A Newsletter for IABC Student Members
October 2007; Issue #1
Welcome to the first issue of the IABC Student Member Newsletter. This monthly newsletter will help you navigate your career path, provide insight into the young professional's world and inform you of current hot topics in communication.
If you have any suggestions on how to make this newsletter more useful, or if you have information you would like to share with other chapters, please e-mail IABC Student Services.
In This Issue:
Features:
Features:
Advice - Utilize Your Network: It's Bigger Than You Think
You've heard the phrase, "It's not about what you know, it's about who you know." This may not be entirely true, but knowing people (i.e., networking) won't hurt your career.
Networking:
- Provides new opportunities for self-development.
- Helps you learn about your career interests.
- Opens windows to worlds you would not have access to otherwise.
- Strengthens your self-confidence by enhancing your social skills.
- May even eliminate the need to conduct a job search; information about jobs in your desired field are potentially just a phone call away.
Recognizing your network
You may not realize it, but you already have a network. Think about all of the people you have met through school, clubs or family. Every person you know is a part of your network. And every person in your network has friends. These friends can become part of your network as well. Make a list of the people you know and who they know in your field of interest. You will see how large your network already is and can be.
Expanding your network
Don't be afraid to reach out to new contacts and count them in your network. Contact your father's client's wife or your sister's boyfriend's uncle. More than likely, the connection between the other people will be strong enough that no matter how distant the relationship to you is, the person will be willing to help you.
In addition to tapping your existing network, expand your network by meeting new people. Every new conversation you have with another person broadens your network, so put yourself out there. Attend a professional conference, club meeting or social event and introduce yourself to those attending. More than likely, you will have similar interests that can get the ball rolling.
Utilizing IABC's network
Use your IABC membership to your advantage. Extend your network by contacting business communicators across the globe using MemberSearch (IABC's exclusive member database), MemberSpeak (IABC's online forum for communication-related discussions), and local chapter events. Reach out to professionals in your area and conduct informational interviews. These relationships with professionals are invaluable and may even lead you to your next job.
Enhancing your social skills
You don't have to be an innate extrovert to network. Practice your interpersonal skills with your friends first, then ask them for feedback about your eye contact, confidence, conversation and listening skills. Improve weaker areas and keep practicing. Be confident, engaging and honest with your new contacts.
Making your efforts successful
You may want to create a logo for yourself and print business cards containing your contact information and desired career field. Make sure to talk to people before handing them your card; you need to establish a base relationship before heading to the next level.
Success stories abound about students who have met new people or reached out for that random connection and landed amazing jobs or found an exceptional mentor. The key to networking is reciprocity. Your contacts are taking time out of their lives to help you; therefore, you must be willing to do the same for them. Show your gratitude by sending a thank-you note or updating the contact on your progress. Always remember to keep in touch and maintain your relationships. You never know when someone in their network may be able help you.
Cool Comm Jobs - Interview: Jessica Laiti at Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Even though Jessica Laiti recently graduated from the University of Georgia (Class of 2006), her career is already in full swing. Starting as an intern for Cox Enterprises, Inc., Jessica has grown with the company, now working as the corporate responsibility communications specialist in the public affairs department.
Jessica loves how her job allows her to wear many hats and keeps her life interesting and fun. Jessica tries to balance work and life by running in hopes of someday participating in a marathon, and in her free time serves as the educational relations chair for her local Atlanta IABC chapter. She founded the student chapter at the University of Georgia during her senior year there and continues to help the university's students by acting as their professional advisor and regularly giving practical speeches.
Read this successful university graduate's story for advice, proven strategies for entering the communication field and insight into an inspirational profession.
Q: Where did you go to university? What was your major?
A: I graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2006 with a bachelor's of arts in journalism, public relations. I also completed an upper-level concentration in English and psychology. If I wasn't currently working in public relations, I would definitely be studying psychology instead.
Q: How long have you been working in the communication field?
A: I started working in the field while I was still attending the University of Georgia. I undertook multiple internships in the communication field. I have been working for Cox Enterprises, Inc. since January 2006. I started as an intern and then worked as an internal communication specialist, writing human resources benefits material. I have been in my current position of corporate responsibility communications specialist for three months.
Q: What does Cox Enterprises, Inc. do?
A: Cox Enterprises is a big company with a low profile. We're very diversified. Cox Enterprises is one of the nation's leading media companies and providers of automotive services. Our major subsidiaries include newspapers, television, radio, cable services and automotive services. In the automotive industry, we own Manheim, Inc., an automotive auction service for car dealers, and Cox Auto Trader, a subsidiary that includes automotive publications and AutoTrader.com. We have recently launched www.kudzu.com nationally. Kudzu.com is a site where people share their thoughts and rate different services (hair salons, restaurants, maids, etc.) in cities across the United States. I work at the national headquarters, so I have the opportunity to work with colleagues from across all of our businesses. You can find out more at the Cox Enterprises web site.
Q: What exactly do you do at Cox Enterprises as corporate responsibility communications specialist?
A: I work on ways to make our company look great, and then tell people about it. I do a lot of non-profit and community outreach, manage external diversity outreach and sponsorships, work on a lot of events, and I am an on-site project leader for our volunteer teams, as well as help with our energy conservation program. Did I mention all the communications that go along with these programs?
Q: How many other jobs have you held? What were they?
A: I had five internships while I was attending the University of Georgia, starting around junior year. I worked for non-profits in events, assisted a human resources director, and did pro-bono work writing press releases, marketing materials, etc. These experiences absolutely helped me. Employers are more likely to hire someone with experience. When you volunteer for a non-profit, employers see that you are passionate enough about your work that you are willing to do it unpaid. This demonstration of dedication makes employers more likely to hire you for a paid internship or a full-time job!
Q: Is there anything you wish you would have known coming out of university that you know now?
A: Not really. Being so involved with clubs and organizations at the University of Georgia really prepared me; I didn't have any surprises. I networked with young professionals during my junior and senior years. They told me about their experiences, so I felt as though I knew what to expect. Going to events and meetings put on by IABC and other organizations also helped ease my transition.
Q: Do you have any recommendations or advice for students thinking about entering the communication field?
A: I love telling students that if you don't know what you want to do, it's okay. When my internship with Cox Enterprises ended, I thought my time with the company was over. When a colleague asked me what I was going to do, I said that I didn't know and that I was a little torn. I was considering working in public relations or human resources, going back to school to earn my masters in business administration, becoming a teacher or even studying to be a psychologist. My colleague told me, "It's okay. You're young, you can do it all." I'll never forget that. There are so many opportunities in life to learn what you like and don't like. Don't worry if you get stuck; everything's a learning experience, you just have to be open to living it and learning from it.
Visit the IABC web site for the complete interview with Jessica.
Member Benefit Highlight - MemberSearch
Want to get an internship in Paris, France for next summer but don't know where to start? Are you searching for the right mentor to help you navigate your career path? Or are you trying to find someone for an informational interview? The solution to your problem is right at your fingertips.
Visit the MemberSearch web site and make contact with members anywhere in the world. Use IABC's exclusive online directory to find members' addresses, phone numbers and fax information. You can even e-mail members via the IABC web site. The e-mail identifies you as a fellow IABC member, creating an instant connection with the person you are contacting. This label increases the likelihood that the member will respond to your request instead of deleting it like junk-mail.
One of the best aspects of MemberSearch is that you can search for members based on a variety of criteria. Say you want to intern in Australia for two months. You can search for members by a specific city or the entire country and ask them about current openings. Maybe you want to learn more about writing for the New York Times, you can search for members who work at the newspaper. In addition, the advanced search tool allows you to look for members with specific job titles, certain areas of experience, interest or responsibility, or working in particular industries or organization types. These specifications allow you to narrow your search for the best results tailored to meet your needs.
IABC membership opens up an expansive network of business communicators ready and willing to help their fellow members. All of IABC's professional members were starting out in the field at one point, just like you, and they understand the importance of networking and immersing yourself in the industry. Make the most of your membership and utilize this valuable networking tool to find exactly what you want.
Comm In-Depth - A Student's Guide to Self-Branding
By Leanne James
Vice President Human Resources, APEX Public Relations
During your next class, take a look at the students around you. Ask yourself, what makes you different from them? Why would someone hire you over them?
These are questions all students must begin asking themselves well before graduation. Taking steps to develop an individual brand will go a long way in securing meaningful and prosperous employment in the future.
Self-branding can be challenging, but approaching your brand as a SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) analysis is a great way to start thinking about what sets you apart from the rest. Ask yourself (and answer honestly), what are your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats? Formulate your answers based on your key audience, whether it be potential employers, professors or other students.
Consider undertaking the following to stand out in the crowd:
- Create a portfolio:
- A professional portfolio will provide you with the ideal outlet for self-branding expression. Use it to illustrate your passion for your work and dedication to detail. Develop a personal and unique letterhead and logo to incorporate into your presentation materials, which should be printed on high-quality paper. Including a branded business card is also an excellent way of showing your commitment and professionalism.
- A powerful portfolio will include a wide range of materials, including a professional résumé and cover letter, examples from work or university classes, such as, press releases, graphic design materials and marketing materials. The exterior of the portfolio should look professional and elegant.
- Develop a personal web site, such as myname.com, to showcase your work.
- Use it to promote new ideas, write editorials on current industry-related issues, or provide an advice column through a blog. But remember the Internet can be as damaging as it is helpful. Today's recruiters do standard Google and Facebook searches on potential candidates, so remember to be as professional online as you are offline.
- Join industry associations, like IABC, and get involved.
- Use the skills you've learned to contribute to industry functions and help organize events. Take advantage of these occasions to build your network and get your name circulating among your industry's influential decision makers.
- Research the companies you want to work for.
- Inquire whether they offer information sessions for students and interested candidates. From these sessions you can often gain valuable insight into the needs of a future employer. For companies that don't offer information sessions, ask to meet a company executive for a one-on-one informational interview. You're not likely to get an interview with the company president, but impressing a well-connected senior executive will get your name mentioned to those in the industry who might be looking to hire someone new.
- Know the company with which you're interviewing.
- Know its history, expertise and key players. Hiring authorities want to know you're interested in a long-term career in their organization, not just any old job.
Much like your career is an ever evolving aspect of your life, so too should be self-branding. Every new achievement should be incorporated into your overall "package." If properly maintained, your brand will follow you wherever you go, guide you toward exciting opportunities, and most importantly, demonstrate to others that you are a true asset.
Author's Biography: Leanne James is a seasoned Human Resources professional with 15 years of experience, eight of which have been spent in the public relations industry. At APEX, James's work focuses on recruitment and retention, orientation and training, as well as coaching and event planning. Prior to arriving at APEX, James performed recruitment as well as other duties for international and private firms. James has an English degree from the University of Western Ontario and is working toward her Certified Human Resources Professional designation.
Student Spotlight - An interview with South Africa's Mandy Marks
When looking for an exceptional IABC student member to interview for this column, the name Mandy Marks immediately came to mind. Mandy is a talented, passionate individual whose dedication to IABC is phenomenal. As a member of the International Student Membership Committee, Mandy provided her opinions and learned more about IABC student membership on a conference call that lasted until 3:00 a.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST). Mandy spends hours helping her local chapter by building its web site, mailing letters and spreading the word about the association.
Mandy not only pours her heart and soul into her IABC membership, she also attends the University of Pretoria while working at a brand-new full-time job. Mandy spends her free time creatively, painting and making beaded jewelry, which she sells for a little extra spending money. She loves being outdoors in the sun, especially participating in water sports such as water skiing. And, as she says, "like every girl, I do enjoy shopping! Especially for shoes."
Read this young woman's inspirational interview to learn from her successes and discover how being a member of IABC has helped Mandy navigate her career path.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you go to college and what is your major?
A: I attend the University of Pretoria in South Africa. I am studying for a bachelor of commerce degree in marketing and communication management. Everyone chooses a general field in their first year; I chose these general studies of commerce. In your third year, your classes become more specific. I have taken courses in strategic marketing, international marketing and tourism management. In South Africa, most degrees are three years and then you can choose to complete a one-year honors which is neccessary in order for your degree to be internationally recognized. I recently applied to do my honors in communication next year.
Q: What kind of jobs and internships have you had?
A: I started out babysitting in my old neighborhood and then began planning parties for children in the area. This experience sparked my interest in events and marketing; I loved organizing the parties. I spent some time working for a retail-clothing store, Queenspark, which made me realize that I am not into retail at all. My most recent job was working for Media Mosaics as a stand-in for an internal communication employee when she was out of the office. I got this position through the IABC/Pretoria chapter's president and Media Mosaic's CEO, Mareli Wassenaar. My connection to IABC started here and my involvement with the chapter definitely grew.
I recently started a full-time position as the marketing coordinator for Vpin South Africa. My first day was 10 September and I am already recruiting a sales force for the banking-services company. It was a challenge to figure out what to look for in candidates. I went to the IABC web site for resources and the interviewing tips I found were extremely helpful. Now, IABC needs a "what to look for" manual!
Interviewing others has opened my eyes to what works during job interviews. Some people don't even know how to spell Curriculum Vitae. Your CV (résumé) serves as your initial contact with a company; you don't want to have any spelling mistakes, especially the first words. I look for someone who walks in with energy and confidence, showing me that they're motivated to do well. I hope that this position will continue to challenge me as time passes.
Q: How did you get involved with the International Student Membership Committee? And how have you participated?
A: When I was first contacted about being a part of the committee, I thought it was a prank! I couldn't believe that I would be selected. It has become such a blessing. I think Mareli Wassenaar, president of the IABC Pretoria chapter, recommended me to IABC headquarters. I was invited to go to San Francisco for a day-long meeting, but was unable to do so. Instead, I stayed on a conference call with the committee until 3:00 a.m. SAST. discussing the importance of IABC student membership and how we can increase student involvement. It's wonderful to have a platform to speak about these issues, because they need to be discussed. With information I gained at the meeting, I am researching how to place bookmarks with information about our IABC/Pretoria chapter in communication-related textbooks at the university bookstores.
Q: What do you think is the best benefit of being an IABC student member?
A: Networking. You're going to want a job one day, so you need to meet people. Being a member of IABC is an ideal way to meet professionals in the communication field and make connections. Connecting with other students is another benefit. For us in South Africa, the discount at Kinko's doesn't apply because we don't have any! A lot of students read about the benefits and ask me, "what is Kinko's?"
Q: What would you say to other students who are thinking of joining IABC or starting a chapter?
A: If you are going to join for just one reason, join for the networking possibilities. Networking is the foundation for getting a job. But you can't just join and expect opportunities to come to you. You need to get involved. And get involved early on. Don't wait until you're about to graduate. Join IABC during your first or second year of university. Relationships take time to develop, sometimes even years, so getting involved immediately will help you more in the end.
Visit the Student Spotlight section of the IABC web site for the complete interview with Mandy.
Start a Student Chapter - Create a Community of Student Members
You've taken the first step and have become a student member. Now you can move your membership to the next level and start a student chapter in your area.
Starting a student chapter allows you to create a network of peers who can support one another while navigating school life and preparing for the shift into the "real world." A student chapter allows you to plan professional development events, boost your résumé with leadership skills and action, and network with fellow students interested in the same field.
If you want to maximize your IABC student membership, promote high professional standards and attitudes, and offer a fresh perspective of the future role of business communicators, starting a student chapter is the right step for you. This is the ideal way to provide transition experience from the classroom to the field. There is truth to the saying, "There is power in numbers." The more members you gather together, the more you can accomplish, and the more all of you will benefit
What do you need to start a student chapter?
- An active university communication, public relations or journalism department.
- A faculty member who is willing to serve as the chapter's Advisor. The advisor receives a complimentary IABC membership for as long as they serve as the advisor.
- A minimum of 10 members.
- IABC in your chapter name.
- Chapter bylaws that conform to the IABC model (you can use the Chapter Bylaws Example as a model).
- A board of officers.
- Sponsorship by a practitioner from an IABC chapter with a practitioner chapter liaison (preferred, but not required).
Once you have the above criteria fulfilled, or if you have any questions about starting a chapter, contact studentservices@iabc.com.
Creating a student chapter is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your leadership abilities and prove you are motivated. Recruit your friends and fellow IABC student members to establish a chapter board, including a chapter president, vice president, treasurer and secretary among other positions. Noting your IABC membership on your résumé is impressive on its own, but being an officer of an IABC student chapter and having hands-on leadership experience is even better.
Organizing activities, such as professional development sessions, recruitment efforts, social events, volunteer projects and fundraising opportunities, provides you with credible knowledge that will ultimately help your career.
Getting started may not be easy, but IABC is here to help you along the way. Other student members who have been in your shoes before are also available to share their expertise. Visit the Guide to Starting a Student Chapter for more details on how to begin the process.
Call for Entries - Get Published
Want to see your byline in an internationally-distributed newsletter? Now's your chance.
Write an article about your local student chapter, interview a young professional working in communication, or describe how you've used a member benefit and see your work in a future edition of the student member newsletter.
Sections to submit to include:
- Advice:
Articles with practical tips on what to do while in school and after school to find a job (mentoring information, interviewing recommendations, internship insight, etc.).
- Cool Comm Jobs: Interviews with young professionals working at interesting jobs in the communication field.
- Member Benefit Highlight: Explain how using a member benefit helped you and why other students should take advantage of it.
- Student Spotlight: Interview an IABC student member you admire.
- Miscellaneous: Discuss your past event or current job. Recommend classes or books. Write about any other issue relevant to students.
You can submit any original article you think would interest your fellow IABC student members. You will be notified in advance if your piece is going to be used.
Submit your original work to studentservices@iabc.com and gain bragging rights for being featured in an official publication.
Student Contest - Name the Newsletter
Innovative minds unite to help name this newsletter. You've seen the content, now provide the title. We're looking for something catchy that reflects the values of IABC, appeals to the student member audience and grabs readers' attention.
Have any suggestions? Send them to studentservices@iabc.com. The winning title will headline the next edition of the student member newsletter and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com. Share your creative talents and submit a prospective title today. Deadline for submissions is 19 November 2007.
The End
This concludes the first edition of the Student Member Newsletter. Be sure to enter the contest and give this newsletter a name, as well as submit your work to be featured in a future edition. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about this newsletter, please contact studentservices@iabc.com.
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