Diversity, Equity & Inclusion PR Expert Releases First Book
Melissa Vela-Williamson provides valuable insights for those starting their PR career
What I’ve Learned as a PR Apprentice
I had no idea what to expect or what a virtual apprenticeship would even look like, but throughout the past eight months, I have gained real-world PR experience, expanded upon my undergraduate skills, and formed so many new skills. I have learned more in this position than I could even put onto paper, but here are some of the most important and career-altering tips I learned as a PR apprentice.
How College Graduates Can Launch Their Career
Dear college graduates, we feel your pain! We know what it’s like to do everything you have been told - get a high school diploma, a college degree - but no one promises you a fun and lucrative job out of college! We’ve been there too.
Prepare for Zoom Media Interviews or Presentations
At this point in 2020, each member of my household now has a dedicated Zoom account. Zoom/video call mishaps are still an everyday occurrence. Some professionals have been embarrassed or even fired for something seen while using Zoom. While media training has fundamentals, there are some nuances that should be accounted for when patching into a television studio virtually. As a PR professional, I see a need to share these insights with businesses and organizations facing media interviews over virtual platforms like Zoom.
Four Ways to Maximize Your Time Post-Graduation
The quest for meaningful employment can seem daunting, but these challenges should be used to strengthen our mindset and continue pushing towards our dreams. Instead of pulling the “I graduated into a pandemic and now I can’t get a job,” excuse card, ask yourself what you could be doing to make yourself more marketable to future employers. More importantly, what could you do that would positively impact your mindset and resume?
Crisis Communication in the COVID-19 Climate
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned organizations of all sizes across the world upside down. Our independence and social norms have shifted dramatically to stop the spread of this novel coronavirus. Based on what I’ve experienced alongside journalists these past days, here are suggestions for how to move forward in our world’s new normal.
Two PR Materials Newsrooms Need
Two materials are critical for the PR tool belt of anyone who wants local newsrooms to publish their stories: the press release and the media alert. In collaboration with a top newsroom editor, we outlined what elements are necessary for each document- a breakdown that will help readers distinguish between the two frequently confused materials.
Nine Ways to Determine What's Newsworthy
Throughout my 19-year career specializing in public relations, I have worked with countless journalists to tell important stories. Pitching story ideas to reporters can seem daunting. Read about the nine ways that journalists determine what stories may be worth covering. Use these points as criteria on whether you should consider your “news” worthy of a story pitch.
Breakfast Meeting Spots in San Antonio
A compiled list of cost-conscious recommendations to accommodate your next professional breakfast meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
Saying Farewell to La Prensa de San Antonio
I returned from a short vacation to learn that La Prensa de San Antonio has ended its run. What a loss for the city of San Antonio. The Duran family and their staff worked hard to tell positive stories that benefited an often underrepresented community…