Top 5 PR Tips from SF to SD

A couple hundred dollars, more than a thousand miles and dozens of business cards later, I’m back in San Diego from the Public Relations Student Society of America National Conference energized and inspired as ever in pursuing a career in the public relations profession.

But for my fellow public relations students and pr pros who were unable to attend, I thought I would share the top 5 things I’ve learned from some of the nation’s top public relations professionals and strategists.

1.Relationships are key.
Not only is building relationships with your clients and publics crucial in the practice of public relations, but so too are the relationships you create and nurture with established professionals. Companies want to make sure they know you and that you can get the job done. Building trust through early and consistent contact with an organization, whether it be an informational interview or an email goes a long way.

2.Take initiative.
Make that call, send that email and learn about what you’re interested in. Don’t wait for people to come to you, or for that job opportunity to be posted, instead go to the source and learn about the company you want to work for.

3.It’s OK to be different.
Actually encouraged! And I don’t mean being a male in a female intensive field (which personally I don’t mind), but rather find your niche.  Over and over again the importance of distinguishing yourself above all other applicants was emphasized. Make it clear who you are and what you have to bring to the table is consistent across all online platforms.

4.Talk, don’t preach.
I’m a Millennial and as much as I love talking about myself or what I did, no one else loves hearing about it. Use your social media and online presence for dialogue not dissemination. Connect with people, talk about topics you’re mutually interested in, and have fun doing it.

5.Be curious.
Asking questions never hurt anyone. Don’t take everything at face value, and if you don’t understand something, ask. Get involved, make something, create something and develop your own skills that way.  As “Biz” Stone, the co-founder of Twitter,  said, “Opportunity can be manufactured,” so whatever you want to do it’s up to you, make it happen!

Follow David on twitter at @DavidRozul

Storm Nasatir Renovation Update: Oct. 3, 2012

There is a scheduled concrete placement for the Storm Nasatir project tomorrow, Oct. 4^, beginning 6 a.m.  There will be concrete trucks coming through Scripps Terrace during the morning hours, entering through the construction fenced area at north end of Nasatir 100 building.  There will also be concrete trucks parked along the lower slope of Aztec Circle Drive for buildings D&E footing placement.  In an effort to minimize pedestrian traffic blockage we have requested the contractor to not park the concrete trucks in waiting mode along Scripps Terrace.

Storm and Nasitir Hall Update: Hard Demolition Begins

Renovation to Storm and Nasitir Halls continue as hard demolition begins today, July 26.

Over the next three days demolition will occur on the section of the building that connects Storm and Nasitir Halls.

In an effort to minimize noise disruptions, sound blankets have been installed on the north and west side of the demolition.

Demolition on this section will conclude on Saturday, July 28.

Storm/Nasatir Hall Construction Update

As part of the Storm/Nasatir Hall construction project access to the third level of PS8 3rd will need to be temporarily closed beginning Monday, July 23, 2012. This area will undergo considerable underground utilities work during this period and with the limited space, and for safety reasons, the area will need to be closed.

The intent is to open some of this area back prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Access to PS8 will be redirected through the south courtyard and elevators in front of the Arts & Letters building as shown below.

Storm/Nasatir Classroom Relocations

With construction in full-swing to replace Storm and Nasatir Halls, classrooms, labs and offices that once occupied the two buildings will be relocated to other campus locations.

To offset classroom space, temporary classrooms, each seating about 50 students, will be used in lots O and P on College Ave.

Portable Classrooms in P Lot

Portable classrooms in O Lot

Other buildings where classrooms and offices will also be temporarily relocated to Adams Humanities, Love Library, College Square, Physical Sciences, Hardy Tower, East Mall and Peterson Gym.

The much needed renovation on the two 1957 buildings began on June 1 and the project is expected to be completed by January 2015.

Get more information about the project.