Time Flies

This is officially my last week at Eisbrenner PR. Through this internship, I have had many opportunities to learn what PR is all about.

Briefly, I have had the opportunity to attend/assist in events, tighten my writing skills, develop media lists, improve my research skills and think bigger.

However, the most important aspect of working in this agency has been watching the business relationships around me. From weekly PD’s and client brainstorm meetings to filling Sean’s cube with balloons, this is what makes public relations anything but a “typical” job.

I would highly recommend participating in an internship program, especially if you are in the communications or public relations career path. In fact, according to the United States Department of Labor, an internship is becoming essential to obtaining entry-level employment within PR.

This may be the only thing that gives college graduates a competitive advantage over their peers. Do you have any other advice to offer college students?

SAE World Congress

When thinking of a big automotive PR event, the first thought is usually the annual Detroit Auto Show. However, there are many other automotive events that are equally important. One of these is the SAE World Congress, which I had the opportunity to attend Tuesday.

Together, OEMs and suppliers participate in this annual trade show to discuss the industry and showcase new technologies.

Some Eisbrenner clients in attendance were Henkel, Timken and Emitec. Laurie-Harbour Felax from the Harbour-Felax Group also spoke on a panel about the communization of parts.

As public relations practitioners, the Eisbrenner PR team had various responsibilities for their clients, including: assembling and updating press kits, updating client display booths, media relations counsel and helping prepare speakers. I’m sure there were many more duties, but these were the ones I was able to directly see the team develop and/or help with.

Are there any other automotive events you can share facts about?

All About Public Relations

The Web site, All About Public Relations with Steven R. Van Hook is a great resource filled with extensive information on and about the public relations field.

Loaded with career guides, job opportunities and tons of articles, it’s a great way to see what’s out there. It even offers updated examples of major “hits and flops” in public relations practices.

Van Hook gives a flop example of The Walt Disney Company who proposed opening a Civil War theme park in Manassas, Virginia. Political cartoonists had a field day with Mickey pilloried on the PR battlefield and Disney proved that huge PR budgets do not always spare you from publicity mistakes.

VanHook also provides tons of information on the importance of internships and internship programs. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Integrated Communications

Integrated communications involves breaking down the barrier between public relations, marketing and advertising for the greater good of the organization’s value, reputation and brand. It takes a company’s key message and intertwines it throughout every facet of the organization, including technology.

What this really means is building social media tools (that are often associated with marketing or advertising) and advertisements, such as billboards and commercials, into a PR organization and tracking them. Whether we are ready or not, the technology and practices of the future are here today and are blurring the line between public relations and marketing.

I suspect that interns will also play a large role. We have a great opportunity introduce our lessons from school and the technology we are already using, into a more integrated workplace.

Are there any ways that you have already helped to incorporate technology or marketing practices into your public relations internship?