Today I interviewed a professor that has and still is involved with PR. I took a lot from this assignment in my PRCA 2330 class. First, the task at hand seemed to me at first like it would be awkward because of not knowing or never meeting the person that you were interviewing first. And such was my case. I had never talked with or met Prof. Groover before today and I am glad that I did. She is a very intelligent and hilarious lady. The interview was not stressful or uncomfortable at all. I felt as if I was having a conversation with a teacher or friend that I have a strong relationship with. This was the most satisfying part of the interview. Lastly, I laughed quite a lot which I did not see happening going into the interview.
D: What is a typical week like?
G: Well that depends on where you work, what time of year it is, and several other factors. With my job title some intersting things pop up in certain weeks. Like compling the Dean’s List and Marketing and helping out with the campus concerts like Brad Paisely. I am also the editor for the faculty and staff news letter titled, “This Week”, so that comes with responsibilities of meeting deadlines and making sure everything meets approval.
D: Tell me about a project you worked on that you are especially proud of?
G: I write for the alumni magazine, and have interviewed with some very interesting and successful people which is a very fun aspect of my job. Also, I love dealing with organizing and helping with the concerts. I helped facilitate the meet and greet with the students and the band Three Doors Down. That was a treat because they were not the typical rockstars that they are labeled. They were down to earth.
D: How important is writing in you career?
G: It’s very, very important! Know how to write in the AP style format. Format’s change frequently where you work regarding the press releases so you need to learn how to write and write the right way.
D: What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR?
G: Again, know the AP style! Make sure you have a guideline book of the style to reference back to if you are having trouble. You need to proof read, proof read, proof read! Once I was writing about an event and meant to put in that “they had a very public event”, instead it turned out to say, “they had a very pubic event”. Get a co-worker or someone that is not tied to the work proof read for you as well. You may not catch all your own errors.
D: What do you keep current in the PR industry?
G: I would say teaching, preparing for classes through real world scenarios and tactics. I also keep up through e-mails and blogs here and there.
D: Did your education prepare you well enough for working in PR?
G: That’s hard to say. I didn’t go straight into the field of PR. Education helped me a great deal, but getting into the industry and gaining work experience was essential.
D:If you had the duty of hiring for an entry-level PR position, what would make a candidate stand out?
G: Writing skills. Their cover letter and resume must stand out with good examples of their writing abilities. They would also have to submit a well put together protfolio with specific examples of their writing samples. Also, how they present themselves: how they dress, talk, answer questions, ask questions (keep it business savy). I would give them a small scenario: Given a situation, what would you do?
At the end of the Q&A I found myself with more questions then before and we sat and talked a while. I found out that the field of PR would suit me well. I am now more interested then before. Talking with someone one on one who has been there and done that reassured me that I could do the same. I realized the oppurtunities for a hard worker and the lengths to which one can go with dedication to the field. It was all in all an awesome experience and I hope to encounter more while I am here at GSU.
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