CAREER GUIDE BY THE NUMBERS

NETWORKING TIPS FROM

Jobs and internships are usually found through networking and word of mouth. The bigger your network is, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities. It also gives you practice meeting and talking with professionals, which will make you a better reporter and interviewer -Rebecca Burns

Why is it so important for students to NETWORK?

Rebecca Burns Deputy Editor and Digital Strategist Atlanta Magazine

r u Yo PORTFOLIO
Selling Yourself In A DIGITAL WORLD
By Alex Cornett
Portfolios are sometimes a misunderstood part of the application process. Most graduates and near-graduates have been coached in creating the ideal resume and how to handle the interview process but what about those pesky portfolios?

Catherine Koonce graduated from Kennesaw State University in spring 2013 with a bachelors degree in Communication in the Public Relations concentration. She held three internships with Terrapin Beer Company, Weaver Stephens and, most notably, Cohn & Wolfe. She has also worked in PR for Jailhouse Brewing Company along with her current position at BRAVE Public Relations. Dr. Kristen Heflin is a professor at Kennesaw State teaching Communication classes in the Public Relations concentration. She completed her bachelors degree at the University of North Carolina and

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ASK QUESTIONS ! 03

REBECCA BURNS
By Logan Petersen
INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Often I come to classes and only a handful of students have any questions. This is a chance to hear real-life advice and experience. It also makes a good impression if you ask questions; it indicates what kind of reporter you might be. (On the other hand, if you zone out or check Facebook while a guest is speaking, it makes a pretty bad impression!)

A good idea is to come up after the class and introduce yourself. Ask for a business card. If you have a card, give one to the speaker. All students should have business cards by the time they are juniors. It makes a good, professional impression and is useful when interviewing for internships or graduate school. If youre moving around a lot in school, just include your cell and an email address.

then finished her M.A. and Ph.D. in Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. She has a wealth of professional PR experience in entertainment, non-profit, corporate, government, and healthcare. Together they helped comprise a list of things you will need to be able to sell yourself to potential employers in the most efficient and effective way.

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SEND A THANK YOU.
Dont, for instance, address Another good thing is to send a someone by a nickname or thank-you email to the speaker even a first name the first time after the class. Students have done this when I speak and I am you speak to them. Dont text. Dont send copies of school always impressed and pleased. assignments and ask the person I also teach (at UGA and Emory) to look them over for you. Dont and I know that some of my students have done this, and the try to friend the speaker on speakers were really happy to get Facebook unless the speaker specifically gives a Facebook the emails. You can also follow address or has a professional the speaker on Twitter after the Facebook page. I, for instance, class, and maybe send a tweet have an author Facebook page referencing the speaker. (For example: I was inspired hearing @ for my books and book events.
SpeakerName talk about the importance of reporting when she visited our class today. #journalism).

n days when guest speakers come to class, there is a common thought that goes through students heads. They think it is a break from the ever yday lessons and a chance to relax. Many, however, do not realize the opportunity they have to move further in their future careers. It is a chance to network and talk to a professional. Rebecca Burns, one such guest speaker, is the Deputy Editor and Digital Strategist of Atlanta Magazine, as well as an established author. She also teaches at Emor y University and the University of Georgia. Burns came to Kennesaw State University in September as a guest lecturer in the electronic magazine writing class. So rather than falling into that comfortable haze, pay attention and use the tips she offered to make the most out of a classroom visit.

DONT BE OVERLY CHATTY & FAMILIAR.

BE OPEN.

Most people love their work and love to talk about it. If a guest lecturer comes to visit your class then its likely they will be open to talking with you about what they do. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of. Be sure to make connections with people, especially guest speakers, in order to learn even more.

$10 for nice ones or $30 - $50 for the ones that are leather bound. When I was hiring people for PR I liked it when people would leave something (portfolios) nice and professional behind that gave me time to analyze their work, said Dr. Heflin.

Online

the URL to be (yourname).com to add a little SEO (Search Engine Optimization for all you non-PR majors) to your personal brand as well.

What goes in my portfolio?

Raise Your Elevator Speech

Set up your portfolio

Hard Copy
Invest in a nice binder to present your materials. Keep it simple and classy so that the materials you are presenting are what stand out; not the weird unicorn on the cover of the binder. You can find these at any office supply store around

Online portfolios have taken off in the digital age as a quick-and-easy way for companies to glance at your experience. Websites such as Adobe Behance, Weebly.com, Squarespace. com, and Carbonmade.com offer a free or inexpensive personal website so that you can easily plug in your resume, portfolios, and other materials without writing code for hours. Most sites offer

Heflin and Koonce both agreed that students need to hang on to all the materials they turn in to their professors, especially the classes you are taking in your junior and senior years. Pieces students design in class are almost identical to what will be expected at work. Students need to realize that papers and projects that showcase your relative skills are the best way to start a portfolio, said Koonce. That is what I had to use when applying for my first couple of internships.

Your elevator speech is considered the quick interview that may happen when you least expect it; in an elevator, in the parking lot, etc. A great way to improve your elevator speech is to leave the potential contact a business card. It should be simple and professional and include as much contact information you feel comfortable providing. This would be a great time to add your new online portfolio website as well!
For more information on how to prepare yourself for the career field, feel free to visit the KSU Career Services website: www.careerctr.kennesaw.edu

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Television standard converts to digital cable

Apple launches the iTunes Music Store and sells one million songs in its first week

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What would become the largest social networking site, Facebook is established

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Youtube, the video sharing 06 site is launched, to later become a leading Citizen journalists record events on video communication outlet for entertainment and news cellular cameras and technology

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