Ten Things I’ve learned at Georgetown

In a few weeks I’ll finish my academic requirements for Georgetown University’s Masters in Public Relations/Corporate Communications.  Georgetown has an applied curriculum (Master of Professional Studies) approach to their program structure.  Essentially, you learn something in class from the professor’s lectures & assigned texts; then you complete projects and writing assignments to actually demonstrate proficiency.   In contrast, other programs focus on theory of communications and fixate on research.

Taz didn't go to Georgetown!

So I’m thankful this holiday season for the following things I’ve learned:

1.)  Effective communications brings good ideas to life

2.)  Public Relations practitioners should think of themselves as persuaders (H/T Profs. Mike Long & Don Neal)

3.)  A professional communicator’s personal code of ethics should exceed the standard of their employer

4.)  Facebook is not evil nor is it only for millennials.

5.)  When writing a speech remember that “nobody cares” so make it engaging and appealing to the ear (More tips here)

6.)  Your classmates are a key part of your network (H/T Ashley Duque Kienzle)

7.)  Social Media is so important to communicators that it can impact the outcome of presidential elections

8.)  Nonprofits can benefit from skill-based volunteerism by communications professionals..Social Impact Communications (H/T Denise Keyes, Jen Gilman, Joy Bates Boyle)

9.)  The most successful PR Professionals seem to have worked their way up the ladder in a variety of roles in a variety of cities (advertising, public affairs, branding, press secretary; nonprofit, agency, government)

10.)  Achieving at Georgetown is similar to anything else in life.  A positive attitude, strong teamwork, and good mentors are required.

I suppose this list is sorta boring.  I guess that’s to be expected since I’m blogging on a Friday night during a holiday weekend. *shrugs shoulders*

Feel free to contact me if you have questions about Georgetown’s program.  I think it was well worth it.

WE THE MEDIA: Citizen Journalist photographs black squirrel in Georgetown

We the Media by Dan Gillmore discusses how citizen journalist and bloggers are reducing the stranglehold corporate media has on how information is distributed in America.

Frugal people like me keep their cell phones far past the devices life-expectancy.  Then one day they just don’t work anymore.  Next we’re forced, by necessity, to upgrade to a new version–with new bells & whistles.  Frequently the new phone incorporates a camera and the ability to access the Internet.

One evening during the fall semester, I saw a black squirrel while walking to class.  I was near the intersection of 33rd and Prospect.  The squirrel darted out from behind a fence and stared at me.  Just as I unsheathed my Palm Centro phone, the camera-shy creature ran back behind the fence.

I told my story to a few classmates who’d never seen a black squirrel.  My tale of the black bushy-tailed rodent fell on deaf ears.  But, today, with this blog post, I’m vindicated.  Why?  Because, I’m a citizen journalist!  I also find it a bit odd that corporate media hasn’t reported on these creatures in over three years…hmmm…  He’s my first report…

(Washington, DC)  In a city normally known for it’s cuddly Panda bears at the national zoo, Georgetown residents have a rare creature of their own.  A common rodent with uncommon coloring:  the black squirrel.

While walking to the Georgetown University library, Majorman, a graduate student, spied the swarthy acorn eater near a bike rack.  Acting swiftly he approached the elusive beast and snapped a photo.

When asked for comment, Majorman says, “This was one of the most interesting sightings of my life.  It ranks right up there with the checkered patterned Praying Mantis I caught in Iraq.”  He added, “Unlike the Mantis capture, this time I had my camera.”

If you’ve seen any strange animals in your neighborhood or are a citizen journalist, please leave a comment.

This is my first post

Here I sit in Social Media class (MPPR-850).  Fortunately, I was able to access the HOYAS network today.  In previous semesters I’ve only been able to connect intermittently.  Over the next ten weeks I will write between 10-15 posts.  Follow me on my journey; your feedback is welcome and strongly encouraged.