Hi 370 Alums! It's been interesting to read what you are all up to this summer!
As for me, I've had the best summer internship experience working at Liggett Stashower, a full-service advertising and PR agency located in the Halle Building in downtown Cleveland. I'm a Program Management intern (they recently combined their advertising and PR departments since they are very closely related with their clients). I've been doing a little bit of PR related stuff (writing press releases, updating media lists, sending out media kits) and advertising stuff (target market media research for new business proposals and doing a lot of competitor research). LS has been a great place to work this summer and have learned a lot. We've taken a few field trips -- to a radio station, TV station, publisher, and printing press -- and gotten to eat lunch with a few members of upper management in our executive lunches.
There are 7 other interns there in addition to myself. It's nice to have other people there to eat lunch with or go to happy hour after work. We've also been blogging about our internship experience and about news and trends in the industry on our blog http://liggettintern.blogspot.com/. We recently got a mention for it in the New York Times and Chicago Tribune, which was very exciting for the agency and the interns -- the article is "When Whippersnappers and Geezers Collide."
It's been pretty cool working in Cleveland this summer too. I've living here for my whole life, but never really realized or appreciated some of the things there are to do. It's kind of made me rethink my career decisions for after college. There really are a lot of job opportunities in Cleveland, and in smaller cities like it. Plus, there are more opportunities to move up and be noticed like there might not be in cities like New York or Chicago.
Well, that's about it for me. Be sure to check out our blog and leave some comments if you want!
See you all in the fall!
Jessica Minarczyk
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Cleveland: On America's North Coast
Ok, so I can't think of any GOOD nicknames for Cleveland, but the titles of the last several entries irked me so much that I decided I had to stick up for my humble hometown. (That little gem of a catchphrase was taken from a child-large sized hooded sweatshirt I found in my attic and wear proudly, thank you.)
Anyway, to continue what Eva was talking about a little bit, I, too, am blogging all summer long at the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services. (Not all of it's my writing, I'm not quite a state policy buff, but check it out if you're ever feeling the urge to read about state poverty policy.) It's an interesting way to promote the goals of a government organization, and it's been a challenge to not cross the line of sounding too partisan. As you might imagine, the agency that provides cash assistance to poor people in Athens County tends to sound left-leaning, but we can't go overboard. It's required a lot of research to back up any statements of opinion.
Also, it's made me wish there was an ongoing online journalism class to teach me what the heck a "ping" is, how to get people to "digg" me, and understand all the other high-tech stuff that I find difficult even as someone who's been using the Internet since 7th grade. I took 314 but I'm still not an expert. Anyone else running into these snags? I feel like my bosses look to me as the translator for some of this stuff, but a lot of it is new to me, too.
I can't even imagine how Jack feels, poor guy.
Well, off to go sweat in my cable-less, Internet-less apartment for a little while, but I hope all of you who are practically abroad with your internships this summer are having a fabulous time! Athens is eerily quiet. See ya'll in 471! Go Browns!
Anyway, to continue what Eva was talking about a little bit, I, too, am blogging all summer long at the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services. (Not all of it's my writing, I'm not quite a state policy buff, but check it out if you're ever feeling the urge to read about state poverty policy.) It's an interesting way to promote the goals of a government organization, and it's been a challenge to not cross the line of sounding too partisan. As you might imagine, the agency that provides cash assistance to poor people in Athens County tends to sound left-leaning, but we can't go overboard. It's required a lot of research to back up any statements of opinion.
Also, it's made me wish there was an ongoing online journalism class to teach me what the heck a "ping" is, how to get people to "digg" me, and understand all the other high-tech stuff that I find difficult even as someone who's been using the Internet since 7th grade. I took 314 but I'm still not an expert. Anyone else running into these snags? I feel like my bosses look to me as the translator for some of this stuff, but a lot of it is new to me, too.
I can't even imagine how Jack feels, poor guy.
Well, off to go sweat in my cable-less, Internet-less apartment for a little while, but I hope all of you who are practically abroad with your internships this summer are having a fabulous time! Athens is eerily quiet. See ya'll in 471! Go Browns!
Go Steelers
Hi all!
It’s so nice to hear from the people who have already written. It sounds like everyone is having an amazing summer, despite the fact that we’re missing out on seeing Jack and Jess two times a week!
It’s ironic that you created this Blog, Jess (and thank you, by the way!) because one of my jobs at my internship is to help implement a Blog process for our company, WordWrite Communications. I also have the opportunity to explore the use of social media and its potential for use with our clients. Who would’ve thought Facebook and MySpace could make me valuable?
Aside from that, truly the most exciting things I have done here at WordWrite involve media pitching, which I learned the hard way thanks to the one and only Jason Koma. I started pitching to some smaller papers in West Virginia and pitched yesterday to an online outlet called Pop City in Pittsburgh.
Another client I’ve been working with is Kings Family Restaurants. I brainstormed a 40th anniversary plan with two of my other colleagues and we’re working on the PR calendar for it and trying to hammer out the logistics for a radio tour.
Everyone I work with is extremely nice, and of course, asked if I have any fellow Bobcats who would want to intern during fall, or even winter break. It’s offered on a generous stipend with extremely flexible hours. Plus, the two out of three women I work with are getting married soon so we’re always talking about they’re exciting wedding plans and other fun stuff, such as flowers. (Sorry, Pat! It’s officially true that we dominate the field.)
Anyway, I don't want to ramble on too much, but I hope you all enjoy the last month of summer, and please e-mail if you’re interested in a WordWrite internship or just want to chat at es207404@ohio.edu.
P.S. Jess, I know you're wondering why I would offend you with a such a subject for this post. However, as you and I (and Chelsea) know, football season is approaching, and the Steelers are a hot item once again. PLUS, I met Big Ben and gave him a pep talk. Well, not the pep talk part, but I can guarantee you that he looks extremely buff and more ready than ever for the season. ;)
It’s so nice to hear from the people who have already written. It sounds like everyone is having an amazing summer, despite the fact that we’re missing out on seeing Jack and Jess two times a week!
It’s ironic that you created this Blog, Jess (and thank you, by the way!) because one of my jobs at my internship is to help implement a Blog process for our company, WordWrite Communications. I also have the opportunity to explore the use of social media and its potential for use with our clients. Who would’ve thought Facebook and MySpace could make me valuable?
Aside from that, truly the most exciting things I have done here at WordWrite involve media pitching, which I learned the hard way thanks to the one and only Jason Koma. I started pitching to some smaller papers in West Virginia and pitched yesterday to an online outlet called Pop City in Pittsburgh.
Another client I’ve been working with is Kings Family Restaurants. I brainstormed a 40th anniversary plan with two of my other colleagues and we’re working on the PR calendar for it and trying to hammer out the logistics for a radio tour.
Everyone I work with is extremely nice, and of course, asked if I have any fellow Bobcats who would want to intern during fall, or even winter break. It’s offered on a generous stipend with extremely flexible hours. Plus, the two out of three women I work with are getting married soon so we’re always talking about they’re exciting wedding plans and other fun stuff, such as flowers. (Sorry, Pat! It’s officially true that we dominate the field.)
Anyway, I don't want to ramble on too much, but I hope you all enjoy the last month of summer, and please e-mail if you’re interested in a WordWrite internship or just want to chat at es207404@ohio.edu.
P.S. Jess, I know you're wondering why I would offend you with a such a subject for this post. However, as you and I (and Chelsea) know, football season is approaching, and the Steelers are a hot item once again. PLUS, I met Big Ben and gave him a pep talk. Well, not the pep talk part, but I can guarantee you that he looks extremely buff and more ready than ever for the season. ;)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Mistake by the Lake
Hey kids! Hope everyone's summer and summer internships are going well. I'm currently interning at McKinney Advertising & Public Relations in Cleveland. It's a small firm, I mean really small, only 2 executives are in the office full-time, but I've really learned a lot.
The firm is run by Judy Cerne who is hilarious, she reminds me of the fun grandmother I never had. She shows you everything about running a business, she lets us look at the in-voices so that we can see how they bill their hours, which was really interesting. I think one of the most exciting things that I've gotten to do was sit in on a conference call with McCormich & Schmick, a seafood restaurant coming to the Beachwood area who was looking for someone to do their PR for the grand opening. We didn't get the job but it was a great learning experience to see how they positioned themselves to be the best option for the potential client and how they handled their questions.
I think the thing that I'm most excited about is that I've gotten to draft and send out two press releases to the media. I didn't really think as an intern that I would actually have that opportunity. My non-PR friends didn't find this very exciting but I thought you guys might appreciate it.
McKinney takes interns year round even though they don't post it on their Web site, and they've had many from OU. If anyone is interested in a small agency that allows you to do a lot of hands of stuff I would highly suggest them. They also have a tendency to hire a lot of their interns
Things will start to pick up here soon, their biggest client is the North American Menopause Society (I know sounds like a blast right?), but they have their national conference in October so the next month will be full of assembling press kits and alerting the media.
I guess I'd better get back to being a productive intern, talk to you guys later!
P.S. One of the account executives gave me an article on when to you and En dash, Em dash, and hyphen, it's really interesting and if anyone wants a copy of it let me know and I'll hook you up :P
The firm is run by Judy Cerne who is hilarious, she reminds me of the fun grandmother I never had. She shows you everything about running a business, she lets us look at the in-voices so that we can see how they bill their hours, which was really interesting. I think one of the most exciting things that I've gotten to do was sit in on a conference call with McCormich & Schmick, a seafood restaurant coming to the Beachwood area who was looking for someone to do their PR for the grand opening. We didn't get the job but it was a great learning experience to see how they positioned themselves to be the best option for the potential client and how they handled their questions.
I think the thing that I'm most excited about is that I've gotten to draft and send out two press releases to the media. I didn't really think as an intern that I would actually have that opportunity. My non-PR friends didn't find this very exciting but I thought you guys might appreciate it.
McKinney takes interns year round even though they don't post it on their Web site, and they've had many from OU. If anyone is interested in a small agency that allows you to do a lot of hands of stuff I would highly suggest them. They also have a tendency to hire a lot of their interns
Things will start to pick up here soon, their biggest client is the North American Menopause Society (I know sounds like a blast right?), but they have their national conference in October so the next month will be full of assembling press kits and alerting the media.
I guess I'd better get back to being a productive intern, talk to you guys later!
P.S. One of the account executives gave me an article on when to you and En dash, Em dash, and hyphen, it's really interesting and if anyone wants a copy of it let me know and I'll hook you up :P
Friday, July 20, 2007
So proud
I am so proud of you guys who have written. And posted internship opportunities. It's so great to network like that. I am really impressed with all the work you guys have been doing; I don't think I ever worked that hard during college (you know, I worked for Old Man Jeffery).
Keep it up and one day you too could be updating a blog from Houston, Texas, where it has rained significantly the last 27 of 33 days. I'm beginning to think it's me. When I lived in Boston, they too broke precipitation records. I don't know if I shared the link with all of you, but I have my own blog with pictures and stories of me being, well, me. http://starkcommunication.blogspot.com
I haven't found a teaching gig yet down here but I am looking for one. If only I could find a Jack to do the heavy lifting.
Have a great weekend. I am headed into the city tonight for a show from Molly and the Ringwalds-- that's right-- 80's music!
Happy Friday,
Jessica
P.S. I watched Grey's last night for the first time in a while. It was the one when Meredith was drowning. I remember taking bets on that episode in class. Made me miss you guys all over again.
P.P.S. I think we need to start a discussion on Burke (Isaiah Washington). Seriously, he needs some PR training. He just keeps digging himself in deeper.
Keep it up and one day you too could be updating a blog from Houston, Texas, where it has rained significantly the last 27 of 33 days. I'm beginning to think it's me. When I lived in Boston, they too broke precipitation records. I don't know if I shared the link with all of you, but I have my own blog with pictures and stories of me being, well, me. http://starkcommunication.blogspot.com
I haven't found a teaching gig yet down here but I am looking for one. If only I could find a Jack to do the heavy lifting.
Have a great weekend. I am headed into the city tonight for a show from Molly and the Ringwalds-- that's right-- 80's music!
Happy Friday,
Jessica
P.S. I watched Grey's last night for the first time in a while. It was the one when Meredith was drowning. I remember taking bets on that episode in class. Made me miss you guys all over again.
P.P.S. I think we need to start a discussion on Burke (Isaiah Washington). Seriously, he needs some PR training. He just keeps digging himself in deeper.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Law School
Hello everyone!
Jessica, this was a great idea. I've only been an OU alum for a little over a month and I already feel disconnected. Jack, I'm sorry to hear you have to handle J340 on your own from now on-- what will you do without Jessica to keep you humble?!
I am currently working at The Berry Company in Dayton for the summer. In 1910, L.M. Berry "invented" the Yellow Pages, so my summer project is compiling information for a 100th Anniversary coffee-table book. This is hands-down the best job ever. I never thought I'd say this, but I enjoy the research-- which consists mainly of digging through a huge archive room in the basement that is filled with amazing things. There have been some VERY fascinating people who have worked for this company over the past 100 years. I've even uncovered torid details about a scandalous affair in the 1970s! I have also spoken with a bunch of retirees and executives to gather their tidbits, and I can't tell you how many interesting people I have met. I'm writing a lot, meeting with the publisher weekly... and I even have two cubicles to myself :)
Beyond the project being a lot of fun, The Berry Company is an amazing place to work. I know they take a ton of interns from OU, so anyone looking for an internship at any time of the year should defintely try here. The people are wonderful and the environment is really laid back and fun. The Berry philosophy is all about attention to employees, and in my one month here I have been given about two dozen random presents and last week they took the entire marketing dept. to River Downs in Cincinnati for the day--with an open bar and betting vouchers for all, haha.
I am very glad I decided to take this internship for the summer, but now it has left me in quite a quandry. A Community Relations position has just opened up, and my boss really wants me to stay (maybe that's the reason behind all the free gifts?). But I am scheduled to begin law school in Akron on August 20, so I have to move up there in a few weeks. I have a full-ride to Akron Law, so that makes it a little hard to rationalize foregoing law school and staying at Berry. My plan is to go back into PR after law school-- Legal PR-- so maybe I'll get lucky and Berry will have another spot for me.
Since I'm not taking it, I encourage anyone else who is looking for a job to apply for the Community Relations position at The Berry Company-- you'll love it! The job postings are at: http://www.lmberry.com/careers/openpositions.cfm. It may not be up there yet, but keep checking. And look on AT&T's Web site as well, as we were just acquired by them.
Ok, I've always had a problem with rambling on and this entry is definte proof of that. I'd better get back to the exciting world of the Yellow Pages. Hope you all are enjoying your summer!
Jessica, this was a great idea. I've only been an OU alum for a little over a month and I already feel disconnected. Jack, I'm sorry to hear you have to handle J340 on your own from now on-- what will you do without Jessica to keep you humble?!
I am currently working at The Berry Company in Dayton for the summer. In 1910, L.M. Berry "invented" the Yellow Pages, so my summer project is compiling information for a 100th Anniversary coffee-table book. This is hands-down the best job ever. I never thought I'd say this, but I enjoy the research-- which consists mainly of digging through a huge archive room in the basement that is filled with amazing things. There have been some VERY fascinating people who have worked for this company over the past 100 years. I've even uncovered torid details about a scandalous affair in the 1970s! I have also spoken with a bunch of retirees and executives to gather their tidbits, and I can't tell you how many interesting people I have met. I'm writing a lot, meeting with the publisher weekly... and I even have two cubicles to myself :)
Beyond the project being a lot of fun, The Berry Company is an amazing place to work. I know they take a ton of interns from OU, so anyone looking for an internship at any time of the year should defintely try here. The people are wonderful and the environment is really laid back and fun. The Berry philosophy is all about attention to employees, and in my one month here I have been given about two dozen random presents and last week they took the entire marketing dept. to River Downs in Cincinnati for the day--with an open bar and betting vouchers for all, haha.
I am very glad I decided to take this internship for the summer, but now it has left me in quite a quandry. A Community Relations position has just opened up, and my boss really wants me to stay (maybe that's the reason behind all the free gifts?). But I am scheduled to begin law school in Akron on August 20, so I have to move up there in a few weeks. I have a full-ride to Akron Law, so that makes it a little hard to rationalize foregoing law school and staying at Berry. My plan is to go back into PR after law school-- Legal PR-- so maybe I'll get lucky and Berry will have another spot for me.
Since I'm not taking it, I encourage anyone else who is looking for a job to apply for the Community Relations position at The Berry Company-- you'll love it! The job postings are at: http://www.lmberry.com/careers/openpositions.cfm. It may not be up there yet, but keep checking. And look on AT&T's Web site as well, as we were just acquired by them.
Ok, I've always had a problem with rambling on and this entry is definte proof of that. I'd better get back to the exciting world of the Yellow Pages. Hope you all are enjoying your summer!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Greetings From Columbus
Hello J370 clan! I’m glad that we have received second notice of the blog because in the midst of everything going on, I must admit I forgot about it. Thank you Jessica and Jack for creating this new avenue for interesting discussion, gives me something to do on my 15 minute break! Jessica - I really enjoy catching up on your life in Houston (aka: stalking you on your blog). And it was so good to hear from you Hartley, I’m so glad you are doing well in Chicago.
This summer I am in Columbus working for Prentice Hall – the “evil” textbook company that really isn’t so evil. I made a lasting impression when I ever so gracefully tripped on my pant leg and fell flat on my face in front of everyone my first day on the job. About 10 people gathered around to see if I was okay, haha! Anyways, I’m working in the sales department, but am learning a lot about the publishing industry in general. The director of the internship is amazing and he has really given us a lot of opportunity to get to know the company. We’ve had several meetings with the different departments – it’s huge! Everyone is so helpful and the corporate culture at this place rocks. Two other interns and myself may be going to their national sales meeting (expense free) in Florida pretty soon, which is super exciting.
Either way, if anyone has any interest in publishing and would like a great paid summer internship next year, let me know! I could go on about it forever. Other than work and lazy summer activities, I am already packing bags for my Wales excursion – I don’t leave for another month and a half.
15 minutes is up! Like Hartley said, I miss you all and look forward to getting updates via the blog.
This summer I am in Columbus working for Prentice Hall – the “evil” textbook company that really isn’t so evil. I made a lasting impression when I ever so gracefully tripped on my pant leg and fell flat on my face in front of everyone my first day on the job. About 10 people gathered around to see if I was okay, haha! Anyways, I’m working in the sales department, but am learning a lot about the publishing industry in general. The director of the internship is amazing and he has really given us a lot of opportunity to get to know the company. We’ve had several meetings with the different departments – it’s huge! Everyone is so helpful and the corporate culture at this place rocks. Two other interns and myself may be going to their national sales meeting (expense free) in Florida pretty soon, which is super exciting.
Either way, if anyone has any interest in publishing and would like a great paid summer internship next year, let me know! I could go on about it forever. Other than work and lazy summer activities, I am already packing bags for my Wales excursion – I don’t leave for another month and a half.
15 minutes is up! Like Hartley said, I miss you all and look forward to getting updates via the blog.
Los Angeles
Hey all!
How is everyone's summer going? Great I hope. I learned so much from the J370 class and this is a great way to keep the fun going.
I'm in Los Angeles this summer doing an internship at Bender/Helper Impact, a PR firm in the entertainment industry, and working part-time at Ascent Talent, Model, Promotion, Ltd. They have both been great experiences and I still have over a month left doing both of them!
Los Angeles is a beautiful place and it's definitely a different vibe from what is in Athens. I sure do miss it though! I'm definitely going to take advantage of my last year in college!
If anyone is looking to intern in Los Angeles soon, let me know. Another OU student interned here before I did and it is a great place to get experience and they're all very nice people to work with!
Hope all is well:)
Jackie
How is everyone's summer going? Great I hope. I learned so much from the J370 class and this is a great way to keep the fun going.
I'm in Los Angeles this summer doing an internship at Bender/Helper Impact, a PR firm in the entertainment industry, and working part-time at Ascent Talent, Model, Promotion, Ltd. They have both been great experiences and I still have over a month left doing both of them!
Los Angeles is a beautiful place and it's definitely a different vibe from what is in Athens. I sure do miss it though! I'm definitely going to take advantage of my last year in college!
If anyone is looking to intern in Los Angeles soon, let me know. Another OU student interned here before I did and it is a great place to get experience and they're all very nice people to work with!
Hope all is well:)
Jackie
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Chicago
Hello All! I am so excited about the blog. I am monitoring them a ton for work and it has been so much fun. Jack and Jess, thank you for thinking of us and including us in your network.
What is everyone doing? I know a few PR people have moved to Chicago and we are supposed to be getting together after work for a drink. All in all the city is wonderful and the job is challenging. I am at Weber Shandwick and I love all of the new things I am learning. By the way, I am so thankful for my media relations training. I use it daily.
Aside from work the city has still been an experience. I have made friends on the El, tried sushi, went to museums, shopped on Michigan Avenue, explored in the suburbs, had birds poop on me, attended my first Harley-Davidson party for work and a whole host of other things. I can always say I have a new story to tell. Right now I am searching online for a way to find towed cars. The roommate had hers towed last night and it is still MIA, so I guess I better go and be a good friend. I miss you all, and hope to speak with you or read an update from you soon. :)
What is everyone doing? I know a few PR people have moved to Chicago and we are supposed to be getting together after work for a drink. All in all the city is wonderful and the job is challenging. I am at Weber Shandwick and I love all of the new things I am learning. By the way, I am so thankful for my media relations training. I use it daily.
Aside from work the city has still been an experience. I have made friends on the El, tried sushi, went to museums, shopped on Michigan Avenue, explored in the suburbs, had birds poop on me, attended my first Harley-Davidson party for work and a whole host of other things. I can always say I have a new story to tell. Right now I am searching online for a way to find towed cars. The roommate had hers towed last night and it is still MIA, so I guess I better go and be a good friend. I miss you all, and hope to speak with you or read an update from you soon. :)
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Congrats to Jess
Congratulations to Jess for creating this blog.
J 370 is probably one of the few courses with an alumni association, especially one that reaches to the Lone Star state
J 370 is probably one of the few courses with an alumni association, especially one that reaches to the Lone Star state
Hello and we need a title...
Hello, hello!
As most of you know I have left the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to accept a position as senior media relations specialist at Rice University. Because the commute from Houston, TX, to Athens would be nearly impossible, I can no longer be Jack's side kick in class. A major diappointment to both you and me.
Teaching J370 was one of my favorite things to do and it made all the typical work-related headaches disappear. I know Jack echoes me in saying, you made my work meaningful and worthwhile. Thank you!
We want to give something back to you (and keep track of you) so we decided to start this blog. We figured it is a way to help you stay connected with classmates and share tips and opportunities. Also, it's a way to help familariaze all of us with "new media."
Obviously, this is a work in progress. Jack and I have never done anything like this before, so we are counting on you to help us.
And, first thing is first...we need a name for this blog. We want something that captures the Jack & Jessica J370 experience, but we didn't have to live through it the way you did. Send your entries to starkjessica@yahoo.com by June 7 (that's my birthday). Any reference to Pittsburgh sports teams will not be accepted. You can win... bonus points? an iPod? pizza? (Prize has not yet been determined. We're also open for suggestions on that.)
Long story short: I miss you guys. Stay in touch. And, if you're ever looking for a job in Houston, let me know.
Jessica
As most of you know I have left the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to accept a position as senior media relations specialist at Rice University. Because the commute from Houston, TX, to Athens would be nearly impossible, I can no longer be Jack's side kick in class. A major diappointment to both you and me.
Teaching J370 was one of my favorite things to do and it made all the typical work-related headaches disappear. I know Jack echoes me in saying, you made my work meaningful and worthwhile. Thank you!
We want to give something back to you (and keep track of you) so we decided to start this blog. We figured it is a way to help you stay connected with classmates and share tips and opportunities. Also, it's a way to help familariaze all of us with "new media."
Obviously, this is a work in progress. Jack and I have never done anything like this before, so we are counting on you to help us.
And, first thing is first...we need a name for this blog. We want something that captures the Jack & Jessica J370 experience, but we didn't have to live through it the way you did. Send your entries to starkjessica@yahoo.com by June 7 (that's my birthday). Any reference to Pittsburgh sports teams will not be accepted. You can win... bonus points? an iPod? pizza? (Prize has not yet been determined. We're also open for suggestions on that.)
Long story short: I miss you guys. Stay in touch. And, if you're ever looking for a job in Houston, let me know.
Jessica
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