What I'll Take With Me From GrandPR: Programming Director Edition

I applied for GrandPR a year ago eager about what this opportunity would bring me. Throughout this year I have realized that I am fortunate to be a part of a nationally affiliated organization, and one that I have only heard good things about. I had an image in my mind what it would be like, but did not realize I would take so much with me from this experience as my career in public relations.

Relationships
Being a part of any type of organization, team, or company you begin to build relationships within. You interact with one another on multiple levels and at many events and meetings. You begin to create relationships because essentially you have at least one aspect in common--public relations.

You may butt heads at times, but you figure out a way to solve the problem and continue with the project. You are not always going to agree on the same solution but you learn to compromise and figure out the best outcome for the organization and/or client. This is part of being a team and belonging to a company/organization, you then begin to earn respect for those who work as hard or harder than you. As a member of GrandPR, you will then begin to build relationships externally as you develop clients and connections with those in a professional atmosphere.

Internally
We always get caught up in trying to network and reach out to those who are above us in the hierarchy chain. What about networking and getting to know the people you are graduating or working with, as well as those within your organization? Your peers and coworkers are the leaders in your program. The people who you are working with are in the same boat as you, but don’t forget to realize that these are the individuals who are looking for jobs possibly at the same organizations as you.  

Yes, this also means they are your potential competition, but this also means they are someone who knows how hard you are willing to work for a common goal, or that you can design like a champ, or manage a project like a boss.  The individuals within your organization could be a potential ‘in’ for your dream job, or are able to get your foot in the door at a business you have been researching, or put in a good word to the CEO about you. We begin to learn that these relationships matter just as well as connecting with individuals who are already in the professional world.

Externally
Even though we have multiple clients on our hands, as my position as Programming Director I do not specifically oversee one client. I organize external and internal events for GrandPR. I coordinate external events and reach out to professionals who have an important PR related position, whether this is in million-dollar franchise or a local non-profit. The professionals that I have connected with vary in their duties in the public relations realm. These relationships are extremely important to me. I could be working alongside one of these individuals in the future or they could become my mentor. These types of relationships were only initiated because of GrandPR. Without this organization I would not have connected with them on a professional level.  

Coordinating Events
My role in GrandPR is slightly different from our Account Executives or Account Associates. I am not directly working for a client; instead I am heading events and organizing the logistics of these events that are hosted by GrandPR. This is an important role for the organization and our program because I am furthering students, and my peers’ education. This position has helped me better understand how an events manager takes on their role and it has helped me learn more about myself.  

After applying for this position a year ago, I was excited from the beginning because I always found myself coordinating personal events for friends and family. This position has solidified my love for event planning and has helped me realize that it is something I would enjoy doing in my future career.  

Accountability
From my experience with GrandPR the past year, I learned that it is a large commitment. I attend multiple meetings a week, along with office hours to keep up on your responsibilities within. I learned accountability is vital because when someone misses a meeting, it matters.  You are a part of this organization because you are needed and are beneficial to the organization in multiple ways. Your team is counting on you for materials finished, events planned, food brought, connections made, and these are important aspects to a smooth running business.

If anything this role has prepared me for the real world and a professional position. Team members, clients and other peers are counting on you to complete your tasks efficiently. If you do not finish your task for a project, you are not to blame, your team is.

Another important aspect I have learned is to attend every event possible. Look at it as an opportunity to network and meet others within your field and meet those who have similar interests as you. Even if you are nervous to attend an event because you do not know anyone - go. Make it a goal to meet at least 3 people by the end of the event. These events are hosted to benefit you, so don’t miss out on an opportunity that could change your life in the future.

Real world experience
One of the most important aspects that GrandPR has taught me is real-world, hands-on experience. Even though we are a student-run firm through Grand Valley, we have proven that we are able to take on real clients without having a student stigma attached. We represent ourselves professionally and are setting the bar for other students within our program. It has given me many opportunities to meet professionals and begin creating relationships. This experience has also taught me responsibility within a firm and how each member must do their work, or projects could fall through.

Nichole Wood, Programming Director | Nichole is currently a senior at Grand Valley State University, working towards a major in Advertising and Public Relations along with a major in Health Communications.  She is passionate about anything that affects people or animals.  She has a love for sports, creativity and coordinating.  She hopes to be involved in non-profit work and make a difference in her community.  She is frequently smiling or laughing on a day-to-day basis and is always on the lookout for the positive in any situation.  She is able to see the world through others eyes and share their perspective.  Her top five strengths, according to the Clifton StrengthsFinder, are Achiever, Positivity, Empathy, Woo and Communication.