Networking for Introverts

I love being a public relations student, but some of the things that go along with it can be challenging if you are an introvert like myself. Networking is a big one. When I began studying PR halfway through my college career, I had to hit the ground running when it came to networking, despite the fact that I had no experience with it. It was an intimidating thing to get thrown into, but I have learned quite a few tips that have helped me gain a lot of connections and catch up with my more experienced and outgoing peers.

The first thing I learned about networking was that you can ease into it by connecting with people over social media or email. I had no idea what an impact a simple email has! One habit I have gotten into and encourage everyone to do is to send a follow-up email to anyone you meet in a professional setting who you want to connect with again in the future. This includes guest speakers, interviewers, people you meet at job fairs and other events, or even alumni you see on Instagram takeovers (just be sure to keep your DMs professional and not too casual!). Sending a simple thank-you note with a personal connection goes a long way. I have gotten many positive responses from professionals who love to hear your input and are happy to help you develop your career path.

Networking through social media can go a long way, but an in-person connection is even stronger and more memorable, so it’s important to work your way up to that. I prefer starting with smaller events such as school-specific job fairs (Klein hosts them frequently) or a more intimate setting such as a PRSSA meeting. These come with less pressure because you aren’t expected or obligated to dive deep into a conversation. Simply introducing yourself, exchanging business cards, or talking briefly with a guest speaker, for example, can be good practice while still making a connection. You can also focus the conversation on them by asking them about their company and opportunities, then shift the subject to yourself and what you have to offer when you feel comfortable enough to do so.

Finally, attending a larger networking event can be the most intimidating, but can also lead to important and lasting relationships in the industry. I learned from Jennifer Robinson that bringing a buddy to your first event is acceptable, and even more efficient! Not only can your friend act as a networking wingman by introducing you to new people, but you can both walk away with twice the connections. I find that preparing before the event not only helps ease nerves but also ensures the networking goes more smoothly. Think of questions beforehand to avoid awkward or doubtful moments. Unique, open-ended questions are best because they spark conversation, curiosity, and help you stand out among the many other networkers. Try to meet with as many people as you can, or make a goal for yourself. The best way to improve at networking is to practice. And don’t forget to follow up!

This blog post was written by Peyton Pflug, Secretary.

Agency Tour Recap - Braithwaite Communications

Temple PRSSA members at Braithwaite Communications.

On Monday, October 15, a group of Temple PRSSA chapter members visited Braithwaite Communications for an agency tour. Braithwaite Communications is a full service public relations agency located in the heart of Philadelphia. When we arrived at Braithwaite we took a tour of their office which has an open layout of employee spaces. This allows for a communal and collaborative environment. There are cozy conference rooms with couches and white boards for team brainstorms and client calls against beautiful views of the city.

We sat down for a presentation from Megan Matthews and Marissa Reale (a former Temple PRSSA Vice President), who are both Internship Coordinators and Assistant Account Executives at Braithwaite. They both a gave an overview of their journeys to Braithwaite. Matthews, a native of the UK, found her affinity for public relations and marketing in an internship after previously pursuing journalism. Reale found her love for public relations from a young age and gained experience through internships at local news stations and agencies.

They went on to explain the full service nature of the agency. Braithwaite offers structured thinking, counsels for best practices, advises research, fosters client relationships, serves as a liason to the media, enhances brand messages, tells stories and narratives, and much more. They work with a variety of B2B and B2C clients in many different industries. Braithwaite operates with a can do attitude and takes on any challenge their clients bring to them. Their employees switch between hats of storyteller, creative, communicator, marketer, and others to supply their clients with excellent comprehensive work that sees results.

PRSSA members were huge fans of the office's creative decor!

Matthews advised students to be open to working with a variety of clients outside of your comfort zone because of how much you will learn in the process. She explained how much she learned from working with a B2B client from an industry she did not know much about and did not think she had an interest in. After working on the account, she now has a great understanding of that industry, has a passion for it, and feels rewarded by the work she does for them.

We also heard from Freddy Braithwaite, a Senior Account Executive at Braithwaite. She explained storytelling and crafting narratives to enhance a client’s brand messages is one of her favorite jobs. She is able to see how the story she creates guides marketing and advertising efforts and results in increasing sales and awareness for the brand.

Lastly, CEO Hugh Braithwaite gave us some career advice. He recounted how he started in public relations almost accidently, when he thought he was interviewing for a marketing position. In this interview he realized public relations was the intersection of all his interests. He advised us that being able to know what you like and what you are good at and giving those skills names is very important. Being able to communicate what your skills are to an employer in a way that is not generic will make you stand out.

From this experience, Temple PRSSA members gained a better perspective of what it is like to work at a full service public relations agency and the importance of having a strong well rounded skill set you can communicate to employers.

This blog post was written by Olivia Rotondo, Vice President.

Panel Recap - Klein College's Diversity Town Hall

A few weeks ago, Temple’s Klein College of Media and Communications department of Advertising and Public Relations held a town hall for diversity and inclusion. The panel was attended by Klein College Dean David Boardman, faculty members of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations (DAPR) and students within the department. It was an open discussion between students and faculty regarding the state of diversity within the Department of Advertising and Public Relations.

Diversity, particularly within Temple University, has been an important topic for both students and faculty. Conversations surrounding diversity are imperative especially in communications and media because the world needs to be exposed to stories that they’re unfamiliar with. Everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the media we consume and that cannot happen if we don’t begin having these important discussions and finding solutions.

Dean Boardman informed those in attendance that Temple University’s Klein College was the 2018 recipient of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Equity & Diversity Award, which acknowledged the university’s dedication to inclusion. But, students in attendance were shocked to hear that Temple received such an award considering that many of them felt Klein College was not diverse enough.

We segued into a discussion surrounding our personal experiences as Klein College students and the consensus was that we generally felt a sense of discomfort in our Klein classes. One of my classmates offered an insightful point, "I don’t see myself reflected when I walk into my classrooms. And that’s not to say that I needed to be surrounded by other people of color to be comfortable, but I’m aware of that and I always must keep that in mind.” Her point resonated with me and a few other students as we’ve all experienced that before.

Students in attendance consisted primarily of students of color and ranged from freshmen to seniors. The general consensus amongst the students at the town hall was that these conversations are important to have. And despite Klein’s lack of diversity it’s admirable that the Dean and Klein want to open the narrative to students so that we may be heard regarding issues of diversity and inclusion.

The atmosphere wasn’t tense or uncomfortable and I appreciated having the opportunity to have an open dialogue about a topic that means a great deal to me. In the future I hope that we can continue to have discussions like this one and that we’re able to make changes so that when I do walk into a classroom I won’t be hyper aware of being one of the few students of color in the room.

When asked about how he defines diversity Dean David Boardman said, “Diversity and inclusion is a moral imperative and it’s my responsibility to give people to access to diverse stories so that we are exposed to various perspectives.” It was great to hear that Dean Boardman felt as strongly about the issue as me and my fellow students. It gives me great hope that we can continue to create initiatives and programs that encourage students of color to speak about their own experiences and to make it so that going forward younger students.

This blog post was written by Thatcher Williams, Director of Public Relations.