HeatherHuhman.com

Don’t Worry, Be HAPPO

Even though I help students and recent graduates in all fields find, land and succeed in internships and entry-level jobs, my journey down this path started with my first career: public relations. In 2003, I founded EntryLevelPR.com, which became EntryLevel-PR.com in 2005 when the original domain name was “stolen” (I apparently didn’t lock it) and put on sale for $200,000. Unfortunately, the site became too much for me to keep up, and is now simply housed on LinkedIn as #PRintern | #EntryPR. I actually think the site is more helpful than ever, featuring great discussions, wonderful reads, and of course, plentiful PR internship and entry-level job opportunities.

It only makes sense for me to be a Washington, DC “champion” for a new initiative known as HAPPO. Help a PR Pro Out Day is designed to help connect PR job seekers with employers looking for top talent. On Friday, February 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time, PR bloggers, agency leaders, and PR professionals from across the country (myself included) will donate their time and talents to help fellow PR pros connect with employers as part of the first-ever event. While I’ll be representing #HAPPODC along with Mike Schaffer, there are plenty of other individuals getting involved across the country.

Not only will I “help fellow PR pros connect with employers” during HAPPO, but I’m also giving away copies of my first published book #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010) and the e-books Relocating for an Entry-Level Job: Why You Probably Have to & How to Do It (2010) and Graduated, Unemployed & Un(der)insured: Why You Need to Stop What You’re Doing Right Now To Purchase Health Insurance and How to Pick the Provider & Plan Best for You (out Feb. 15, 2010).

How to Win:

You can gain points to win by doing the following:

• Tweet about this blog post (be sure to include blog post title, link, @heatherhuhman and #HAPPO or #HAPPODC) = 1 point
• Comment on this blog post (be sure your comment adds something of value) = 5 points
• Write a blog post related to #HAPPO or #HAPPODC and this giveaway on your own blog and link back = 10 points

The three participants with the most points will win and be notified after 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 19.

Other notes:

Obviously, I reserve the right to disqualify participants if cheating or otherwise unethical conduct is suspected.

Candidates on why you should hire them:

Erica Lawton (@ericalawton / www.linkedin.com/in/ericalawton): “I am smart, driven, and passionate about communication and people. I am just starting my career, and I am eager to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity to prove myself as an up-and-coming professional. With my academic background and internship experience, I am confident that I am an excellent candidate!”

Emilie O’Toole (@eotoole / http://emilieotoole.com/): “Hire me because I am an enthusiastic, hard working, and creative May 2010 grad ready to take the world of PR by storm!”

Matt Hannaford (@AXP112): “Hire me bc with 4+ years of sports info. exp, I can do PR, MR, Marketing, Publications and more. Im a 5-tool player in PR!”

Anthony M. Caccavale (@VTCaccavale): “Smart, hrd-wrkin PR Grad looking for an #EntryPR job in DC area. Has exp in SocMed & trad media. Portfolio http://bit.ly/c4GhPH”

Marcia Newbert (@mnewbert / www.linkedin.com/in/marcianewbert): “I am about to graduate with special honors in Political Communication from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. I am the Social Media Editor of the GW Hatchet and, in addition to other internships, I have spent almost two years with a DC health and science public relations firm. I am currently an Account Coordinator for the Public Affairs team, but I am interested in new opportunities after graduation.”

Andrew Elwell (@elwell620 / www.linkedin.com/in/andrewleeelwell): “I am about to graduate magna cum laude from The George Washington University with a degree in political communication.  Currently, I am the Features Editor of the GW Cherry Tree, as well as an intern at a global public affairs firm in Washington, DC.  I have a variety of communications experience at non-profits, as well as media experience in local media and at GW. I’m a dedicated worker looking for an opportunity to demonstrate my strengths.”

Lisa Atufunwa (@lisaatufunwa /www.linkedin.com/in/lisaatu09): ”I am a May 2009 graduate from Michigan State University majoring in advertising. I have three years of experience in non-profit public relations with specific knowledge in media relations and using social media for digital marketing. Currently I am an associate member of PRSA and volunteering for non-profit organizations. I hope to have the opportunity to showcase my knowledge and prove myself as an excited, creative and resourceful young professional in the public relations industry in the Washington D.C. area.”

Crystal C. Yan (@crystalcy / www.linkedin.com/in/crystaly): “I tell your story like it is. You won’t be just tweeting out press releases and you’ll sound genuine on social media presences with my help. You need someone who speaks at conferences about engaging audiences through new media tactics, consults at a consulting firm for client organizations with 50 centers in the Bay Area, and who has done public relations work for: Rotary International, Kidango, Space Cookies, California Bay Section Future Business Leaders of America, Gumball Capital, and many more.”

Dana Lewis (@danamlewis / www.linkedin.com/in/danalewis): “I graduate summa cum laude on May 8, and I am ready to start building a new relationship with an organization full time. I have 3 years of experience while completing two bachelor’s degrees in public relations and political science with a minor in the Computer-Based Honors Program at The University of Alabama. These include co-founding an international unconference on social health; building and managing a three-person social media department at The Crimson White; co-creating and moderating #hcsm, the healthcare communications & social media Twitter chat; and working for organizations such as Novo Nordisk, ARAMARK, and more. My skill set includes strengths in writing, technical proficiency including data analysis, and strategic planning.”

Laura Peck (@peccolina / www.linkedin.com/in/lauracpeck): “An organized, fast learner with great people skills, who loves to creative brainstorm. I am graduating with a degree in public relations with minors in english, sociology and international studies from Penn State. I took the initiative to help co-found Penn State’s first student-run PR firm, Happy Valley Communications. My extracurricular experience w/ my education & internship experience make me a great addition to any team.”

Allyson Mann (@allymann / www.linkedin.com/in/allysonmann):

“Honors senior graduating in May from Indiana University
Implementing a social media promotional campaign that I personally created to various departments throughout my university
Real life internship experience with PR writing, pitching, obtaining print and online hits in varying markets and I am proficient using industry software like Cision and Vocus
Eager to leave the Midwest and fulfill my dream of beginning a career in Washington, DC

Most valuable traits include my attention to detail, outgoing personality, extremely diligent work ethic, fresh point of view and excitement for the PR industry
Entry-level hire with diverse experience in corporate public relations, sales, promotions and social media outreach

When do I start?!”

Leah Zuber (@LJZuber): “May ’10 PR grad, completed 3 internships, GVSU PRSSA president, active blogger, tweeter & skilled writer. Hope to pursue entry PR at a firm.”

Kim Allen (@knallen / www.linkedin.com/in/knallen): “I have held 3 successful internships in various PR settings. At each I gained the confidence to work and function in fast paced, multitask, team work environments, all while developing my professional skills. Throughout my internships my successes are having press releases published, pitching stories to the media about clients and events, getting increased attendance to events, managing a variety of Social Medias, building PR kits and contributing to various in office publications. With all my accomplishments you will find that I am the confident, experienced, passionate PR professional that you are looking for.”

Heidi Wilson (@HwilsonPR): “I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Public Relations. I specialize in writing business plans, pr campaigns, media kits, press releases, case studies, grant proposals etc. I am a social media maven and have most recently worked as a Publicist for Grand Hustle Entertainment, a major record label. If you want someone who thinks outside the box, I am your girl!”

Liz Glomb (@eglomb / www.linkedin.com/in/eglomb): “I think that you should hire me for many reasons, but I will make this short and sweet.  I graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2005, and have since had a career in higher education as a recruiting coordinator in the athletics department at two private universities.  I am looking to use what I learned in those positions to start a career in PR.  I may not have as many PR internships, but I’m creative and willing to put in the work to own my role, and to get where I want to be.”

Paige Jorgensen (@PaigeMichele): “I am PR student at Marquette University graduating in May. Born and raised in the Midwest, I am excited for a new start in DC. I have Hill experience as a press intern for Senator Max Baucus, but I am looking to break into the nonprofit or private sector doing entry-level PR, communications or fundraising . My strengths lie in writing and ability to think on my feet, and I have great interest and experience in writing fundraising proposals from an on-campus job. To find out more information about me or my experiences, please visit my website paigemjorgensen.weebly.com or blog, Relocation Remedies, paigemichele.wordpress.com.”

Heather Mahoney (@Heather_Mahoney / www.linkedin.com/in/heatheramahoney) “I attended the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a degree in Communication with concentrations in Public Relations and Design. I have been involved with the Under Graduate Communication Association and PRSSA/PRSA. I was a writer/editor for UMD publication, The Communicator and have held internships for Brotman Winter Fried and CBS Radio. I am currently a reporter for The Scene Bisnow however, looking for a full-time entry-level position in public realtions, specifically for a large publicity firm. I am a fresh young professional simply looking for a place to allow my talents to shine.”

Eli Zachary Baratz (@EZBaratz / http://ezbaratz.tumblr.com/): “A winning public affairs campaign is run like a political campaign, strategy is developed at the top and tactics are carried out by every member of the team from the top to the bottom.  Thus, the ultimate success or failure of the campaign rests in how each individual performs their tasks in the context of the team.  Reflecting on experiences as a Field Organizer for a successful Presidential campaign I believe the two most important individual traits required for people running an effective public affairs campaign are industriousness and enthusiasm.

So what does this mean for prospective employers interested in hiring me?  It means you will find a candidate who values hard work and a sense of mission that is vital in public affairs campaigns.  Along with strategic communications skills and a background in international relations, you will find a candidate that has experience with campaigns, constituent outreach and an ability to execute in a fast-paced team environment.  I would be a valuable addition to any PR firm’s public affairs team that is assisting organizations build enhanced reputations in Washington and achieve various public policy and business goals.”

Erin Phillips (@erinphil / www.linkedin.com/in/erinphillips7): “I am a senior public relations major/French minor at Rowan University in New Jersey. I have extensive experience both through the Rowan University AJF-PRSSA Chapter where I’ve sat on the executive board for two years, and internship experience in the corporate and agency sectors.

I believe that my dedication and unyielding drive makes me an ideal candidate for an entry-level job in the Philadelphia, New York, and DC areas. I am knowledgeable and educated, but still an open book eager to fill my brain with unlimited industry insight.

So to my prospective employer, I leave you with this. Erin Phillips is relentlessly driven, fully dedicated to every given task, and always smiling.” Read the complete pitch here

Robert E. Smith (@rob_e_smith): “One of my favorite quotes came from an assistant basketball coach ‘It’s better to be good at many things than be great at just only one thing.’ He told me that is the only way you’re going to be a complete player. Now he might have stolen it from somebody but nonetheless having wide array of talent translates well into any field.  I believe the variety of skills that I acquire from my education and work experience will be helpful working in the PR world. When it’s crunch time and there are a few seconds left in the game I am not afraid to take the final shot.  I am able to step up and take initiative to do assignments or solve a problem.  Do I know everything? No, but I’m willing to learn and listen to do be an effective worker for any future employer.”

Abigail Dorsett (@abigaildorsett / http://abbydorsett.blogspot.com/): “Recent December graduate of Butler University where I finished my education in 3 1/2 years and completed five internships. I am eager to be your PR and Advertising professional. I am a storyteller, a riveting writer and a creative artist who thrives on the excitement of an ever-changing career environment. I won’t settle, ever.”

Stephanie Majercik (@stephmajercik / www.visualcv.com/gtlsqv4): Note: I’m posting this on my own because I was so impressed by it: http://slidesha.re/cXHF1z

Becky Steinberg (@BSteinberg): “Self-starter who takes pride in her work. Great writer, true team player. Corporate/gov’t PR. NYC or DC. See more: http://bit.ly/9SnJRi”

Sean Sutherland (@Seanbiscuit9 / http://bit.ly/bJ9DsF): ”I am an eager, energetic, young pr professional who graduated in May 2009. I am looking for a firm to challenge me and utilize my skills, either alone or in a team, to produce exciting and results-based work for any given client. I have held five previous internships, four of which were agency settings, and am confident that the experience and abilities i’ve gained throughout my career have made me an excellent candidate.”

Alyson Murphy (@amurphy1317): “I am an ideal candidate for a position in public relations as I have held three internships related to the field: one as a marketing intern for a literary press, one as an editorial intern for a lifestyle magazine, and one at the Center for Literacy Computing, which focused on social media. I have been published multiple times in WV Living Magazine and wrote a weekly opinion column for West Virginia University’s collegiate newspaper. I am currently employed to support NASA IV&V as a Document Specialist, which has honed my organizational and administrative skills, while immersing me in the politics and processes that go hand in hand with any government job. I am enthusiastic and reliable. I am looking to relocate to the Washington, D.C area. Feel free to contact me at murphy.alyson@yahoo.com. As a journalism major flourishing in an aerospace engineering environment, I am confident that I can acclimate myself to any environment, through hard work and  dedication.”

Samantha Howsare (@samhowsare / http://samhowsare/wordpress.com): “I’m a senior public relations major at Penn State University with a minor in English. I have a true passion for PR and am a talented and dedicated student. I look forward to landing a job in PR and working hard with a team to create successful campaigns.

In the past four years I’ve held public relations and/or communications-related internships with the Penn State Graduate School Office of Alumni and Public Relations, marketing agency Mr Youth, President Obama’s Presidential Campaign and Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. All four of these positions gave me valuable experience that will help me excel in my PR career.

If given the opportunity to work in PR, I will give everything I have to becoming an effective and successful PR professional that contributes new ideas and outstanding work consistently. I promise that the person who hires me will not be disappointed.”

Caroline da Cunha (@dacunhac / www.linkedin.com/in/carolinedacunha): ”I am a May 2009 graduate from Dickinson College majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Consumer Behavior. I recently moved to Washington D.C. to accept an internship at ZComm, a Bethesda based PR Firm. Prior to moving to Washington D.C., I worked in the public relations practice at O’Neill and Associates in Boston, Massachusetts. In this role I supported leading public relations professionals by writing press releases, compiling media lists and news clips, and conducting research for a wide variety of clients, including hospitality and tourism, non-profit, and financial services. I believe my industry experience will make me an invaluable part of any team.”

Janelle Thomas (@AnjelleJanelle): “I will graduate in May with a BA in international PR from UNC Charlotte. I am an active participant in social media and actively search out new social media platforms. My most favorite hobby right now is graphic design. I have participated in a global PR project to increase international, public awareness for Abu Dabi Music & Arts Foundation. I have presented social media and grass root public awareness strategies to CFIDS Association of America. I have also worked with local political campaigns. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work anywhere in the country and focus on PR, social media and/or public affairs.”