Edelman Trio Tells It Like It Is

Advanced Comm Skills students had not one but three speakers from Edelman last week. All were SMU communications alums who came to offer advice to CCPA students about working in "real world" PR. SMU CCPA graduates Kate Parkhouse and Stephanie Blackburn, and SMU Journalism graduate Antra Higgins spoke frankly about what students can expect, ways to prepare and how to get an edge in the very competitive communications field.

Students gave a resounding thumbs up to the presentation.

Thanks to our speakers and to Edelman Dallas for letting you off work to visit our class.

Don't forget to blog!

I know. All you can think about is Spring Break. But before you go...Blog. Your random, anything-goes blog is due Friday, March 10. No need to blog on the main class site, just on your own blog.

Have an outstanding Spring Break.

Jody Venturoni on "real world" PR

This week our class was honored to hear from Jody Venturoni, executive vice presient and general manager for the Southwest region of Weber Shandwick. Drawing from almost 20 years of experience in communications, Venturoni gave CCPA students a no-nonsense take on working in agency-side PR. From her current work on issues involving the Wright Amendment to the difficult moments of leading the crisis response team for American Airlines after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Venturoni's background and experience inspired students to get started with internships in the field as soon as possible. I'm sure students were phoning her moments after she returned to her office Wednesday.
Thanks so much, Jody.

Looking at Case Studies in Corporate Communication

This week our class is browsing through case studies which demonstrate strategic moves by PR professionals who successfully (or unsuccessfully) handled a client's situation. We're looking at cases in which PR helped clients in myriad ways, from dealing with crisis or diverting a crisis, to a product launch or major announcement.

Students will research, select and examine one PR case study for the lessons it offers in what to do or not to do. They will post their blog on this topic on Wednesday, March 8. Visitors can browse and comment on the student blogs by clicking on the student links on the lower right side of this page.

Professionals are invited to suggest case study examples or sites for finding PR case studies here. As always, thanks for your input.