For most students, me included, hunting for an internship doesn’t become a priority until it’s almost too late!

Once spring semester starts its time to hit the books again, leading to a frantic hunt in April or May for an internship.

Time management can be factor for some people so here are some helpful guidelines:

• Even though we all procrastinate in our own way, embrace the fact and factor it into the equation.
• Write a list of your interests. Documenting your interests can help narrow your search.
• Write down what skills need improving or you would like to develop more for a professional career.
• Research companies in your physical area or a particular destination of your interest. (Maybe an interest is in basketball. Look for teams in the area, or investigating elements around basketball that may interest you as well; like fundraisers or recuitment. PR specifically= Who does a basketball team need to talk to; i.e. sports centers? schools?)
• Compare research results with skills list.
• Talk to someone, and ask questions! Get the ball rolling with being inquisitive and asking about internship programs within the company or program of your interest.
• Sometimes establishing a relationship with the company and providing ways you would be useful, can get an internship position made for you.
• If it looks like work, don’t be afraid, take it! The best way to get educated and develop a skill is to work at it.

For some, it helps to set a due date for each step when it comes to searching for an internship. That way the frantic search won’t come to a list minute “what-ever-I-can-get” decision and find yourself at an internship which you hate or learn nothing.

For more guidelines about looking for an internship check out the PRSSA blog site! Here is a Google search for some PR opportunities in South Dakota.

Good Luck!

Hannah J~

Currently, I am a communications intern at the International Programs Department at Augustana College. The other day I was asked to write up a press release. I was really nervous because I had never actually done one before and honestly I didn’t really know where to start [did I mention Google is my friend?].  I had some direction from the campus’ PRSSA group. Basically I knew it was a press release involving the basic who, what, when, where, and why but is that simply it?

From my Google search a press release is simply a news statement sent out to the media. Really? That was simple!

Well not quite. There are a couple other factors in the equation.

1. How you write your press release.  Following a format is the easiest way to start writing a press release. The press release  should be targeted to your media and effectively point out that your story is news worthy.
2. Remember values. A good press release will collaborate with your companies/departments values.
3. Review. Get someone else to review your press release.
4. Follow up.  Make sure to follow up that your press release was received. This one-on-one interaction is good in establishing a relationship with the media client for future news stories.
5. You can do it! Even though it can be intimidating to write your first press release [and received it back all marked up and basically have to rewrite it] don’t give up! It gets easier the more you do it.

Even though it may not look like a lot of steps I hope they are at least helpful to someone when it comes to writing a press release!

Feel free to add to the list.

~Hannah Jorgensen

I’ve never been a huge fan of peas – but nonetheless, what are you favorite meals with peas in them?  Maybe you can point me, and anyone else reading this, towards a better way to eat our veggies!  And we, as PR practitioners, can share with the world just how great peas are, and propel the National Pea Growers’ Association to the forefront of the produce world!

Brady Holm (I hope I’m posting this correctly)

Sorry I have to leave early- soccer championship tonight!  Dont be shy about asking questions!