PRomo

Public Relations Society of America l Rowan University l Glassboro, NJ l October 2018

President’s Piece
By Anya Mourovannyi, AJF-PRSSA President

H
i Everyone! This month, 10 students represented AJF-PRSSA at the
2018 PRSSA National Conference. We won the Outstanding Uni-
versity Service in the Nation for our amazing philanthropy efforts.
Additionally, we announced that we will be holding another national com-
petition in addition to our National Organ Donor Awareness Competition
(NODAC). We will be holding a National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Com-
petition in memory of Sponsor Colette Bleistine, a former PRSSA E-board
member.
Looking back, my favorite session from National Conference was the
“Celebrating Black PR History.” The session was raw and very informa-
tive. Impactful PR figures such as Joseph V. Baker, Ida B. Wells, and Bruce Anya Mourovannyi
Crowley were brought up throughout the session. These are the faces of PR
who lack recognition. After the session, I was inspired to look into other
minorities in PR history. Diversity and inclusion are critical in today’s world.
Editor’s Note
With that in mind, AJF-PRSSA dedicates this month to Diversity. Nina, our By Carlo Lingesso, Publications Editor
Communications Director, has some excellent social media plans lined up for
October. Make sure to follow us @rowanprssa on Twitter and Instagram! Ah!!! It’s already October! How
fast time flies when you’re having
fun is even scarier than Halloween.
“AJF-PRSSA is dedicating October At the beginning of the month, our
PRSSA Chapter attended National
to Diversity. Make sure to follow Conference, enjoying the lively city
of Austin, Texas! At conference, our
us @rowanprssa on Twitter and chapter had the opportunity to learn
new things from PR professionals and
Instagram!” network with fellow PRSSA sudents
from different schools.
This month, PRomo features a
In this issue... collection of conference experiences
recounted from the E-board members
who attended. I implore all current
Nicole’s Conference Experience 2 and future E-board members to try to
Claude’s Conference Experience 3 attend next year’s conference, as it
Tips for a Better Online Profile! 4 will be held in San Diego, CA. As we
Why PR? 5 venture further into our semesters, I
My PRSSA Story 6 say, stay strong. I know our work is
adding up, but once we get through it
Alex’s Conference Experience 7
all, the holiday season begins!
Join the Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis! 8

1
My Conference Experience
By Nicole Traeger, Vice President of Professional Development

O
ver the last two years I’ve had the pleasure and wonderful oppor-
tunity to attend three PRSSA conferences. This coming spring my
journey as an undergrad student will come to an end. I decided that
while in Austin I needed to take in every last piece of advice conference
has to offer before I head out into the real world. One of the sessions I
attended to help gain insight was “InterVIEW Your Strengths and Weak-
nesses” presented by Jane Dvorak, president of JKD & Company, Inc.

I went into this panel assuming it would be more insightful than enter-
taining. As the session began I quickly realized my assumptions would be
wrong. A session that could have easily been a snore, Jane Dvorak presented
in a way that was intelligent, but also hilarious. She called people out for
their lack of knowledge when it comes to interviews, but in a way that was
also humorous and easy to learn from. The first piece of advice she gave the
audience before going to the interview was, do your homework. Research Nicole Traeger
the company’s competitors, learn all about the company so you know exactly
what you are talking about. Also stalk the company’s employees on Linke-
dIn, learn as much as you can about the company to help give you the extra
leg up. She also emphasized the importance of a firm handshake because it Connect with PRSSA!
gives the impresion that you are serious and mean business.

One of the best pieces of advice I believe she gave in the session was Twitter
about the “Tell me about yourself” question you usually receive in inter- @RowanPRssa
views. She told us never repeat your resume, but instead ask back “What @RowanPRaction
would you like to know?” Always have three topics picked and be able to
relate them back to how it will benefit your possible future employers. The
last piece of advice she gave us was “Dazzle Time.” This is the last part of Facebook
the interview — should the company pick you and why? Dvorak reminded Facebook.com/RowanPrssa
us that we need to remind the employer how we can benefit them and what
we can add to their team. Facebook.com/RowanPraction

A session that I thought I’d fall asleep in, ended up being my favorite. Instagram
The advice Dvorak gave is something I will use for a lifetime.
PRSSA - AJFPRSSA
PRaction-RowanPraction

Email
ajfprssa@gmail.com
“Always have three topics picked
and be able to relate them back
to how it will benefit your
possible future employers.”

2
My Conference Experience
By Clauderson Desinor, Fundraising Chair

T
o begin with, traveling isn’t something I usually partake in. When I
Join a pre-professional
received the opportunity to do so, I jumped right in. The idea of flying organization dedicated
to Austin, Texas for the 2018 PRSSA National Conference excited
me. Once I touched down on Texas soil, I knew I was in for an unforgettable
to jump starting your PR
experience. Austin presented a unique culture that was wildly immersive. Ev- career!
erything from the food, sports and diversity are things I take away the most.
Here is how my experience turned out.

At the conference, we attended three sessions per day that peaked our in-
terest. There were two that I couldn’t forget. The first session that caught my PRSSA
attention was called, “Taming the Media Monster,” by Dr. Joseph V. Trahan
III. He stressed communicating your message to the best of your ability in
the PR world. He also discussed the importance of sticking to the facts and
Gives YOU
telling the truth. This brings it back to the Model of Communication that I
learned previously with the three main focal points: sender, message, re-
ceiver, and channel. One thing discussed was the essence of preparation and
conducting thorough research before you speak on a particular topic. This
fascinated me because research is something that I would like to work on
considerably and understand. His military background made it all the more
Opportunities
interesting based on the experiences he has learned.
to ENHANCE
The second session was titled: “Celebrating Black PR History” by a panel
of PR professionals. This session was interesting due to the fact of how they Your Education
gave us a historic background on black PR pioneers that happen to get swept
under the rug from time to time. He explained different innovators such as
Joseph Varney Baker, who was around during the Great Depression. He
EXPAND
worked to provide public relations counsel for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
The panelists invited all of us to learn about the rich history of PR and why Your Network
we should celebrate and acknowledge these wonderful individuals.

Throughout the trip, these professionals gave us key advice and tips on
what it would take for us to advance to the next level in public relations, and
that is what I take away from my experience. I am more than satisfied I got
And LAUNCH
the chance to venture out and explore what Austin has to offer. What I also
enjoyed was the black and green motorized scooters they had for us to use YOUR CAREER!
called “Limes” and “Birds” for transportation. This was very fun to use and
would definitely recommend it to others. Austin was an incredible experience
and I plan on returning to visit in the near future.

“Once I touched down on Texas

soil, I knew I was in for an
unforgettable experience.”

3
Tips for a Better Online Profile!
By Nicholas Sammartino, Rowan University Graduate Assistant

I
n this internet age, an online profile is just as important as a solid
résumé. When you apply for a job, expect the employer to check out Spooky E-board
your LinkedIn page. With a strong LinkedIn page, you can draw the
Movie Recommendations!
attention of recruiters from businesses you find interesting. Read below
for some tips to improve your profile:
Alex Belli
1) Profile picture: What is the first thing you look at when you go
onto someone’s social media page? Their profile picture. Having a profes- The Nightmare Before Christmas
sional profile picture not only looks nice, but also shows you have class.
Always wear formal attire, and try to get someone to take the picture for
you—leave your glamorous selfies for Instagram. Sammy Ma

2) Headline: Beneath your profile picture, you’ll see a space for a

Halloween Town
short headline. What is your major? Are you interning anywhere? Do you
hold a position at school relevant to your degree? Having a good headline
is like giving a good handshake—it’s all about the first impression.

3) Experience: This is the meat of your profile. Include any work

Anya Mourovannyi
experience, even if it’s a simple server or cashier job. Write details about
what you do at your job or internship and link any work you have com- Hocus Pocus
pleted (at your employer’s consent). Giving a good description of what
you do might just catch your future employer’s eye.

These tips I mention are just the beginning to owning a LinkedIn pro- Carlo Lingesso
file you can be proud of. Check out other sources online for more tips, or
feel free to speak with me—I am a LinkedIn geek and would love to talk
to you about it. Get to it, your profile is just a click away! Friday the 13th

Sarah Jablonowski

“All Halloween Movies”

Sammy, Nicole and Molly enjoying the beauty of Austin!

4
Why PR?
By Hope Holroyd, Strategic Communication Graduate Student

W
hen I first came to Rowan in 2014, I started as an elementary ed-
ucation and American studies major. I felt a supreme need to help
others and I thought what better way than to help than help mold
the next generation. After my first classroom observation, I quickly realized About PRomo
teaching was not the right field for me. I knew my backup would be some-
thing in the communications field.
The Anthony J. Fulginiti
Chapter of the Public Relations
I attended an open house day for the College of Communication and
Student Society of America
learned about the public relations field. It seemed impossible that everything
I dreamed of doing truly existed in one specific field. The next day, I made publishes PRomo as a
an appointment to switch my major to public relations and advertising, keep- monthly newsletter.
ing the American studies degree as well.

Starting a new major halfway through my sophomore year was challeng-

Editors:
ing. Most people knew each other and I needed to develop new relationships Carlo Lingesso,
with professors. I remember sitting in my first lecture for Introduction to Professor Lynn,
Public Relations in Bozorth hall and thinking “This is it.” Ever since that and Dr. FitzGerald
day, I’ve never been happier.
Contributing Writers:
Learning ways to strategically communicate, whether on the public rela-
Anya Mourovannyi
tions or advertising side, is very exciting. I took classes focused on writing
and research with assignments varying in different fields. Investigating how Nicole Traeger
people develop campaigns that we still reference today, like the Wendy’s Clauderson Desinor
“Where’s the Beef” and Coca Cola’s “Share a Coke.” Developing creative Nicholas Sammartino
messaging that impacts the world is what public relations is meant to do. Hope Holroyd
Bree Fiber
Part of the reason I switched to this major was the opportunity. Every Alexander Belli
field needs communication personnel at some level. After graduation this Samantha Ma
past May, I was applying for jobs that seemed impossible when I switched
my major in 2016, jobs with titles like Account Executive, Public Relations
Coordinator, and Publicity Assistant. While I decided to come back and Advisors:
work toward a master’s degree in strategic communication, I’ve learned I Dr. Novak, Dr. FitzGerald,
am focused on a specific career path hopefully in the entertainment industry. Professor Schoenstein
and Gloria Barone Rosiano
With my knowledge from my bachelor’s degrees in public relations and
advertising, and with what I learn from my master’s in strategic communica-
tion, I am confident there is bright future ahead for me as well as for anyone
brave enough to clasp onto their dream career path in public relations.

“I remember sitting in my first

lecture for Introduction to Public
Relations and thinking “This is it.”

5
My PRSSA Story
By Bree Fiber, Vice President of Special Events and Philanthropy

W
ho would have known as a senior transfer student in college that I
would land the title of Vice President of AJF-PRSSA! Here’s my
PRSSA story.
The first step was to go to general meetings. I attended the first meeting of
the semester, where Dana Maconi, the Special Events chairman, stood up and
instructed all interested attendees to write down their emails and meet after for a
committee meeting. I did and before you know it, I became a part of the com-
mittee responsible for Induction Brunch and Spring Gala. I tried to be involved
as much as possible by attending every meeting and decorating for the events.
My dedication was acknowledged with the Above & Beyond award for out-
standing contributions in Event Planning for Induction Brunch. In the Spring, I
could not attend general PRSSA meetings due to class, but still went to commit-
tee meetings.

Throughout the spring, I realized I enjoyed the organization so much that I

wanted to interview for one of the Executive Board positions. Event Planning Bree Fiber
is my niche in PR, so I decided I’d try for the Vice President of Special Events
and Philanthropy position. Thankfully, I was offered the position in March
and from then until Spring Gala, the reins were slowly handed over. Due You Know
to this, I was awarded the Colette Bleistine Memorial Scholarship from the You’re a PR Major
Bleistine family, in honor of Colette Bleistine who was in this position when
she was a part of PRSSA. When...

You cringe when sentences

are written in passive voice.

Get Involved!

Spooky PRSSA Halloween

10/31 SC 127
We won the Outstanding University Service Award!
Sports Panel

11/14 SC 127

Interested in writing for our next issue of PRomo?

Please email Carlo Lingesso at lingessoc6@students.rowan.edu
for more information!

6
My Conference Experience
By Alexander Belli, PRaction Assistant Firm Director

P
ublic Relations Student Society of America’s National Conference for
2018 was held in Austin, TX at the Hilton. When the Anthony Fulg-
initi Chapter and I arrived, the conference buzzed with the sound of
public relations professionals networking with each other. Everyone, dressed
in professional business-wear, came from all over the country. I enjoyed
hearing the different cultural backgrounds people held, and learning about
the different public relations viewpoints gave me an insight into the variety
of career paths this industry houses.
Alexander Belli
After the pleasantries passed it was time for me to decide which seminar Internship Opportunities
would be my first. I scanned the pamphlet they provided, it held all of the
conference’s seminars, and quickly found a discussion being held by Tod
Plotkin in video production. I thought, “This couldn’t be a more perfect sem-
inar for me.” My hope after college is to enter the industry of photography Central Jersey:
and video production, so this seminar would provide the perfect information
for my growth. Adrenaline PR
Dandelion PR
I quickly located the room of the seminar and found a seat near the front. Princeton Partners Inc.
Plotkin started the discussion with various facts about what type of videos MRB Public Relations
were currently trending and the direction the industry was moving in. I was
surprised by some of the statistics he revealed. Apparently live, unedited
videos are found to be more popular – Plotkin mentioned that consumers en-
joyed the rawness of this video style and were accepting of the lower quality.
Viewers spend three times as long watching these live videos compared to
prerecorded ones.
North Jersey:

The bulk of the discussion surrounded the four stages of video creation:
Evergreen PR Inc.
pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. He disclosed The Marcus Group
his personal opinions on what tactics to use, industry norms, and what to ex- R&J Public Relations, LLC
pect when going through the stages. The experience gave me further insight The S3 Agency
and more ideas of what direction I want to take my career. Overall, I had a
great experience at National Conference.

Looking for an internship? South Jersey:

In addition to PRaction Assistant Firm Director, Alice Paul Institute
Ronnie Fante is the Internship Coordinating Assistant Anne Klein Communications
Borough of Collingswood
to Lori Block!
Cookie Munchers
Contact Ron at fanter9@students.rowan.edu

7
Join the Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis!
By Samantha Ma, Philanthropy Chair

I
n 1955, people living with cystic fibrosis weren’t expected to live long enough to
attend elementary school. Little was known about the progressive, genetic disease.
And treatment options were virtually non-existent.

Since then, drastic strides by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have improved the lives
of those affected. It’s become the leading provider in the search for a cure and provid-
ed the financial support for almost every cystic fibrosis drug available today. A person
living with cystic fibrosis now has a life expectancy close to 40 years.
Sammy Ma
Life with cystic fibrosis consists of blocked airways, persistent infections and
inability to absorb vital nutrients. A thick, sticky mucus builds in the lungs, pancreas
and other organs, treated daily with airway clearance, inhaled medicines, and enzyme Dance Away
supplements. While the disease can be managed, the search for a cure continues. And
the lives of too many still end too soon. Cystic Fibrosis
In 2012, AJF-PRSSA lost one of our own to cystic fibrosis. Colette Bleistine, vice Location:
president of special events, passed away at the age of 22. Colette spent her life giving
to others. Each year, we host Dance Away Cystic Fibrosis to raise funds for the Cystic Student Center Pit
Fibrosis Foundation and honor Colette by continuing the fight to find a cure. Join us
on Nov. 13, 2018 6-9 PM in the Student Center Pit as we raise funds and awareness When:
towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Nov. 13, 2018
from 6-9 p.m.
To make a donation to our campaign or for more information, contact Samantha Ma,
AJF-PRSSA Philanthropy Chair, at mas6@students.rowan.edu