is a public relations professional currently working for North of Nine, a Burson-Marsteller subsidiary.

“I was told in college to start out in an agency and now I know why,” Schahhosseini said. “There’s more variety at an agency and you’re able to get more skills that can help you as you progress in your career.”

Andrea Gaul, current student and vice president of PRSSA at Baylor University, spoke about how she decided to pursue a career in public relations.

“I believe everyone has a story,” Gaul said. “And my passion for journalism and public relations stems from my desire to help tell those stories.”

Passionate as she was, there were some things that Gaul did not expect during her public relations internship with Donna Wick Public Relations.

“I’ve always sort of known that PR is not a “nine to five” kind of job,” Gaul said. “However, it wasn’t until I started working at DWPR that I fully grasped this concept.”

The public relations industry does not work with consistent hours. Employees are expected to be flexible without receiving large paychecks.

“You really have to love what you’re doing,” Schahhosseini said. “Because there are days when you question if it’s worth it.”

While those questions were raised, the benefits of the job were also expressed by Schahhosseini and Gaul when it came to their decisions to follow the PR path.

“One day I would arrive at the office at 7 a.m. to help execute a golf gala for Pete Rose,” Gaul said. “And another day I would be sitting in on a meeting with a hand surgeon, brainstorming how to effectively promote his services. I loved the variety.”

Schahhosseini expressed similar sentiments about the benefits of working in the PR industry.

“The opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest brands has been a great experience,” Schahhosseini said. “I was able to do community relations and social media work for the U.S. Army, executive visibility for Bank of America, media relations for Verizon among others.”

Both Schahhosseini and Gaul explicitly stated how pivotal is is for public relations students to get as many internships under their belt as possible.

“Not only do you gain real PR experience,” Gaul said. “But you have the chance to develop incredible relationships that can serve you throughout your career.”

From her internship, Gaul learned the value of developing a thick skin.

“It is important to be confident in your abilities and to gracefully accept criticism,” Gaul said. “You’ll be a better writer and PR professional for it.”

While the career is important, Schahhosseini stressed the necessity of taking care of one’s self as well.

“Try not to burn yourself out too much early in your career,” Schahhosseini said. “However, don’t be too nonchalant. Opportunities come to those who hustle.”

The Power of Embracing Uncertainty

By: Mary Cate Scroggins

WACO, Texas – “I had this dream of wanting to work at some big name company, but the glamorous life of working at one of these agencies shifted into something more wholesome,” Shelby Pipken said, a recent graduate of Baylor University, working as the public relations and social media director at Four Columns marketing. Pipken spoke on Jan. 28, at the Baylor PRSSA meeting.

Although Pipken found job security immediately after graduation, it was not exactly “smooth sailing” from the beginning. Prior to Four Columns, Pipken began working at 360 Solutions, a leadership development and marketing company based in Waco, Texas. But with only a small sector of social media and In-Design tasks available, Pipken was certain her talents had room to expand. Shortly after this realization, Four Columns marketing evolved, and this young and energetic woman took flight.

“If there is anything I could’ve told myself before graduation, it would be to know what you’re worth,” Pipken said. “People are afraid of the job market, but there will always be positions to fit your skill set. In the end, the title doesn’t mean anything. It’s the work you do that will matter in the long run.”

Growth is a significant factor within all aspects of life. Pipken values success, but most importantly the long, strenuous path necessary to reach those goals. “I once thought part of growing up was settling who you are and dying down a bit,” Pipken said. “But I am an expressive person, and by working with a smaller agency, my voice is able to be heard.”

Following in Pipken’s success, Ashton Brown, a senior at Baylor University, shares her experiences as well. Brown has served as a media communications intern at Baylor, along with two other internships the past two years. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to even the smallest connections,” Brown said. “It’s not worth it to feel intimidated. Sending follow-up emails, and showing repetitive interest, are often what lands you the job.”

Brown’s internship consisted of numerous press releases, news writing and feature stories highlighting different Baylor professors. “It was about a week or two of a trial and error type process, but over a matter of time, it became second nature,” Brown said.

Brown emphasized the importance of perseverance, because more often than not, there will be room for improvement.

Whether you’re a new professional on the market, or an eager college student searching for an internship, be mindful of what is required of you.

“When you find a job that allows you to be rewarded for your work, it’s the right fit,” Pipken said. Brown and Pipken gracefully exemplify independence not only within public relations, but also in the overall workforce as a whole.

Women in Nonprofit PR/Marketing Find Joy and Fulfillment in Their Positions

By Andrea Gaul

WACO, TX – At a foundational level, the “non” in the word “nonprofit” suggests that something is missing. However, those that work in nonprofit PR and marketing might argue that where profit is small, heart is large. Both Jill Anderson, marketing director at ACH Child and Family Services in Fort Worth, Texas, and Kat Akins, PR intern for Waco Young Life, are women who say working in the nonprofit sector is nothing short of satisfying.

Anderson earned her Baylor degree in journalism with a news editorial focus and a minor in world affairs. As a student, she held an internship with Heart of Texas Council of Governments as their volunteer coordinator. In this position, she wrote newsletters and press releases, and was also introduced to CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates.

“I knew I had to do something with nonprofit,” Anderson said. “My heart pulled me.”

After having her first child and obtaining a few other communications positions, Anderson was given her nonprofit opportunity by way of a PRSA job notification email in July 2015.

“The application was for Marketing Director at ACH,” Anderson said. “It was like the skies opened and the angels sang!”

ACH Child and Family Services helps children, youth and families overcome life’s challenges. At ACH, Anderson has her “hands in everything,” including writing content for all publications, managing social media accounts, and laying out graphics for signage, advertisements, and brochures. However, her biggest responsibility at the moment is researching and implementing a communications plan for the next three years.

For Akins, a graduating senior at Baylor, obtaining and participating in her internship with Young Life was natural. Young Life is a Christian nonprofit organization that “meets kids where they are,” reaching out to middle school, high school, and college-aged students. The organization is one that Akins already knows and loves, so she was eager to accept the invitation from area director David Mannes to manage their website and social media accounts. Though her high school experience with DECA, an organization that prepares emerging leaders and business professionals, originally attracted her to marketing, Akins became more interested in creating content than “black and white numbers and trends.”

“We [PR majors] like to tell stories,” Akins began. “People are doing incredible things, and we are the ones who communicate them and make them known. This can truly change how a business runs.”

Akins does this for Young Life primarily by managing social media and event planning. In addition, she manages the website and photographs major activities.

Both Anderson and Akins face similar challenges. In their nonprofit roles, they are responsible for a wide variety of tasks with little help, and are expected to learn much ‘on the fly.’ However, as they share their experiences, it is safe to assume that the pros outweigh the cons.

“When you do PR for a local nonprofit, you see immediate impact,” Akins said. “My friends that are in corporate sometimes feel they are putting things into some kind of an abyss, so seeing your impact is pretty rare.”

Anderson finds similar fulfillment in her role. “Working for a nonprofit, for a cause I care about… That is satisfying personally. I love that I can leave work knowing that I’m positively impacting the lives of children in need.”

Akins would like to begin her career in a corporate setting to gain experience, but would like to eventually return to nonprofit. Her advice to fellow PR majors is focus on perfecting their portfolio.

“Your portfolio speaks volumes. Add to it by doing things even when you don’t have to. It will ‘up’ your skill level and broaden your horizons.”

“Getting connected to professional organizations like PRSA is my biggest piece of advice for graduates,” Anderson said. “Having that support is an incredible resource. I ask questions, learn more about the industry, and develop professionally.”

Anderson has no desire to leave ACH anytime soon, and would like to grow the department to better serve the needs of the agency.

“Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things!” Anderson said. “My wonderful husband encouraged our family to relocate because this position was on my heart, and I am so happy.”

PRSSA Meeting Recap: 5 Takeaways from Kaitlyn Skinner

*this blog was originally posted on our treasurer Taylor Grantham‘s blog

Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of hearing from Graphic Designer and Social Media Specialist at Region 12 Education Center, Kaitlyn Skinner. She talked to us about non-profit PR and life after graduation. As graduation draws near, her tips were really appreciated! Her advice was invaluable and here are 5 takeaways:

The importance of reputation

Reputation is your personal brand. It’s something you constantly have to work on. But as Skinner noted, better to maintain a good reputation than repair a bad one. Social media plays a big part in your personal brand. Employers look at social media to see how you present yourself. We always need to be thinking about our reputation in regards to a job. This is important with networking as well because sometimes it’s more important whom you know rather then what you know. Skinner suggested to practice talking to senior executives to make it less intimidating at events like conferences and PRSA meetings.

How to best utilize your experience

The work experience listed on your résumé snowball off of each other. Just remember the experience itself is more important than money. As far as nonprofit—don’t do it for the money. Work for something you really care about and something you want to stand for. Internships can be the difference between you and the other person up for the job. Work experience is even more important than what your major is. Work ethic is the most important thing you can have when trying to get hired. Once you get that first “adult” job—Skinner advised to be proactive. Communicate with your boss because it’s better to ask lots of questions and get it right. Professionalism is also important. Understand the work environment and be confident in your work.

Show a little respect

Be the kind of person you want to interact with and respect the people around you. Ask yourself, would I want to be my own coworker? This also applies to building relationships with the media. Pitching is a big part of public relations and showing respect will you get you the story.

If you have a bad day…

Don’t let it overwhelm you. “There will be days you want to throw a computer on the floor and quit,” Skinner said. It’s just one day—remember you are bigger than a bad day and you can get past it! If you are in a bad situation at work, Skinner suggested the first thing you do is talk to your boss. Be transparent. Communicating is the best thing you can do.

Never stop learning

Public relations is an evolving field. Things are always changing and you want to be on the forefront. Be willing to ask your superior for tools and training to keep up with new technologies.

Megan Henderson, Director of Communications and Design for Baylor Institutional Events

By Taylor Grantham

Megan Henderson is full of character! Last Thursday, she spoke to our Baylor PRSSA members about life after graduation. “You can do anything you want to do as long as you listen to the wise people in your life,” Henderson said.

She graduated from Baylor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Photography and a Master of Arts in Journalism. During her time at Baylor, she had a work-study job building websites, where she learned the basics of coding, and as graduate assistant she helped introduce Blackboard to campus.

Her internships gave her a competitive advantage. She advises young professionals, “to find a work-study job or internship that has something to do with what you want to do when you grow up.”

After graduating, she moved to San Diego, California to work at the San Diego Zoo in Development Communications. After a year, she accepted a remote position at Baylor as an Interactive Media Strategist and moved to New York City.

“Expand your worldview. California is another culture. Texas is another culture. Go to a coast,” Henderson said.

Now as Director of Communications and Design for Baylor Institutional Events, Henderson leads a team of communicators that work together to create an almost flawless event.

“We market the University through an event experience,” said Henderson. “My job is not only to communicate the Baylor brand but to make sure the event goes smoothly.”

She loves students and finds inspiration in them everyday. Her final advice was “the experience matters, the message matters, the details matter.”

Branch out with your skills, find opportunities to fine-tune them, and “do the things that you love outside of work.”

Follow-Up Friday: Coffee with Isaac Muñoz

Pictured: Isaac Muñoz, manager of customer intelligence at Southwest Airlines.

September 13, 2014

Isaac Muñoz, manager of customer intelligence at Southwest Airlines, spoke at the PRSA Central Texas Chapter’s Fundamentals and Future Trends seminar.

His presentation blew me away.

It fascinated and inspired me.

I caught Isaac just as he was leaving. I thanked him, told him I was from Dallas. He handed me his card and suggested we meet up next time I was in the area.

“Really?” I said. Baffled that a big shot professional would even think of spending time with a measly, naïve, junior public relations major like me.

“Really,” he said.

October 1, 2014

After much debating and self-convincing, I gathered up the courage to email Isaac.

The subject line read, “Taking you up on your offer.”

I typed out the dates I would be in town for fall break, Oct. 17 through 19.

I hit send.

October 2, 2014

He replied.

“I would be more than happy to meet and chat with you on the 17^th,” he said.

I shrieked like a little girl. The funny thing is, I am one.

October 17, 2014

My friend Sarah and I met Isaac at Starbucks.

We sipped our coffee that Isaac insisted he pay for.

He asked us what we were studying, if we enjoyed the journalism program at Baylor and other questions to get to know us better.

We answered. He listened.

Isaac suggested occupations and opportunities he believed would interest us.

We asked him exactly what his job was.

He whipped out his Moleskine notebook to illustrate the intricacies of his job.

We tracked with him…mostly.

Isaac had to leave to lecture at the University of Texas at Dallas; our hour with him was up. He encouraged us and told us to keep in touch.

We parted ways.

Once Sarah and I were in the car with the doors shut, we babbled about how incredible we thought the experience was.

“I told you he was cool,” I said.

November 13, 2014

I am finally sitting down to write about our coffee with Isaac for the Baylor PRSSA blog. It is nearly a month later, but it’s easy for me to do, because I vividly remember the hour.

I remember sitting at a dirty table outside; the weather was beautiful.

I remember wearing an orange shirt I stole from my mom’s closet, a luxury of returning home.

More importantly, I remember the conversation we three shared. I remember the thrill when sharing why I love my major. I remember the laughter that erupted when I misheard Isaac’s dog’s name (it’s Doc, not donk). I remember the joy I felt when Isaac expressed genuine interest in Sarah and I. I remember the ease of telling parts of my story and the pleasure of listening to his.

Tonight, I am abundantly grateful for Baylor PRSSA and PRSA Central Texas for providing opportunities to connect with passionate and successful professionals. I am thankful for people who are willing to listen, share, and invest in us students. We remember the time and advice professionals give. We don’t know what exactly we are doing or where we are headed, but we are much better following their footsteps.

Maelyn Schramm

Public Relations | Baylor University ’16

@MaelynSchramm

This story can also be found on Maelyn’s LinkedIn profile by clicking on this link

Baylor PRSSA students “Take Flight with Public Relations” at SMU

By: Emilie Sims

Members of Baylor PRSSA had the opportunity to attend “Take Flight with Public Relations” at SMU in Dallas. This seminar featured Fred Cook, the charismatic and lively CEO of Golin, and a panel discussion of the best tips for surviving and thriving in the wonderful world of public relations.

Mr. Cook, the keynote speaker of the evening, shared insight from his new book Improvise: Unconventional Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO. His story is certainly an unconventional one, as he spent his younger years as a tour guide, chauffeur for drunk people, a doorman, an Italian leather goods salesman and more; and did not enter the PR field until age 36. Because of his experiences and successes, he advises students and young people to expose themselves to the world and to gain as many experiences as possible. Stepping out of your comfort zone prepares you for the real world, he says. With a little work and a little imagination, you can convince “almost anyone of almost anything.” Experience leads to new perspectives and new ideas, which are a novelty in the world of public relations today.

Mr. Cook’s book, which I would recommend to anyone, is absolutely applicable to numerous career fields, as it contains advice and tips for gaining experience and how to translate this experience into a great career.

The panel of four PR professionals then gave students advice on what they could and should do to succeed in this field. Ms. Streiber expressed the importance of not being afraid to ask questions as an intern or a new employee. It is far better, she said, to simply ask for help rather than do something wrong or get behind. Ms. Henderson’s advice was to, during an interview, avoid asking questions about the company or position for which you are applying. Doing your research beforehand is essential. Mr. Singleton noted the benefits of taking on hard jobs first as it will provide experience and lessons in teamwork. Mr. Peters emphasized the importance of travel in gaining experience, ideas and knowledge of the world.

After the seminar, students were invited to a reception with the speakers.

Hearing these insights from such successful PR professionals was both encouraging and inspiring. As a very indecisive person with very little real-world experience, their passion for what they do and the advice they shared made me more excited about my future in public relations. In this field, there are countless career options, and with each one, no day is the same as the last. Experiencing their enthusiasm about their careers made it hard not to get excited about my future.

It was an honor to hear from

• Fred Cook, CEO, Golin
• Teresa Henderson, SVP, GM, Pierpont Communications
• James Peters, Partner, GM, Ketchum
• Marvin Singleton, SVP, GM, Hill & Knowlton
• Kari Streiber, VP, Current Lifestyle Marketing.

Baylor PRSSA appreciates you all speaking to us!

David Chamberlin, Edelman and Baylor PRSSA

By: Susannah Mohrmann

Last week, our Baylor PRSSA chapter was honored to have David Chamberlin VP & GM of Edelman come speak to us about his experience in the communications and public relations field. This is my first year as a member of PRSSA and I have already learned a “ton” from the organization through various seminars and meetings and peers. Before attending Mr. Chamberlin’s seminar, I researched Edelman to be to be well prepared to ask questions and also looked up our speaker on LinkedIn to understand a little of his background.

Here are some quick facts about the company:
• Edelman is the world’s largest PR firm with locations in over 65 countries
• Clients include Starbucks, Microsoft, and MTV
• Expertise and consultation to more than 15 industries including education, health, non-profit, etc.)
• The firm provides expertise in more than thirty communications tactics including crisis communications, branding, and government services
• Sixty year old founder Richard Edelman blogs

Before the seminar began, Mr. Chamberlin was very amicable with everyone in the room, offering topical conversation and joking with the attendees. Once it was time to begin, he told everyone he was open to answer any question we might have. This was an incredible opportunity; it is rare to have such a distinguished professional give an hour and a half of his time to college students to just answer questions The session was highly interactive and immediately my hand began writing down every word he had to say and my brain began to rack up question after question.
Mr. Chamberlin started by level setting the audience about Edelman and what his position looks like there. He discussed hot topics – security, crisis communications, and data privacy. Students asked several great questions about the culture of the company, skills employers look for in graduates, and how best to gain experience in the communications field. Some of the qualities he looks for in college students are: hunger for learning, being able to say, “I don’t know,” ability to collaborate and humility.
I always enjoy hearing what professionals have to say about how college students should approach entering the work force. Going to seminars and hearing people like Mr. Chamberlin speak are wonderful ways to better develop core skills needed for the rest of your life and career.
Thank you, Mr. Chamberlin, for coming to speak to Baylor PRSSA and giving back to those who have similar passions for the Communications field by sharing your experiences, insights about Edelman and patiently answering all of our questions.