Yesterday recent UW-Whitewater graduate, Amy Paul, spoke to my PR Tactics 2 class. Paul graduated in May of 2011 with a degree in Public Relations. When she started at UWW in 2005 Paul was a Music major, but realized that music wasn’t really what she wanted to do so she tried business and finally landed on Public Relations.
Currently, Paul works for the Milwaukee County Executives Office as a PR assistant. Some of her duties include managing the social media sites, writing press releases, monitoring media coverage, managing the website, writing constituent letters and planing major events. Recently, Paul was in charge of coordinating the 10th anniversary of 9.11.
Paul attributes her success to the courses and professors at UW-Whitewater and the numerous internships that she had during her academic career. Paul asserts that there are certain classes that PR students must take such as strategies, electronic media copywriting, advertising, and photoshop in order to help them in the competitive job market. Her involvement in PRSSA is another thing made her stand out. Paul served as secretary, Insight editor, professional development chair, and regional activity coordinator. Some of Paul’s internships included Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, being the brand ambassador for the Qdoba Mexican Grill, working as the student assistant in event planning for the UWW University Development Office, and as the communications intern and street team member for the Milwaukee Admirals. While none of these internships were paid, Paul believes that each one was an excellent learning experience and its all about what you make of it.
I asked Paul if there was anything else that she thinks that she should have done to better prepare her better for the real world. Her only recommendations were to start looking for internships earlier and join PRSSA earlier.
I really enjoyed reading your blog. Paul makes a good point on joining PRSSA early. I have been part of AMA for the past 4 years and I'm not even a marketing major. The experience I have gained however is priceless. I have the ability to carry on a conversation about marketing and business topics. I would suggest joining PRSSA, you will gain the same experience!!!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed her explanation on her event for the 10th anniversary of 9-11. To be on her committee to plan something like that would be a dream of mine. Your question was very well thought of and Amy Paul's answer was very helpful.