The Wait

Jasmine waits in line to end a milestone in her academic career, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communication on December, 13, 2014. - Photo Courtesy of SLU Student Publications

The countdown to commencement will soon come to a close. In one week, I will walk across the stage to receive my Master of Science in Public Relations after five years of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Although I have taken advantage of opportunities to learn, network and gain experience in and outside of the classroom, I still have no idea what’s next. The closer I came to graduation the more the fear of the unknown became real.

As I celebrate the milestones and accomplishments of my family, friends and peers embarking on new journeys through graduate school, marriages, internship opportunities, job offers, engagements and more, I can’t help but wonder what God has in store for me as I close one chapter of my life and begin the next.

In daily devotions, I constantly receive messages from the Lord repeating instructions to wait and serve. This is exactly what I’ve done since January, but I still have not received an answer.

Two degrees, seven internships, experience with three student publications, part-time jobs, many miles and countless hours of service to my communities, universities and organizations within the public relations realm, I still find myself in a position that I worked hard to avoid.

“I was supposed to have secured a position months ago, right?”

When launching my blog and planning posts, this week was dedicated to answering the questions I have been asked most this semester… “What’s next?” “Where will you live?” “Where will you work?” What will you do?”

I stated my desire to “take you on the journey with me through the end of my academic career and into the profession as an entry level practitioner. “

I’m eight days from graduation, and my answer is still…. “I don’t know.” I volunteered to take you on a journey, but I’m not sure where it leads.

However, what I do know is that I have worked hard; I have taken what David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, Founder and CEO of The Grossman Group,  refers to as the “supposed-to” track. I have followed as much advice as possible, and I am prepared to enter the world of public relations. I am prepared to work even harder to reach my career goals and attain my dream job. I am prepared to wait and serve until God reveals His plan for my life.

Although this blog is extremely emotional for me, as promised, I am taking you on this journey with me. As scary as it is to apply… and interview… and wait…. and wonder… and pray… and read letters and emails of rejection after rejection, my advice is to anyone going through a similar experience is… to wait!

While you’re waiting, continue to seek opportunities, take initiative, grow as a person and professional and prepare… more.

I am hoping to combine my passions for public relations, service and sports in the professional arena soon.  Luckily, for me, the world of public relations is not going anywhere, anytime soon. Therefore, I have decided to wait and trust God to fulfill His will for my life. As the journey continues, I will keep you informed. If you have had a similar experience, advice or know of any community relations positions open, please comment below or connect.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

PRos: Eight professors and professionals who have changed my life forever

April 7 was a nationwide day of celebration in the world of public relations. Betsy Plank Day honors the life and legacy of a legend in the profession that we know and love. Plank was instrumental to the establishment of the Public Relations Student Society of America, a pioneer in the public relations industry and an inspiration to many.

PRSSA has changed my life forever and truly exceeded the promises of the tagline to “enhance your education, broaden your network and launch your career.”

The USM Chapter of PRSSA joined in a month-long celebration of Plank initiated by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations. The “Planks of Thanks” campaign encouraged students, educators and practitioners to show appreciation to those who have influenced their public relations knowledge, experience and successes.

Betsy Plank is the Godmother of public relations and set high standards for students and professionals through her experience, passion and mentorship. Today I would like to pay tribute to eight public relations practitioners and professors who have tremendously impacted my life and career, beginning with Amber Narro, Ph.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Associate Professor.

1.       Dr. Narro was my first professor in the communication program at Southeastern. She introduced me to PRSSA, gave me opportunities to become involved in public relations beyond the classroom and pushed me to compete in my first public relations competition at the Southeast Journalism Conference -- as a freshman!  She was instrumental in my academic career at Southeastern and helped me gain experience as a volunteer in the communications’ department at North Oaks Health System during my first year as a college student.

2.       Melanie Zaffuto, North Oaks Health System Public Relations Manager, welcomed me with open arms and allowed me the opportunity to gain valuable experience under her supervision. Although I had not taken my first public relations course and had no idea what a PSA or news release was, she gave me assignments with high expectations, resources and tools to succeed. She was always supportive of my academics, listened to my ideas and suggestions and even joined PRSA under my recommendation. I gained experience and opportunities as a volunteer that I will cherish forever. 

3.       I have to thank Carol Madere, Ph.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Associate Professor, for my amazing career at Southeastern because she is responsible for the blessing the Department of Languages and Communication with the public relations curriculum. By incorporating hands-on experience into her classes, she extended my knowledge, skills and portfolio samples. When the stresses of my colloquium experiences began to settle, Dr. Madere helped me to narrow my topic and complete my thesis.

4.       There are many things I could say about the influence that Joseph Mirando, Ph.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Professor,  had on my success in and outside of the classroom at Southeastern. He not only encouraged me and my peers to start the university’s chapter of PRSSA, but also joined PRSA so that he could serve as the Faculty Advisor. Dr. Mirando was always there to answer my emails, proofread documents and provide motivation and resources to ensure continued success for our PRSSA Chapter. He is an exceptional educator and genuinely cares about the education and success of his students.

5.       Kathy Pittman’s dedication, pride and commitment to Southeastern Louisiana University are unlike any alumni I know. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to intern at the Southeastern Alumni Association and learn from her expertise in her role as the director. Although I knew Ms. Kathy  from appearances as a guest speaker in classes, my relationship with her deepened during my time at the Alumni Association.  It is an experience that I will never forget. She included me in the complete process of public relations from research to planning, implementation and evaluation. Outside of work-related events, she opened her professional network to me and introduced me to dear friends and colleagues.

6.       Cindy Blackwell, Ph.D., Assistant Director of the College of Mass Communication and Journalism at The University of Southern Mississipppi, is a great example of the power of PRSSA, networking and relationships. I met Dr. Blackwell at LSU during the 2014 PRSSA Regional Conference, “Hollywood Under the Oaks.” During a brief conversation with her, she validated my decision to pursue graduate studies and became instrumental to my success in the program. Dr. Blackwell assisted me in the search for an assistantship position, gave me the opportunity to continue my involvement in PRSSA and became a trusted mentor and friend.

7.       Kristie Aylett, APR, Fellow PRSA and Agency Principal of the KARD Group, exceeded my expectations of what a professional adviser should be. Ms. Kristie goes above and beyond to assist students. She is extremely active with our chapter and takes time to support students by providing internship and job opportunities, professional development activities, educational resources and mentorship. Her passion for the profession is apparent through her words and actions.

8.       In less than six months, Bill Imada completely changed my understanding of what it means to be a mentor. Mr. Imada gave me a life-changing opportunity to be a member of the National Millennial Community and has been an exceptional resource for my peers and me. He has connected me with millennials and executives across the globe and is never too far away from his email. As the Chairman, Chief Connectivity Officer and former CEO of IW Group, Inc., I’m not sure how he does all that he does without an assistant, but he makes it look easy.

April has almost come to an end, but there is still time to join the Planks of Thanks Initiative. Who are you thankful for? Write a note of thanks or share with the world of social media using the hashtag #PlanksOfThanks. I’ll be looking.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

MASTERing PR Education: Why I Chose to Pursue Graduate Studies

Yesterday marked three weeks on the “countdown to commencement.” As I reflect on my journey through advanced studies, I think about FAQs from educators, peers and professionals alike. At the start of my graduate career, I could not avoid one question. “Why did I choose grad school?”

During my time at Southern Miss. I have given and heard several answers to this question. Many students want to become professors or collegiate administrators. Others seek to achieve a lifelong dream. Some want more time before entering “the real world” or simply don’t know what they want to do. Finally, there is a significant number of grad students who either could not find a job after graduation or were not happy in their career or position.

None of the reasons mentioned above applied to me. I began to consider graduate school the semester prior to my graduation from Southeastern. I had an amazing undergraduate career and wanted to expand on my knowledge and experiences. That was enough for me.

Although I had completed several internships, excelled in my classes and networked with many professionals, I still wanted more. After attending the 2014 PRSSA Regional Conference at LSU and speaking with the USM PRSSA advisor, Dr. Cindy Blackwell, I knew that graduate school would be my next chapter.

As I approach the end of my time at Southern Miss., I could not be more happy with my decision to earn my Master’s Degree. USM has given me more than I have time or room to discuss in this post.  I encourage anyone interested in pursuing graduate studies to research institutions and programs and understand how they will help you reach your long-term career goals.

If you love public relations and want more, know that the public relations industry is one that requires lifelong learning to achieve success. Working in the profession will give you more than you want. Or so, I’ve heard.

Here are five pieces of advice for those interested.

1. Don’t go to grad school just because you don’t have to pay for it.

2. Don’t compare your experience or education to others. (I did… a lot. )

3. Experience will provide more preparation than grad school, for those interested in practice vs. teaching or research.

4. You will never know everything (about anything). Don't stress about entering the profession. Everyone has to start somewhere.

"It's PR not the ER!" - Teni Karapetian, Vice President of National Publicity, STX Entertainment 

5. Finally, a wise comment from Carolyn Markey, General Motors' Manager of Global Manufacturing Communications. “You will never ever, ever regret furthering your education.”

Are you considering grad school? Do you agree or disagree with any of my advice or comments? Did this post spark curiosity or more questions? Let’s continue the conversation. Comment below.

It all begins here

In May of 2011 after a year of research, writing and preparation, I presented what I had learned about public relations and "The world of communication" to an audience of proud parents and loved ones. Photo by: Jackie Miller-Wilson

Welcome... to my blog! :) 

Thank you for visiting; stay a while.

More than two decades ago at my kindergarten graduation I stood before an audience with a red fluffy dress and white bows in my hair and said "My name is Jasmine Tate; when I grow up I want to be a pediatrician." The room filled with laughter by adults probably wondering how a five-year old even knew what a pediatrician was. 

Several years later in my first biology class, I quickly realized that the field of medicine was not a place I belonged. I've always been a strong writer and decided in 9th grade that I wanted to be a journalist. A journalist is what I was going to be until I discovered the wonderful world of public relations during my senior year in high school. 

This is where it all began for me. As I studied the profession and gained a general understanding of what public relations is, it seemed like an industry that I was made for. 

It turns out, it was as good as it sounded. Throughout my academic career, I have made countless connections and learned much about the industry. By networking and seizing opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge of the profession, I now know what it takes to succeed. Through this blog I want to share some of my experiences and advice with you on my journey through the end of my academic career and into the profession. If you have any questions, feedback or topics you would like me to discuss, please comment below, connect with me on social media and share with your friends. 

Again, I am excited to begin this journey, and I want to take you with me. :) Let's Go!