The SAHM State of Mind & the PR Profession

This week at lunch, the Hiebingites attended a Learning Luncheon, and something interesting came up as some food for thought. The notion of the SAHM -- the Stay-At-Home-Mom was just a brief mention in the presentation, but I found myself mulling it over. The "Stay-At-Home Mom" is a big target audience many different products and purposes, but the SAHM is becoming recognized as a state of mind, rather than a "profession". In a nutshell, some mom’s are choosing to stay at home, but they are doing "jobs" on the side. Ann from Hiebing said you hear it as, "I'm a stay-at-home mom, but I..." What may follow is, "but I am operating a small business on the side" or "I am head of the PTO" or "I am volunteering for a big fundraiser."

The stay-at-home mom being a "state of mind" was an eye-opening and thought-provoking piece of insight for me, as I plan on being a stay-at-home mom someday when my career is over. But this made me think, who says my career has to be over, just because I want to stay at home with my kids? I think this is an important concept for women entering the PR field who also dream of being moms. And not just having children, but mothering them. Yes, the PR world can be frantic and busy, (much like motherhood I would imagine). But being a SAHM does not mean you are restricted to the home. Pack the kids in the van and go to the park while you write your next best seller. In between writing, take a break and push the kids on the swings. It CAN be done.

SAHM as a state of mind may be a new way of thinking, but it has exsited for a long time. If one looks at women’s history, mothers were "working" outside of the home for decades. There were social and religious organizations, and other clubs and activites that were deemed “appropriate” for women. Well, these women were not just stay at homes moms. They were disussing politics, trying to advocate for change for thier families, and even coordinating a church bake sale, Even though these women did not have “careers,” these were jobs that they were doing. Words like "collaborating, "coordinating," "organizing," and "implementing" have been in women's vocabulary for generations. And now, this notion of what characterizes a SAHM has been changing for decades as more women are daring to think and step outside the box. I believe this is becoming increasingly relevant as more and more women are receiving an education and pursuing careers.

Growing up with my own SAHM, I've believed that I would have a job, and then be a mom, and that is it: A and then B. But the thought of having both A and B at the same time just never crossed my mind. Entering the professional realm has made me think about this lifestyles in a different way. And thanks to Ann's presentation, it made me think about new goals for myself, as well as encourage me to share my thoughts. Now, I am not saying all women should be like this. It is one's own choice. So young PR pro women, don’t be afraid to consider the SAHM option. Making an impact in PR world can be done while raising a loving family. It is, of course, just a state of mind.

The First Test

My first week in the PR world is over, as well as my first week of being an "adult." I already have a handful of knowledge and skills that will help me in the future as a profession, and as a "big girl."

The first week of a new job is never easy. Trying to adjust to the environment, the people, and the way things are done can be a little nerve racking. After this week of my internship, I’ve really had to rely on my past experiences and the skills I’ve learned in college. Already in the first week, I’ve gained so much knowledge that will help me in my further pursuits. I've heard how fast-paced the biz is, but I really had no grasp of exactly how busy it was. Jumping from one project to the next is the norm, and the day goes by in a whirlwind. But I am loving every second of it. This internship is already so different from any other experience I've ever had, and I will be better because of it.

Throw adjusting to “city life” into the mix, and I think I’ve come across the first test of my adult life. Madison is a gorgeous city with a lot to offer young people, families and even retirees. The hustle and bustle of the capitol only adds to the charm of the city. I’ve spent time meeting new people; forcing myself out of my shell in order to explore and experience Madison and all it has to offer.

So my first test for my first week in the PR world and the first time in the city…I have to say I have passed with flying colors. I am not intimidated and I’m welcoming the situations and challenges that are coming my way and will continue to test me. Being a PR intern in a city and overcoming the obstacles that hurdle at me is honestly what I’m looking forward to the most this summer. So this first test has told me a lot about myself and has made me realize something very important: I CAN rely on myself to get me through something, no matter what I’m doing or where I am. I can’t wait to see what else I can do this summer.

Small town girl...big time experience

This blog is about to start a new chapter. I was just recently offered an internship at Hiebing, an integrated marketing firm in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison may not be on the same large scale as Chicago, but it sure is not Ishpeming, Michigan.

In my past blogs, I've said how difficult it is to break into the PR field. It can take many months of networking, developing, and actively participating in social media before a young PR pro gets noticed and can get a foot in the door. From here on out, my career is in my hands and its is all up to me. Someone is giving me a chance to prove myself, which excites and scares me at the same time.

As I stated before in my last blog entry, I am ready. I am ready to show the PR world and myself what I can do. I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity. Its such a great chance to learn the things I couldn't learn in the classroom, as well as apply the skills and knowledge good ol' NMU gave me.

It seems good karma is on my side. This small town girl can now actually blog about life in the PR field. Stay tuned. :)

Hello Wonderful World

Graduation. The big day came full of excitement and anticipation of walking across that stage and recieving my degree I've worked so hard for. And then the big day came to a close, and now I start my first week as a college graduate. The meaning of "graduation" is starting to settle in now that the pomp and circumstance is over. I've had some time to reflect and think about what this really means.

I realized I'll never attend Northern Michigan University as a student again (duh. but full meanings can be slow to hit me). This is a very weird feeling becuase NMU is a place that I've called "home", and having to say goodbye is a little heartbreaking. Not only am I saying goodbye to my school, but my friends and professors who have impacted me in a positive way. I am also saying goodbye to an era in my life. But I am also saying hello to a new one.

Despite these sad, nostalgic feelings, I am excited. Excited to have my degree in hand and show what I can do, and what I am capable of. I think that's the hardest part about graduating. You have to find that confidence and say, "I can do this." Life has never been more unnerving, because I do not know what will come next. But whatever does, I am ready to welcome the challenges, the upsets, the victories, and just the every-day happenings.

So, here I am. A fresh college graduate who's naive small town raising may not have prepared me for what is to come next in the vast, experienced world. But I know I am willing to take on whatever intercepts my path, welcoming it with open arms and ready to live this new chapter in my life.

Congrats to all the gradutes of 2010. Goodbye to the college life. And hello to this wonderful world

College Grads: Consider a “Gap Year”

College Grads: Consider a “Gap Year”

For all the graduates this year, this is a good piece of advice. Many of us, including myself, are worried. Worried about finding a job, making money to pay off those loans, buying a car, moving to a new city, moving on in life. When I talk with my friends who are also graduating, this worries are usually on the conversation list. Especially for the graduating PR students.

To be in public relations, one has to be a planner. You've got to be a person who thinks ahead and analyzes rewards and consequences. At NMU, being "proactive" rather than "reactive" has been stressed to the PR students, which really goes without saying since its already part of our personalities anyway. So for group of planners and proactive college grads entering the world, we have been halted in our tracks.

I do not know exactly what I am doing this summer. For the first time in my life, I do not have some kind of plan. I would love to land a job or internship right away, but I realize this might not happen as soon as I would like. And my fellow NMU PR graduates feel the same way. So what to do? Well, Ron Culp has given me and my peers one of the best tips any of us have received. Take some time off.

Traveling is the only way a person can experience exactly what is out there. The cultures, the people, the music, the smells, the landscapes...all of this can be read about it a book, but to actually experience these things is something completely different. I know I want to work a great job that I'm passionate for, but I think college graduates entering the world need to remember (and what Mr. Culp is trying to tell us): It's a job.

So, thank you Mr. Culp for the advice, because I know many college grads who will find it helpful.

Some Thoughts on March Madness

March Madness is coming to a close. And it certainly has been maddening for everyone who takes part in bracketology. It amazes me every year how people rave over March Madness and bracketology. And it doesn't matter what age, male, female-- there is a buzz. But this year, everyone's bracket seemed to be done and over with after the first round. I just finished watching the State/Butler game, and Butler in the National Championships is something no one saw coming.

Even though I'm a basketball fan, I tend to look at March Madness coverage a little differently. ESPN sports analysts talk and talk and talk about every aspect of the teams. Feature stories pop up all over ESPN at all times of the day. Its because of this I can see why the PR pros for a D1 college would love March Madness for more than the brackets. This is the time of the year to get a feel-good story out on ESPN, USA Today, or any other media outlet that covers the tournament hype.

And now a school like Butler is having their name mentioned more than ever in the media. If I was part of Butler's communications, PR or marketing, I would be jumping at the chance to showcase Butler's athletic and academic qualities. It makes me wonder how the dynamics have changed inside Butler's administrative walls. All I can say is March Madness must conjure some great brainstorming sessions on the best ways to showcase the university.

So, even though I'm a State fan, congrats Butler. You are helping your school succeed in more ways than one.

The 'small town' attitude towards social media

When I was in Chicago in February, I was excited, but overwhelmed to be in a big city. Chicago is so different from the U.P. in so many ways. There are skyscrapers, subways, and a lot of people. A LOT of people. And in the tall buildings, subways, and on the sidewalks, you see a large portion of these people on thier phones, whether its talking, texting or using the internet. It seems to me that you cannot exist in a city if you don't have a Blackberry or iPhone.

In the past week, I've had three discussions on technology. One of the conversations I had was with my mother and grandmother. First off, I was surprised my grandma knew what Twitter and Facebook were. I found out about Facebook when I was a freshman in college, and Twitter only about a year and a half ago, so I was taken aback that my grandma had something to say on the issue. I didn't realize what a heated and opinionated topic this was for people of all ages. The main technological debate topic: social media. And since SM is such a mainstream of PR now, I thought it would be worth discussing my thoughts on the subject, as well as what some of the "small towners" think about this subject.

To cut to the chase, social media really is a great tool, but where do you draw the line? It's amazing that you can get automatic updates on what your friends and your favorite celebrities are up to, but WHY? Why would someone really care where someone is or what they are doing at that exact moment in time. Social media sites, such as Facebook, let me see who you've got weekend plans with, what you've been up to for the day, and even look at pictures of your life for the past few weeks.

The use of technology in general may be getting a little out of hand. People who have Blackberrys or iPhones are OBSESSED with them. I see people on their phones constantly and playing with their applications incessantly, even when they are around other people. Case in point, we had a family dinner at my house the other night. I walked into the living room where my brother and four cousins were hanging out (they are all teenagers). When I walked in, they were ALL on their phones or playing with their personal iTouch. What's wrong with this picture? This is our future and their social habits, which are, quite frankly, NOT good.

SM and technology are fun and convenient, but where's the real relationship? As a busy college student I agree that this type of communication is convenient and saves me time from actually meeting up with my friends to catch up, but as a human being, we SHOULD be getting together and maintaining our relationships on a more personal level.If I wanted to know what you are up to, I should be a good friend, give you a call, and ask if you want to grab a cup of coffee. I think that people are starting to rely on technology too much to manage our relationships.

I'm sure people in the U.P. are not the only ones who have these opinions. But the U.P. is a different lifestyle, and people are not really falling for the social media hype. It's a slower-paced life where afternoons are start by walking across the street to have a cup of coffee with your neighbor, and finish with an evening of dinner with your family. In the U.P., there is no time for social media.

I think its important to keep in mind exactly what social media is. Its is a great communication tool, but its not the only one. I think every once in a while, people should take the time out of their day to call those they are close with and actually talk with them. With all these great developments with social media, and technology in general, we can't forget the importance of face-to-face interaction. There is a way we can all utilize social media in positive ways, but we can't forget to be people too.