Connections are key.

Q+A with Jessica Delgado.

There’s one thing on a senior’s mind at all times: Graduation. The stress and anxiety connected with graduation makes me cringe at the thought of it. Constant thoughts and dreams of what life will look like after graduation makes everything so uncertain.

I sat down with Jessica Delgado, TGC alumni 2023. She currently works at The Hoyt Group in Los Angeles, California as an Account Coordinator. Delgado helped ease my nerves and thoughts about graduation; it is amazing to see how well she has adjusted to life post-grad.

Tell us a little about yourself, how’s life in general post college?

Post-grad life has definitely had all the ups and downs. I feel so grateful to have had such a great four years in college but at times I miss it so much. Being almost four months out, at times I feel like I should be going back to school, but it is so rewarding being in a new city and seeing all the opportunities I have. I love challenges and trying new things, so being in Los Angeles now has been the perfect fit for me.

What is one tip you have for a graduating senior?

“So cliche, but have as much fun as you can!!! And don’t stress the little things because a year from now they won’t mean a thing.”

How has TGC helped you in your current job today? What are some things you are working on right now?

“Being able to help small projects from the ground up. One of our buildings is remodeling their rooftop decks and we are expecting it to finish by the end of September. With that we are wanting to do a reopening of the deck, so we are planning a party. We want media coverage for this event as we have a list of “foodie influencers” coming. I am also working alongside a PR firm to help build a media list of news outlets that will hopefully reach a lot of people so we can have a big turnout.”

What is your current job and what are some examples of tasks you have to complete?

“My current job is working for an architecture/project development firm. I do all the social media and marketing for our buildings. I work super close with our VP who manages all the construction and remodeling of our buildings to make sure they are staying close to the deadlines we need them done by.”

What is something you miss from Chico or wish you took more advantage of?

“I miss all the nature Chico has! If I want to go on a hike I have to drive at least 30 minutes through traffic, find parking, and at that point the desire fades as I am too tired to do the hike.”

How do you stay organized, avoid burnout, and keep your mental health in check?

“Calendar management is something I have perfected and rely heavily on. If I don’t jot down everything for the week, I am a total mess.

I love to also look ahead and plan so I am not overlapping meetings or missing deadlines.

I love finding new places to go whether that is a coffee shop, restaurant or beach. Malibu is 20 minutes from my house and I always find time during the week to go sit on the beach, reflect, listen to a podcast, or simply just sit in silence.”

I know you aren’t working directly in PR, so what are some similarities and differences in your job?

“Some similarities are meeting deadlines, lots of pitching, writing, and content creation.

Some differences are that I read and research our clients. I read their leases to know what we are getting out of the partnership as well as what they expect of us.”

What is one tool that has helped you secure your job?

“One tool that helped me secure my job was through connections. I think it is so important to make relationships with anyone – even if you don’t think that person is going to be helpful in your future at all. People you meet, you meet for a reason.You never know if they know anyone that works at a big PR firm or a company that you could potentially apply to in the future.”

Do you have any advice for current staffers/ future staffers?

“Your experience being in TGC is going to help you immensely. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard from recruiters/hiring managers how impressive my resume is just from being in TGC.

Use Linkedin to connect and stay on top of what companies are hiring. Look into all the titles a company has and see what exactly all the roles of each job title entail. This will help when figuring out what job you see yourself wanting to do.

Keep track of all your work! Employers love seeing what you have done in the past to see if you are a perfect candidate.

It is perfectly okay to look for other jobs and take interviews. Becoming comfortable with being able to talk about yourself is eventually going to help you land your dream job.”

May 15, 2023September 28, 2023

Connections are key.

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

By Jeremiah Guzman

As a college student and intern on campus, I’ve struggled with Imposter Syndrome in class and the workplace. Despite my academic accomplishments and the positive feedback I’ve received from my supervisors and colleagues, I often feel like I don’t deserve my position and that I’m not qualified for the work I’m doing. I have always been able to handle whatever work has been thrown my way, however, these feelings of self-doubt and insecurity can be overwhelming and at times it makes it hard for me to focus or try to perform at my best.

Imposter Syndrome as defined by the dictionary is, “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” In other words, it is the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external ways. This condition often results in people feeling like “a fraud” or “a phony” and doubting their abilities.

If you can relate to these experiences, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome affects people from all backgrounds and industries, and it can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences with imposter syndrome in the workplace and provide tips and strategies for overcoming it.

Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding when you make mistakes or face challenges. Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that failures are opportunities for growth and learning. Try to be kind and gentle with yourself, just as you would with a friend who is struggling.

To practice this, try doing things like writing yourself a supportive note, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Personally, I enjoy writing music as it has been really helpful in getting my thoughts out in a healthy way.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Negative self-talk can be a major contributor to Imposter Syndrome. When you tell yourself that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve success, it reinforces feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. To combat these negative thoughts, try reframing them in a more positive light. For example, instead of telling yourself “I’m not good enough for this job,” say “I may be new to this role, but I have the skills and qualifications to succeed.”

You can also try using positive affirmations to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your strengths. Repeat phrases like “I am capable and competent,” “I deserve to be here” and “I am enough” to help counteract negative self-talk.

Don’t be Afraid to Seek Support:

Having a support system can be incredibly helpful in overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Those closest to you can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of your job. They may also offer valuable feedback and perspective to your experiences.

You can also seek support from a peer or support group. This can be a great way to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and to share tips and strategies for overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome can be a challenging process. It may take time to develop the mindset and strategies necessary to build confidence and feel secure in your abilities. However, it’s important to remember that overcoming Imposter Syndrome is possible and many people have been able to succeed in spite of their doubts and insecurities.

By taking these steps and persisting through the self-doubt that comes with Imposter Syndrome, you can build the confidence and resilience necessary to succeed in your career or personal life. Remember that everyone experiences insecurities at times, but with the right mindset and support you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.

May 9, 2023

How One PR Major Found Their PR Passion

By Jessica Delgado

Before I switched my major, I had no idea what public relations was. I believe that is how it is for a lot of individuals when they first discover or hear the word “public relations.” It wasn’t until one Zoom call with Professor Susan Weisinger who informed me of all the job possibilities within this major. Everything I was describing to her that intrigued me or I was passionate about what I wanted to do for a career was all leading to working in PR. I loved the idea of being able to work in all types of PR. If you wanted to branch out after one type of PR you could. Fashion, entertainment, and crisis management were all the types of PR I’ve always been interested in but didn’t exactly know would lead me to major in Journalism and Public Relations.

The following semester after I switched my major I was enrolled in JOUR 344: Public Relations Strategy, Jour 444: Job Hunting & Professional Skills for News & PR. Not only were the professors amazing but the knowledge and possibilities I learned from these classes made me realize public relations was perfect for me. It was also that semester that I was enrolled in Jour 344 a.k.a “TGC.” Where I was able to get real hands-on experience in PR working with clients.

“It’s PR not ER”

Now in my second semester in Tehama Group Communications at Chico State and four client accounts later. Being in TGC helped educate and strengthen my knowledge in public relations. From working with real-life clients, learning how to create strategy briefs, media lists, social media calendars, guide weekly meetings with my teams and clients, to site visits to visit real public relations agencies. The guidance and skills I’ve learned while being in this internship really has set me up for post-grad.

This semester (Spring 2023) I was an account executive for one of our clients, Krood and an assistant account executive for our Asian American Studies account. For Krood, one of our main goals was to grow our social media platforms by creating new content for our client. We posted 5x a week on our Instagram and Facebook and made a TikTok account. We also worked on influencer outreach, small boutique outreach, merchandise, and candle campaigns for new candle releases. The Asian American Studies account was started from the ground up. Our team designed their logo, created their Instagram account, tabling points for on-campus events, designed their future website copy, and we were also able to get our client into Chico State’s newspaper, The Orion, which highlighted the importance of Asian American Heritage Month.

From taking journalism classes to being in TGC, my time has been filled with so much growth, knowledge and amazing education. I would not be where I am today without my peers and mentors. Being in TGC, I have made so many lasting connections that have allowed me to gain opportunities that I don’t think I would have gained elsewhere.

May 1, 2023

3 Easy Tips for Dressing Professionally on a Budget

Two rounded frames with neutral colored clothing over a neutral background saying dressing professionally on a budget

By Abbie Lee

I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “First impressions last a lifetime.” Though it’s a classic cliche, it’s rather true. Your style represents an aspect of who you are and may be something others notice immediately. Your outfit can play a large role in the impression you make, especially when you’re in a professional setting.

Whether you’re giving a presentation, taking headshots or joining a meeting, it’s essential to ensure that your attire is appropriate. In a social psychology study, they found that participants who were told to wear formal clothing before taking a cognitive test showed “increased abstract thinking.” What you wear actually impacts how you think!

As a college student who never had to worry about business attire until joining TGC, I picked up a few tips that helped me find my own cost-friendly professional style.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Every influencer on the planet will tell you that basics are important– and they’re right. Having staple, timeless and basic pieces can take you far. Being able to rotate items in your closet will allow you to rearrange and create outfits with items you have already worn.

If I’m ever in quick need of a basic top, I head to Target. I’ve bought multiple basic tank tops and shirts that range from $5-$7. If I’m ever in need of some cute, basic and affordable trousers, I head to H&M. The color palette is neutral, the price is reasonable and the pants are timeless.

Many trends nowadays can give off a professional look such as blazers, leather jackets, trousers, long skirts, sweater vests, etc. There are many ways in which you can incorporate professional attire in your everyday wardrobe.

“You can still dress to impress while keeping it profesh!“

When building a capsule wardrobe, keep it simple. Buy items that have a neutral color palette, as rotating and mixing up the pieces will make your mornings easier.

Shopping Second-Hand

Buying a whole new wardrobe isn’t cheap. As someone who loves to dress to impress, I’m still a college student. Finding professional attire that won’t break the bank can be rather tricky. I’ve had to think of cheaper options when looking for professional clothing. It’s safe to say that thrifting and consignment stores have changed the game. Over half of my professional wardrobe consists of items that were found at a thrift store.

Chico has a range of hidden gems when it comes to thrift stores. Show Love Thrift has different deals every day where you can find clothes at an even cheaper price. Late Bloomer Vintage Boutique is a new thrift store in Chico where you can “Shop all eras of vintage.” The shop is colorful, bright and fun making the shopping experience even better.

Shopping can take a lot of time out of your day and if there’s one thing I’ve learned as I am wrapping up my junior year, it’s that time really is of the essence. On days that I may be too busy, I often lean on online second-hand stores like Depop and Poshmark. These are great options as you can shop for sustainable and cost effective options from the comfort of your home. Not to mention, the range of items is even greater!

Not only does shopping second-hand mean that you are helping the Earth, you’re also helping your wallet. The clothes provided in thrift stores are endless and some items are timeless. You are able to find a range of professional attire, such as blazers, button-ups, blouses, trousers and coats, for a fraction of the original price. I found the cutest blazer from Goodwill once and it was $4. Talk about a steal!

P.S. If you are in need of some accessories, thrift stores always have some hidden gems.

Getting Creative!

Accessorizing an outfit can add a lot to your look without costing a lot of money.

Influencer Hannah Harrell pairs tights to her black top, black mini skirt outfit.

You’re in the mood to wear a mini skirt to a meeting? No problem– just add tights!

You’re wearing a monochromatic outfit that you feel is kind of boring? Easy fix– throw on some cool jewelry or wear a cute purse!

Influencer Hannah Harrell and friend in Milan, Italy accessorize monochromatic outfits with chic purses.

Brenden Ellis, student at SBCC, spruces up his outfit with a thrifted belt.

Your shirt is tucked into your pants but it looks bland? Add a belt and call it a day!

Dressing professionally doesn’t have to be expensive. Finding affordable, realistic options for yourself will help you and your wallet in the long run. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you unconsciously unleash a positive cycle that reflects on how well and how confidently you complete tasks and communicate with others. Gathering these tips have changed how I dress for my internship and how I think about my path to success.

April 24, 2023

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

What makes a good team member? Tools and advice from a first-time Account Executive.

By Arya Patel

As PR professionals, teamwork is a crucial part of the job. Employers look for collaboration and leadership skills when hiring. Through my time in the Journalism and Public Relations Department at Chico State, I have collaborated with many different people. Here are tips I try to integrate while working with teams to become an effective member.

Communication

Communication is the most important tool to becoming a great team member. Even if you are unsure or confused about what needs to be done, communication with your fellow members and management can clear the fog for everyone involved in a project. It can also be used as a tool to reach out for help when you are overwhelmed or faced with stress and burnout. Communicate early and often for the best chance of success.

“Good team players understand what the team needs and why.” –Cisco

As a first-time AE, I have seen how crucial understanding those around you is. Making sure your team has measurable goals and ways to track them is a great tool to reference in times of uncertainty. It also creates a space for assistant account executives to tap into what they are interested in. There’s a sense of work accountability when evaluating your team’s needs. Another tool that has been very helpful is creating a timeline. Timelines help keep the team on track and “physically” see the process and its deadlines. Delegate work early and create an easy-to-follow timeline and your AAEs will have somewhere to refer back to. My favorite thing about timelines is being able to check off the boxes- it is such a satisfying moment.

A strong work ethic

Being able to push yourself without other people telling you what to do is something any person in charge loves. Observe people you look up to and try to mimic their work ethic, take notes and listen– especially in a new position. Self-discipline is also key to creating a strong work ethic. Make a list of things you want to accomplish [during the day, week, specific activity] that way you can visualize your goals. Remember, focus on what you can control, not what is outside of your control.

Flexibility/ Reliability

Being flexible is like being able to play any position on the field. Your coach can put you in left field, third base or shortstop and you can be an all-star at any of those positions.

Being a reliable person is someone an AE or team lead needs on their team.

Half of the work is to show up, if you show up you can ask questions, clarify and collaborate on things. If you don’t, your team will be resentful toward you during future projects. This semester for my client Krood, I took the initiative with a creative idea, which gave both my AE and client a sense of reliability. During our second client meeting, I pitched the idea of implementing filler posts through her feed. Filler posts are a “breathing space” on an Instagram feed that separates busy posts with lighter content. Our client loved the idea and gave me full creative range, my work is now published on her website and social channels!

A positive attitude can go a long way in every aspect of your life, especially in work life. Encourage your team members to do their best every step of the way. Positivity creates a healthy, collaborative environment where all will feel welcome. Even if you feel confused, understanding those emotions and looking for the positives during tough situations can make all the difference.

April 18, 2023

Non-Profit PR: Gaining Visibility Through Storytelling

By Stephen Taylor

The non-profit industry is full of selfless people. Some common attributes in non-profit workers are passion, kindness and activism. The goal of non-profit companies is for the benefit of society. As a public relations major, I can contribute to this goal through storytelling.

Storytelling humanizes a brand. By giving your company personality, you make it easier for people to connect with you emotionally.

A story is a combination of facts and emotions. Companies tend to focus on factual elements to be effective storytellers in the business sense, but you must also find a way to weave emotion into the narrative and bring your story to life. Any goal where the right message and content might make a difference is an opportunity for storytelling.

Storytelling is an extremely important basis for any company, but especially for non-profits. Non-profit organizations can evoke large amounts of empathy from their target audiences because of the nature of their work yet they may have very limited resources.

According to a public relations website, Wild Apricot, “In the U.S., just over 2% of non-profits account for 90% of all revenue in the sector.”

Not having the funds to run large marketing campaigns is largely due to poor storytelling. This leads to lower engagement and lower donor rates. An important way to combat this is to develop a storytelling strategy that aligns with the values of your brand.

“Any goal where the right message and content might make a difference is an opportunity for storytelling.”

The first step to developing a storytelling strategy is creating guidelines to determine the story you want to tell. It is important to use language that describes what you want your company to be known for.

For example:

Are you a loving and tender non-profit that helps save the bees?

Are you a stern and progressive non-profit that fights to save the bees?

Both of these address the issue of saving the bees, but the language used is entirely different. This is an opportunity to separate yourself from other companies.

Brand Guidelines

The next step is building your brand identity statement. This is a company’s agreed upon way of how they present itself across all platforms. At its core, a brand guideline will outline what colors and fonts to use, as well as when to use assets such as logos or other art. An example is Asana, who fit their entire brand guide on one webpage.

A great brand guideline will outline how the company talks about itself. Think of it as the key message that will be woven into your storytelling piece. An example here is Urban Outfitters, who crafted a brand book detailing their mission and exemplifying their brand.

Gaining Visibility

After you have your key messages and brand cemented, getting your mission out to your target audiences is the next step. It is important to utilize the press. For newsworthy events or releases, having a good relationship with your local news stations can only benefit you.

Prepare a pitch of what your company stands for so journalists get clear facts and information. Demonstrate a vision of how your organization benefits the public, and why it is important enough to be covered. Passion begets passion. If you are able to convince the journalist you are contacting to care about your cause, then you can develop a lasting relationship.

There are many opportunities to bolster your relationship with the media. Small actions such as sending a calendar of events or meeting for a meal can be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. Once you establish a strong relationship, it becomes much easier to generate visibility for your organization.

The non-profit industry needs more public relations assistance. Helping to connect passionate people to great stories is a public service. I hope to use storytelling and the public relations skills I have developed at Chico State to help heal the earth.

April 10, 2023

Battling Student Burnout

By Paris Auerweck

As an overwhelmed college student staring down multiple mental health diagnoses, I have felt stuck in a hole more times than not. It can feel like there’s so much to do but nowhere to begin my thoughts.

The mental health crisis for teens and young adults has been increasing during high school and college years. The Healthy Minds Study during the 2020-2021 school year of 373 college campuses found that over 60% of students met the bill for at least one mental health issue.

I tend to overlook how much work it takes to be a full-time student. The pressures and responsibilities that come with it are heavy. It’s very easy to fall into a long spiral of I don’t know what to do.

While these feelings of hopelessness and depressive burnout may seem irreversible, there are ways to work on slowing down your thoughts to a less alarming level. Being a full-time student will always be hard work but, here’s what I have found helps me the most.

Don’t look at the big picture.

Although this may seem like bad advice, those with mental struggles find navigating countless deadlines, class schedules, extracurriculars and family life to feel utterly suffocating. There are hours I have wasted trying to calm down my anxiety but still repeating I have so much to do in my head. Taking your days one step at a time makes a huge difference. When I am feeling particularly overworked, I like to write down what I need to do only for that day. By the time the day is over, I’m at ease knowing I completed what I intended to.

Communicate your thoughts aloud.

Mental illness can make communication with others a challenge.

“Asking for help seems as easy as picking up a phone, but that phone can sometimes feel like it weighs a thousand pounds. It may be a simple notion but it takes practice.”

Speaking my thoughts verbally alone or in front of others helps me put things into perspective; I am not drowning and alone. There are others that will listen to and support me, as some may be going through the same feelings. Sharing your struggles with faculty, peers and friends can be uncomfortable but, leaving things unspoken proves worse for intrusive thoughts. When I say things out loud, they seem less intimidating and more achievable.

Listen to your body.

Even with a full schedule, I can often feel as though I am never doing enough. Sometimes it feels as though there is a voice in your head telling you to do more, what you are doing now is not quite good enough. When thoughts like this spiral around in your mind, your physical well-being can take a toll. This creates excess fatigue, worse sleep and much lower energy. If you take a step back and listen to what your body is saying, you realize that your thoughts are not telling you the truth, you are in fact doing enough. Pay attention to what your body is telling you; constant headaches, sore body, fatigue, changing eating habits and nausea could all be part of a bigger problem. It can be hard to make time for self-care but it’s important you do. Eliminate your distractions completely and give yourself the space to reflect on what you have done recently to make yourself feel good. If you fall short, start prioritizing your needs.

Change your environment

Being outside is a perfect reminder that things are constantly moving. When I am in a space of hopelessness or burnout, taking a walk alone helps me think clearer and doubt myself less. If you are stuck sitting in a place with nowhere to start, get out of your environment and see what perspectives change.

Balancing life as a student while trying to preserve your mental state can be done. It takes time and patience but, you have to acknowledge the problem openly and make it a priority. Mental well-being is integral to self-improvement and one’s overall health.

If you are struggling, you do not have to do it alone. Asking for help can put you in a great position to improve and grow as a person. Visit the California Department of Education’s Mental Health Resources page for more resources on where to start.

April 3, 2023April 10, 2023

Sports in PR

By Josh Mannix

Public Relations within the sports industry has become an essential aspect of a team’s or athlete’s popularity amongst fans.

By getting athletes PR representation, they gain immeasurable benefits in their own personal brand. PR gives athletes the inside track with reporters as well as brand deals and other opportunities.

PR is essential for teams as it attracts loyal fans for generations through commercials, icons, mascots and more. Even when a team is rebuilding its roster, good PR will keep the fan base patient and reassure their trust in the organization. However, bad PR can have the opposite effect on both players and teams.

Here are four examples of sports PR that helped players, teams and brands successfully market themselves to the public in unique,effective ways:

Nike and Serena Williams

Nike and Serena Williams are one of the best examples of a mutually beneficial PR partnership that has been wildly successful for decades. Serena Williams is a world-class athlete and Nike is an internationally recognizable brand – together they are a force to be reckoned with.

Nike has used Serena’s likeness in countless ads since she first signed with them at age 21. In turn, she has become not only an icon on the court but a fashion icon off of it thanks to her popular line of clothing with the brand.

Serena Williams Nike Ad

Lebron James “The Decision”

In 2010 Lebron James was a free agent for the first time in his career. Rather than make his decision in private like every other player has done he decided to make his decision into a hour long TV special on ESPN. While this was already a questionable decision he would also be announcing that he would be leaving his hometown team for Miami.

The reaction to this from fans all over the country was not good to say the least. It was particularly bad in his home state of Ohio as not only were they losing the best athlete to ever play in Ohio but they were also forced to watch an hour long special about it. James’ decision would turn him into a villain throughout the league for the next few years until ultimately returning back to Ohio and restoring his reputation.

LeBron James Makes His Decision: Miami

“PR is essential for teams as it attracts loyal fans for generations through commercials, icons, mascots and more.”

Savannah Bananas

While the Savannah Banana baseball team has no affiliation with any professional baseball organization, they have made waves with their social media use. Before their exhibition games, the team will dance, do stunts and entertain before pitches or in the middle of a play. This has never been seen before in the league.

Their energy has made them a force on social media with over 1 million followers on Instagram. Meanwhile, professional teams like the San Francisco Giants only have around 400,000 more followers! Even more impressive, minor league baseball teams like the Sacramento River Cats can’t even break 60,000 followers.

Savannah Bananas Instagram

Under Armor Micheal Phelps “Rule Yourself”

The Michael Phelps “Rule Yourself” campaign is a great example of how you can strike an emotional chord with sports PR. Phelps, widely considered the best swimmer in history and the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, was gearing up for his last Olympics in 2016.he melancholy music mixed with the realistic training they showed in his ad helped his image feel authentic.

The ad was effective with tests showing that it did strike an emotional chord with young men ages 18-35, a difficult demographic to connect with . This also began a successful series for Under Armor as appearances from other athletes like Steph Curry and Tom Brady were represented.

Michael Phelps Rule Yourself Ad

Cincinnati Reds Owner Opening Day Comments

This story is a perfect example of what not to do when the team you own is going through a painstaking rebuilding process. The Reds are one of major league baseball’s oldest and most successful franchises however in the past few years they have been struggling greatly. When the owner was interviewed last April about what fans should do during this difficult time he replied with “Are you going to abandon being a Reds fan? Are you going to abandon following this team?”

This was one of the worst ways he could have answered this question as for many fans their reaction was to do just what he challenged them to do. PR in sports is unique due to the emotional connection many fans have with their team and when someone is obviously taking advantage of that fans notice.

Article on Reds owner after statements

Buffalo Bills Instagram

While past brands tried to keep a strong, stoic and serious identity, the Buffalo Bills decided to embrace what many people would describe as ‘meme culture’ on their social media accounts.

The team would follow wins with videos of merged game moments and interviews to refresh the attention to their work.. While the videos didn’t always make sense, they were often received to the public’s delight. They were reposted over similar social media platforms and eventually led to other teams copying their format.

Buffalo Bills Instagram

March 20, 2023

5 Tips for Staying Informed as a PR Student

5 Tips To Staying Informed For PR Students graphic

By Paige Seguine

For public relations professionals, it is crucial to stay informed about current events and industry news. It is important to understand what is going on in your clients’ industry to better understand and address their needs. As PR students, our time in college is essential for preparing ourselves for postgrad careers. A great way to do that is by getting in the habit of reading the news, tracking trending stories and keeping up with our local and national communities.

However, staying informed is easier said than done. It is overwhelming trying to keep up with the fast-paced, never-ending news cycle. As future PR practitioners, however, it is important to develop those skills as early as possible to succeed in the future. Here are some tips to become well-rounded readers and stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the PR industry:

Mobile News Apps

Traditional news media is a great way to get a glimpse of everything happening in the world. Local and national news outlets cover a wide range of topics and are constantly updated. Almost every outlet now has a mobile app that makes getting information accessible and easy to find. Phone providers like Apple and Samsung have their own apps that aggregate trending news stories. This is a great way to find out what is happening when you start your day. Setting notifications on these stories keeps you in the loop as they progress, too.

Utilizing Twitter

Twitter is a great source of information, especially in the PR and media industries. The ‘Trending’ section shows you what topics are currently popular and what audiences are saying. Content on Twitter moves quickly and can provide you with the most recent thoughts about your organizations. People take to the platform to share their thoughts about positive and controversial news. Users are honest and straightforward, which makes for useful qualitative feedback. Understanding how to use Twitter is key to connecting with stakeholders and scanning your client’s environment.

Checking Google Alerts

Google Alerts is a great way to track web mentions of your client, a product or a hashtag. Sometimes you just need to figure out what people are looking for concerning your client. Alerts let you pick multiple keywords and set notifications for updates. For example, searching “Chico State” provides you with the most recent news articles containing the phrase in the title or body. This can help PR professionals track media coverage as quickly as possible and stay up to date all day long as new stories are published.

Reading Trade News

Not only is it important to track your client’s media coverage but, it is imperative to stay up to date on PR industry news as a whole. This helps you understand trends and tactics, updates to your clients’ industries and competitor news. Trade organizations including PR Week, PR Daily and PR Newswire share industry news, press releases and tips for a wide range of topics. They provide information about events, awards and networking opportunities that can help you connect with your client and their audiences. Trade publications are a helpful resource for truly navigating the career field and building your professional knowledge.

Listening to Podcasts

Not everyone loves reading news articles and staring at their screens to get their daily dose of information. Instead, podcasts offer need-to-know information with easy listening. If you’re looking for traditional news content, podcasts like The Daily focus on the biggest news stories of the day. The Spin Sucks and other media podcasts offer insight into PR, marketing and advertising content that makes for productive listening. Podcasts allow listeners to absorb important information without feeling overwhelmed by busy copy.

Reading the news can sometimes feel slow and overwhelming but for public relations practitioners, it is more than just reading the news.

Our job is to keep an eye out for what is going on in our industry, between our clients and their audiences, and our competitors’ behaviors.

As students, we use our time to prepare for our future careers. Using these five resources, we can build the necessary skills to become informed, successful PR professionals.

February 26, 2023

We Are PR, We Are TGC

By Eve Miller

Tehama Group Communications is a community of PR professionals that was created in the late 1980s. Since it first opened in 1990, TGC has allowed thousands of students to come together in a team environment where they work directly with real clients to create PR strategies and take on responsibilities for client projects from start to finish.

With new clients each semester, TGC staffers are able to have hands-on experience that only select university students get. Of the 23 CSU campuses, only ten have student-run PR firms, with TGC being one of the first.

Tehama Group Communications has started many students’ careers. It teaches them hard skills, such as email marketing or running a campaign, and soft skills, like working with different types of people or pushing through when things go wrong.

TGC alums work in positions that range from vice presidents to entry-level workers. As the community of staffers continues to grow, alumni of all ages, all over the world, are willing to help others with tips and tricks, even finding open positions within their prospective field.

Now more than ever, Tehama Group Communications is highlighting the significant number of past, present and future students and how we can all come together as one. Each student who has walked through the door to Tehama 310 is unique and has their own skills.

No matter who they are, one thing is for sure. We are PR. The slogan ‘#WeArePR’ was created last semester by the TGC public relations team as a way to bring staffers together through our shared career paths.

As an agency, we are creative, we are professional, and most importantly, we are family.

This Giving Day on March 1, TGC aims to raise $6,000 to help keep the program running. All donations will go towards a multitude of things such as:

Funding the TGC student scholarship
Sponsoring monetary awards for student leaders
Maintaining TGC site visit opportunities
Serving pro bono clients
Providing gifts to our alumni guest speakers

All donations, no matter how small, make a difference in helping the agency thrive. It helps set up generations of staffers for a better future.

Whether you were a part of the agency in 1990, a recent graduate or a future staff member, you are a part of something bigger than yourself. Mattie Orloff, a spring 2022 graduate of Chico State and the PR Director for her last semester in TGC, says she still feels connected to the program.

“I grew a lot. When I joined TGC, that’s when I started to really take my education and career seriously…I still follow my old TGC coworkers on social media and keep up with the TGC Instagram,” says Orloff.

Orloff received a job offer from The Hatch Agency in San Francisco a week before graduating and was recently promoted from her six-month internship to a full-time position. With at least three TGC alumni, The Hatch and other firms like it are becoming familiar with the TGC community, showing how connected we are.

Orloff, many other alums, and even current students of Tehama Group Communications, have been given the opportunity to learn and grow in various ways. Each position within the agency is crucial to making TGC run smoothly. Ranging from graphic designers and videographers to account executives and general managers, students’ different skills play a huge part in creating PR strategies and plans for clients each semester.

Butte College IDEAA team meeting.
Photo by Eve Miller

One of our recurring clients, The Butte College Office of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equality, Accessibility and Anti-Racism, asks the team to work on creating stories for their newsletter. By reaching out for interviews and producing their own images, the team creates quality writing to add to their resumes while staying on top of their client’s social media platforms.

Taking on anywhere from four to six clients a semester, TGC aims for excellence in each team. This semester, the agency has six clients, with each staffer assigned to two clients.

Whether the teams are helping Krōōd with their upcoming campaigns and outreach or assisting Chico State’s Asian American Studies department in creating a logo and gaining enrollment, each team is constantly improving their skills. No matter their starting skill level, all staffers grow and become part of the family at Tehama Group Communications.

Current General Manager, Skylar Trostinksy looks back on her time in TGC.

“Not only has TGC given me the tools to better my future as a PR professional, but it’s provided me with a community of life-long friends and connections,” she says, while noting how corny it sounds. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be general manager this semester and grow my leadership skills one day at a time.”

Having been a part of TGC for two semesters now, Trostinsky has been able to watch herself and others grow into the PR professionals that the agency strives for.

Tehama Group Communications has brought a sense of belonging to many. It’s a safe place for anyone willing to work hard and grow their skills.

Not only do you learn who you are as a professional during your time here in TGC, but also as a person and worker. You create long-lasting friendships you didn’t know you needed. Once you step into Tehama Room 310, it doesn’t matter your background or your aspirations, you work together as a team in the present without worrying about the past or future.

As an agency, we are creative, we are professional and most importantly, we are family.