Dressing for the Job

businesspeople working together

Photo by Pixabay.com

By: Itzel Cruz

Business attire or business casual can be such broad terms that they can be difficult to pinpoint. It’s not a full tailored suit but you can’t show up in jeans and a shirt either. Many students have never had a job at this point in their life that required this type of dress. Many are not financially equipped to go out and buy an all new work wardrobe, but it does not have to be expensive nor a daunting experience. A few solid pieces can go a long way. 

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How Playing a Sport in College Provided Me with Skills for a PR Career

Chico State rowing team rowing at sunset

Photo by Jillian Peart

By: Emma McDermott

I moved to Chico, CA to attend college as a first-year. I was ready to start fresh and fully embrace this new chapter of my life. As an undeclared student with lots of time on my hands, I decided I was going to make the most of my four years at this university. 

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6 Ways to Conquer a Creative Block

illustration representing creative block in an individual

By: Lauren Meichtry

Coming up with new ideas can be harder than it looks! As an artist and graphic designer I understand how real the struggle can be. But you don’t have to be an artist to be affected by creative block. Idea generation has become a necessity for staying relevant in careers including public relations. To get back on track, use these six helpful tips for the days when you sit in front of a blank sheet of paper or an empty screen: 

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Don’t Procrastinate in a Professional Setting

Street signs that read homework, procrastination and stop.

By: Nick Denton

As college students, we often procrastinate assignments because we think we have the time. As journalism students, we are always working toward a deadline. On multiple occasions I have left a big assignment until the night before it was due and I have never failed to get it done, these results reinforced the idea that this practice was okay.  

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10 Tips on How to Enhance Group Dynamics

Group of people brainstorming ideas.

By: Chase Victor

1. Spread Positivity

It’s easy to get discouraged when a client is not great at communicating or doesn’t like your ideas. However, that is part of the process in learning how to align your talent to the clients’ needs. In order to grow as a valuable team member you must always do your best to look on the bright side. Look for what’s right, not for what’s wrong.

 2. Learn to Stay Level-headed

There can be difficult situations that arise whether it’s completing tasks in a narrow time frame or dealing with a crisis. Staying calm and collected is far more productive than blowing a fuse or panicking. Being negative or upset can have a ripple effect within your group and can impede workflow so take a breather and focus on solutions.

 3. Learn From Your Mistakes

In a fast moving environment, mistakes can happen but it’s up to you to decide on how to move past them and learn from them. We’re all human, mistakes are part of the learning process, so don’t be too upset about them. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when. But when they do happen, it’s important to take responsibility, move past those mistakes and learn from them so you can grow.

4. Learn to Juggle

The PR world, whether agency or in-house, is a busy place and making sure you have a grasp on your time management skills is absolutely crucial. You need to juggle and prioritize your clients’ needs in a orderly fashion however you and your team see fit.

5. Stay Organized and Reliable

Staying organized and reliable goes hand and hand with juggling tasks and time management skills. It’s best to be very detailed with everything you do, especially your calendars and to-do lists. One tip from a DineAmic Group publicist, Cara Zizzo says to always respond to emails. Whether they are clients or team members. Responding to them lets them know that you’re aware and on top of what needs to be done.

6. Listen Well

Oftentimes, we are so busy that we almost ‘skim’ the information we hear and get right to the task. However, listening doesn’t mean you’re actively understanding what’s being said. To be a better group member, you must be patient and engage when you listen, carefully hear the person to respond and get the correct information down.

7. Never Play the Blame Game

You never want to throw another team member under the bus if they were unable to complete something on time. Instead, let them own up to it and be positive when trying to give constructive criticism. Working in groups is a dynamic environment and requires effective communications and problem solving. If you’re running out of time on a deadline, let someone know that you may need an extension so there’s no confusion. Communication and a positive team atmosphere is key to successful teams.

8. Collaboration, Not Just Cooperation

In simplest terms group projects require cooperation to finish what needs to be done. But after are you pleased with the team’s performance? When collaboration is involved it makes the group much more willing to lend a helping hand. Antonio Garrido, a professional from Absolute Sales Development, says to get into the habit of asking your fellow colleagues, “How can I help you?” at any chance you can take to improve group function.

9. Have Empathy

You want a working environment where your colleagues help and support you, not just tolerate you. However important the work may be, you must remember the human behind the job. Listen and discuss about life outside of work (when appropriate) to show them that you care.

10. Ask for Feedback

Asking for feedback regarding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial in your development as a professional. There’s a time and place for everything so you don’t want to be a pest about having people check your work but asking for constructive criticism is encouraged and lets your group member know that you value their opinion.

10 Tips to Become a Better Photographer

10 Tips to Become a Better Photographer

By: Kendra Clark

Tip 1: Fill the Frame

Fill the Frame

 Don’t be afraid to fill the entire frame with your image. Filling the frame to its’ entirety can create a sense of closeness for the viewer and a better understanding of the focal point for your image.

Tip 2: Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds

 Divide your image into three equal parts, this creates a harmony and equality between the subject and background of your image.

Tip 3: Lighting

Lighting

 Try to think of the best times for photos and whether you will need to use a flash or change the settings to get better natural light. Sometimes the weather can determine this for you. 

Tip 4: Exposure Triangle

Exposure Triangle

 Shutter Speed – How fast the sensor for the lens opens and closes, works with the aperture, the shutter speed determines how long the lens will be exposed to the light.

ISO – Sensitivity to the light. This determines how the sensor responds to the light. High ISO is more sensitive than a low ISO.

Aperture – The measure of how open or closed the lens’ iris is. A wider aperture means more light, smaller means less. 

Tip 5: Create a Sense of Depth

Create a Sense of Depth

 Create a foreground and background, separate the subject and create a focal point. This trains the eye to follow where it will look first.

Tip 6: Framing

Framing

 Be aware of your background and surroundings. Use the subject as a starting point and take your time to get the shot you want.

Tip 7: Using a Tripod

Using a Tripod

The best way to avoid camera shake is by using a tripod. Especially for long exposure or when you are taking multiple shots. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Tip 8: Keep it Simple

Keep it Simple

 Using simple backgrounds creates less distraction. Don’t overthink a simple idea. The background is just as important as the subject.

Tip 9: Perspective

Perspective

 What message are you trying to send with your image? Practice taking shots from different perspectives whether it’s up close and personal or a shot taken from a distance. Perspective tells a story.

Tip 10: Use Good Technique – Then Break the Rules

Use Good Technique - Then Break the Rules

Follow the rules and get a good understanding on the basics then break the rules. Find your style and don’t be afraid to be different.

Benefits of Doing a Social Media Detox

A smart phone showing social media icons.

By: Ashley Kainz

Social media has become a convent way we connect and interact as humans. Even though social media has become the new “norm”, many people are taking break from social media and living their lives. You may have heard people doing a “social media detox” or “social media cleanse”, that’s the new fab. There’s advantages to social media, but there’s disadvantages that can be detrimental to your mental health. As students and working professionals, we are already stressed enough, social media just adds unneeded stress. It’s time to put down your cellphones, delete your accounts and actually live your life through you, not your phone screen.

A smart phone showing social network icons.

Using Thank You Instead of Sorry

Photo of people in a group meeting giving high fives..

By: Itzel Cruz

As college students and young adults heading into the workforce, it can be an adjustment learning how to maneuver throughout the professional world.  It is easy to make mistakes like showing up a bit late to a meeting or misunderstanding an assignment you have never done before. It can be common to be dishing out lots of “sorries” throughout your professional work experience, but making mistakes does not always have to have such a negative connotation around it.

Replacing a “sorry for being late” with a “thank you for your patience” can put a positive twist on a negative situation.

Showing those involved your gratitude for their time can help them have a positive image of you in their mind as well as feel appreciated for their contribution in whatever project you may be working on. People’s time and contribution is very valuable and letting them know that you respect their time and effort can be very important in maintaining that relationship and keeping that business relationship positive.

There are many situations in which you could replace sorry with thank you. Instead of “sorry for taking up all your time” you could say “thank you for spending time with me” or instead of “sorry for rambling” you can say “thank you for listening”.

In a business like public relations where you deal with many different groups of people on a daily basis your image, your client’s image and your employer’s image are so important. You want to stand out but also be professional in anything you do. Being accommodating and considerate of your coworkers and clients is essential to a healthy work environment. Maintaining a positive professional reputation is vital to your success and getting people to come back to you and your work.

5 Tips to Become a Better Leader

Eight person huddling

By: Lauren Battisti

As college students, we are constantly working in groups. Even though it may feel like a punishment sometimes, being able to work in teams is a foundation we must acquire ahead of graduation. Teamwork will be in our careers and knowing how to be a better leader can enhance the team’s performance, attitude and overall success.

The fundamentals of leadership discussed here will help your team’s motivation and execute their roles efficiently. Trust, accountability, standards and expectations and improving relationships are all crucial factors that will shape the end goal.

Success in teamwork doesn’t come from the leader, it comes from the entirety of the team as a whole.

During my experiences with group work, the good and the bad, I’ve found these five steps helped me become a better leader.

1. Find Your Leadership Style

Finding your leadership style is the first step to become a better leader. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you handle situations?

During my orientation at TGC, I was asked to select my best-fit leadership style. I was able to identify my types of management and learned that there are pros and cons to each style. You must read the situation carefully and then decide the most effective direction to take.

Take this quiz to assess your dominant leadership style.

2. Encompass Positivity

As a leader, maintaining a positive attitude can make a huge impact on your team’s attitude and performance. Remembering to be positive, even during times of crisis and stress, can drastically affect the outcome of the tasks ahead. Even if you are feeling down, your energy is reflective on the team. Teams will inevitably face challenges, so a discouraging and concerned attitude will overwhelm your teammates. It’s essential to embody an optimistic and confident demeanor because it serves as motivation and inspiration.
3. Encourage Creativity

Be open and agreeable to new ideas. Each member of your team deserves the chance to voice their opinions, even bad ones, because it welcomes conversation to the table.

It’s important to recognize the past’s ineffective ideas and move toward addressing new ones that may come as a risk, but offer solutions never tried before. By allowing your team to express creativity, it invites inspiration and rewards those who created new solutions.

4. Listen and Communicate Effectively

Keep the lines of communication completely open. Making sure your team knows they can come to you for anything is a great foundation of trust. For some, group meetings can act as limitation to contribution. This is where encouragement of one-on-one communication can make the difference, especially for members to feel heard and recognized.

Being a good leader means you need to express empathy and understand emotional intelligence. Remember that we are all human. Ask your team how they are doing and be aware of the verbal and nonverbal cues.

Addressing concerns is a great way to gain full understanding of member’s feelings.  At the end of meetings, be sure to ask, “Are there any thoughts, questions, or concerns to share?”

5. Mirror a role model you would follow

Think back to your role models. They possess characteristics you attune your behaviors and actions to. Exemplify these behaviors and characteristics that will also encourage your team in hopes they emulate these desired behaviors.

Being a better leader means modeling the characteristics you wish to see in others.
For more tips and tricks, here is a leadership blog I’ve found very helpful!

Tips On How To Kill Your Next Presentation

A photo of five hands fist bumping each other over a table of binders, notebooks, smartphones, and laptops.

I know presenting isn’t easy for everyone. Actually, I still get that weird nervous feeling at the bottom every time. Walking up to the front to the front of as class, with all eyes on you seems like the worst. However, there are several ways to overcome that. Here are some tips that could help you knock that presentation out of the park.

 

  1. Connect without audience

 

I know it hard to be yourself when your nervous but be honest with your audience and illustrate what is important to you. If your enthusiastic and honest, your audience will respond to that in a positive way.

 

 

  1. Keep it Simple

 

When preparing for your presentation, always be mindful of what the key message is­ ­— and focus on just that. Try not to get sidetracked with other information that may not contribute to your overall message.

 

 

  1. Make eye contact with your audience and don’t forget to smile

 

For me this is the most difficult part. But if you make eye contact it seems as if your talking to an individual versus a group of people. It simplifies the presentation a bit. Think of it as having a conversation with multiple people, instead of preaching to a mass. Plus, smiling makes everything better, it will also make your audience feel more comfortable with you.

 

 

  1. Start off strong

 

First impressions are everything. If you start off dull, your audience is likely to not pay attention or engage for the rest of your presentation. Try starting with something funny, or even a question—anything to get your audience to verbally or physically engage. It will pay off during your presentation.

 

 

  1. Use your voice

 

Don’t be afraid to raise your voice. Make sure those in the back can hear you. Also, control your talking speed. If your talk to fast, it is harder for your audience to soak up what you’re saying. You need to talk at a good pace that isn’t too fast.

 

 

  1. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

 

Practice makes perfect, don’t undermine that. Get in front of a mirror and practice what you’re going to say. Do this a few times leading up to your presentation, I promise you will be pleased with the results.