Interview Event



Networking Event

I absolutely loved the PR networking event that took place on November 13^th in Milwaukee. I learned so much about the PR world and what exactly goes on in different agencies. It was nice to see so many young professionals in one place all trying to help us young students figure out our path in PR. I got the chance to ask all the questions I was itching to ask and it truly helped me figure out what path I think I want to take. I asked what a typical day was like for them when they arrive and work and I learned that half of their day is writing and the other half is working with clients. I also asked if they were happy and if they thought their career would be like this. They answered with complete honestly and I loved that. I thought it was interesting how a lot of the professionals all started as PR Account Executives and now moved up in their companies to Account Managers and other positions. It’s great to hear that the PR world has room to excel and grow because I want a career that’s going to challenge me and have options for me to move up. Events like these are so important because it’s a chance to ask the questions you want, network, and truly build some great connections. I already have all three of my interviewers/interviewees on LinkedIn and have actually exchanged some messages! One of the young professionals I met said she would give me contact information for the head PR director at a major hospital in Milwaukee that I want to work at someday.  If this event wouldn’t have taken place, I never would’ve got the chance to potentially make a great connection that could lead to employment. I am so excited to see where my PR path goes, and who I all meet in the process. I hope to stay in touch with these professionals and keep them up to date on what’s happening in my career life. I actually might even get coffee at Starbucks with one of the young lady’s I met at the event! J I am truly thankful for Ann Knabe for organizing this event and making all of this happen. It turned out amazing and I am so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this spectacular event.  
  

Amy Paul

Amy Paul was an amazing speaker and I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to hear what she had to all say. Amy was a UW-Whitewater student, just like me, three years ago. At first, she had the four year plan mapped out to obtain a degree in Music. Little did Amy know, public relations would soon overpower her music interest and become a huge part of her life.

Amy’s professional experiences are very impressive and she has had a lot of great experiences at a variety of companies.

¡  Ascedia

§  Interactive Account Coordinator

§  Digital Marketing/SEO/PPC

§  Website Design/Redesign/Content

§  Social Media

¡  Before Ascedia

§  Bottom Line Marketing and Public Relations

§  Public Relations Assistant

§  Assisted on all client accounts

§  Managed website redesign project

§  Managed marketing for firm

§  Milwaukee County Executive Office

§  Public Relations Assistant

§  Managed constituent communications

§  Planned and executed major county events

§  Managed social media for county exec

§  Managed all PR for the county exec

Amy is currently working at Ascedia and couldn’t be happier with her decision. She offered great advice to us students when talking about taking on challenges and extra projects to gain experience in the PR field. She stressed to us about taking opportunities if we feel like we can do them and run with it. Amy had a lot of projects come her way and she powered through them and it created a window of opportunities for her. I was honestly so surprised when Amy told us that she had to write a press release right away when she first got hired after graduation. That made my heart sink because I would stress out if a company asked me to write a press release right away in an x amount of time. I know and understand that it’s the real world and that’s going to happen, but I would probably have to double check old releases to reference. She also stressed on how important it is to get internships and make connects and keep them! Internships are used as a gateway into a company to hopefully land you a job and also a chance to gain great experience. It stressed me out at that moment because I’ve only had one internship and she’s had over five! I feel like I need to get more involved now to keep building up my resume. I also liked how she told us to have fun because it’s important to look at opportunities in a positive way and enjoy what you’re doing.

ME

As a senior PR student, I am down to my final year here at the University of Whitewater. My goals mainly consist of finding a great internship at a company where growth is possible and hopefully a future hire. I feel that gaining experience in the field will only benefit me in the future when applying for PR jobs and being able to put those experiences down on my resume. I am in a Tactics class because tactics are PR tools that I will need to know in order to peruse my career in the PR field. I have always had a passion for communicating with others and I strongly feel that not everyone has the natural ability to get up in front of others, and be able to clearly communicate using proper eye contact, gestures, and vocabulary. I honestly enjoy talking with others and really trying to bring back communication into this generation of technology. I feel that so many of us students are so into texting and Face booking, that no one likes to engage in personal conversations face to face. I hope that communication on a face to face level doesn’t disappear! I know I probably sound lame, but I would much rather pick up the phone and call someone then send them a text with no actual tone or personality. I have to follow my strengths and PR seems to fit me perfectly so I’m looking forward to learning more about the tactics and how to use them every day.