Journalism 4460: A Short Survival Guide

As my final blog post as a PR student, I wanted to pass along a few helpful tips to future students on how to survive and succeed in Journalism 4460. The top six tips include:

1. You might work well under pressure, but don’t procrastinate if it’s not necessary.

Throughout the semester there are about a dozen mini grammar quizzes, the easiest way of finishing these is by doing  most (if not all) of the quizzes at one time at the beginning of the semester… or at least before the class gets too intense with the major project.  The quizzes take less than 15 minutes to do, so just get them out of the way. Plus, if you get them finished early on, you won’t forget to do them later on in the semester when you’re neck deep in papers.

2. Blog like your grade depends on it.

Always remember to blog. This is an easy part of your grade that can bump you up or knock you down a letter grade. Yes, the main focus on your blog posts is on PR, but there are several different subjects to write about. Just a few examples include: social media, media relations, ethics, PR mistakes and PR successes. Take this time to practice writing and learn about topics you might not know much about.

Oh, and don’t forget to include your name, your blog link and a title with the blog number on each of your submissions.

3. Use Tweet chats for yourself, not just for your grade.  

Tweet chats are a great way to network. Join in the discussion and meet professionals… you never know who might be chatting or just watching. This is a great way to find new tweeple to follow and possibly gain new followers. These chats are also a great learning experience since people all over the world can join in the conversation.

4. Spell check doesn’t edit your work. You do.

Don’t rely on spell check or just one read through of any assignment. The best way to edit a paper is by printing it out and reading through it (at least twice). You are less likely to catch mistakes by looking at an assignment on your computer than if you print it out on a piece of paper. By actually editing your work, you are saving your grade and saving yourself (and classmates) from listening to multiple grammar gremlin lectures throughout the semester.

5. Speak up, you are here to learn.

If you don’t know or understand something, then ask the professor or a classmate. If you have trouble on an assignment go talk to the professor. You will thank yourself later when you’re putting your final project together if you learn how to complete each writing assignment correctly. It’s better to learn how to write different types of PR materials now (when you’re paying to learn it) than later (when you’re paid to produce it).

6. Finally, the final project.

Let me just be frank with you, the final project is huge. Not only does the communications plan count as half of your final grade, but it also ends up being around 100 pages long. Again, don’t procrastinate. Meet with your group weekly to collaborate and write your materials as soon as possible. The faster you complete your written materials, the sooner you can edit and the more you can edit.

I hope these tips come in handy, because they definitely helped me out. I wish you all the best of luck and happy writing! (That was my one exclamation point I could use this semester and get away with)

Sources:

Sarah Kubischta, University of North Texas Public Relations Senior

Tweet Chats

Throughout the semester we were required to participate in three Tweet chats. Some students groan at the thought of going out of their way to talk to strangers about different topics, but I find it to be a good learning and networking experience.

For anyone who participates in these online chats, here are a few golden rules to remember:

1. Be prepared. Before you start the Tweet chat, find out in advance what the topic is about and link your followers to the chat. This is a great way to get others to join the discussion. If a follower doesn’t know how Tweet chats work, then tell them how they can get involved. 

This also gives you a chance to do some extra research so that you can give good input during the chat. Find websites, articles, blogs or videos about the discussion topic and send the link to the participants during the discussion.  

2. Get involved. Always get involved in the discussion. There is no such thing as a dumb question, so ask the hosts and other participants if you are unsure or curious about something.

Also everyone is there to discuss a topic and hear others’ opinions about the subject so speak up. Start by introducing yourself. Simply state your name, what you do and why you’re there. It’s also good idea to say you’re new to the chat while introducing yourself because regulars are always looking for new Tweeple to join in the discussion.

3. Give and Take Relationship. Tweet chats are meant for participants to share and learn about different topics. This is the perfect way to meet new people and potential followers by sharing important ideas, useful tips and intriguing questions. You might also find someone to follow who gives great advice.

Keep these three ideas in mind the next time you participate in a Tweet chat. Just remember that you and all of the other Tweeple are there to listen and learn about the same thing. So start Tweeting and check out this Tweet chat schedule for upcoming discussions.