PR Education Rising in Respect and Potential

Kudos to my DePaul University colleagues for putting our PR program on the map. Although we didn’t win the big prize (congratulations Georgetown), the DePaul PRAD program was one of the top five education programs honored at last night’s PR Week Awards event in New York. The five finalists were: American University Brigham Young University…… Continue reading PR Education Rising in Respect and Potential

Chicago PR Students Discover ‘The New York Way’

Besides confirming that Chicago pizza is better than its counterpart in New York, 45 DePaul University students returned from four days of agency, media and association visits in the Big Apple with a better understanding of The New York Way. Perhaps the biggest revelation from the special intersession course was the self confidence gained from…… Continue reading Chicago PR Students Discover ‘The New York Way’

Q&As With Special Events Guru Neal Heitz

  Culpwrit: Describe the difference between event marketing and special events? Neal: There’s a fine line between event marketing and special events and its largely based on the objective. What is the event trying accomplish? To me, an event is an event, is an event. I frequently discuss with my students that there isn’t much…… Continue reading Q&As With Special Events Guru Neal Heitz

Role Model Mentors Honored By Their Mentees

The importance and rewards of mentorship were underscored last night at the sold-out annual dinner of The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations in Chicago. Six great mentors in the field of communications received Milestones in Mentoring Awards, which recognizes those who lead by example in helping others succeed. Honorees were introduced by individuals who they personally mentored over…… Continue reading Role Model Mentors Honored By Their Mentees

Day in the Life of an Intern: No Two Days Are Alike

I started my internship at Ketchum in early June, and no two days have been alike. That’s why it’s difficult for me to describe a day-in-the-life of a Ketchum intern. It should come as no surprise that I enlisted my fellow interns to help me describe the typical day of a Ketchum intern. Ketchum’s Chicago…… Continue reading Day in the Life of an Intern: No Two Days Are Alike

Outstanding Client Service: A Key Skill, Rarely Taught in The Classroom

Many young professionals about to enter the agency world have basic experience in developing PR/advertising campaigns, using social media tools, and writing at a high level. The key experience often missing is the ability to deliver outstanding client service. What it takes to deliver outstanding client service is rarely discussed in college classrooms and often…… Continue reading Outstanding Client Service: A Key Skill, Rarely Taught in The Classroom

The Power of Encouragement

  In this season of graduations, it’s interesting to note that graduation speeches can be inspiring, deadly dull, or even insulting. Advice to grads often includes admonitions to “suck it up,” “pay your dues,” or “it’s not just about you.” A recent college reunion reminded me how important even random words of encouragement can be…… Continue reading The Power of Encouragement

Students and Agency Heads Discuss PR’s Future

Thanks to Kathy Cripps of the Council of PR Firms for the following post summing up an amazing day of interaction between agency heads, faculty and students at DePaul University last week. We know our success depends on our ability to maintain a continuous flow of bright, motivated professionals into our industry. But with rapid…… Continue reading Students and Agency Heads Discuss PR’s Future

More Reading = Better Writing

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ― Stephen King, goodreads, quotes about reading My best student writers are avid readers. I first made the connection when a student said she read “Jane Austen” with her mom at age five. That student…… Continue reading More Reading = Better Writing

‘PR–The Chicago Way’ Conference Offers Job Tips

  On February 14-15, DePaul University PRSSA hosted “PR–The Chicago Way,” a conference dedicated to the PR industry in Chicago. More than 100 students from schools across the Midwest attended agency interacted with local professionals in agency visits, seminars and a career fair. The speakers provided an “inside look” at different aspects of the industry…… Continue reading ‘PR–The Chicago Way’ Conference Offers Job Tips