Author: lucillewalsh17

Department of Public Relations 2020-2021 Awards

by Brooke Elliot

This year’s recipient of the Public Relations Graduate of the Year award is Emily Stembridge. Emily’s interest in the public relations industry began with the show “Scandal.” However, after visiting Belmont and meeting Dr. Bonnie Riechert, Emily knew that PR was the right fit for her. Emily describes that she chose corporate communications as her minor after taking Business and Professional Communications with Dr. Jimmy Davis. She emphasized how corporate communication also complements public relations. After being asked how she maintained a balance between school and campus engagement, Emily responded with “I think prioritization is key.” While prioritizing school and campus organizations can be a juggling act, Emily says that writing things down, paying close attention to due dates and working around her schedule were some of her best practices. Emily explained how she was shocked when she found out that she and her teammate won the Parthenon Award after originally missing the live announcement that they won. “It was incredible to be acknowledged on a professional level before even graduating,” Emily remarks. If Emily could give one piece of advice to an aspiring public relations professional, she would say that getting real world experience as soon as possible is key.

In addition, she advises students to get involved with PRSSA and to take advantage of the professors in the department. Emily’s time at JKS Communications taught her important skills in time management, the ability to prioritize tasks and technical skills. After securing her current job at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Emily explained her experience with LinkedIn, “I am a big believer in the power of LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid of messaging people to ask for an informational interview. The right connections will almost always be willing to help.” Belmont’s extensive opportunities to study abroad is Emily’s favorite aspect about Belmont. Emily studied abroad three separate times: once in London, once in Italy and a second time in London which unfortunately was cut short due to COVID-19. She describes how those trips were life-changing experiences that she will cherish for the rest of her life.

Lucy Walsh, recipient of the Public Relations Top Academic Achievement Award, describes that she had to navigate between campus organizations and internship commitments while also keeping up with her schoolwork. One way that Lucy accomplished this was by sitting down with no distractions to knock out some work. Lucy practiced this heavily while studying away in New York City; an incentive to get her work done was being able to live out the “NYC experience” by studying in the reading room of the New York Public Library. After COVID-19 hit, Lucy had to learn to adjust her screen time to her new learning and studying habits. When asked about some strategies she could give struggling students, Lucy responded with, “Go to office hours and make friends in class! Having a professor or classmate to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with can make all the difference.”

Lucy also emphasized that choosing topics that you have a deep passion for when doing projects will make the work much easier. Lucy enjoys going on walks around Belmont Boulevard, Belmont’s campus or the loop at Fort Negley whenever she needs help alleviating stress. If Lucy could rewind to four years ago, she would tell her freshman self to look for mentors in unlikely places. Lucy is grateful for mentors like Dr. Bonnie Riechert, Professor Sara Wigal, Holly Newsome, Julia Couch and Chelsea Lomartire for enriching the type of professional and person she has always aspired to be. While graduate school had always been on Lucy’s radar, she often felt that would be down the road for her. However, over the summer, Lucy decided to do some research into what programs would meet her academic needs while keeping her in Nashville. In December of 2020, Lucy was accepted into Vanderbilt University’s Master of Marketing program in the Owen graduate School of Management. Lucy’s greatest piece of advice that she has ever received is: “Be grateful for where you are at, what you are doing, and those you are doing it with.”

Katie McAdams, recipient of the Public Relations Leadership Award, has not always known that she wanted to go into law to advocate for oppressed and marginalized individuals. After starting out in Belmont’s nursing program, Katie soon realized that nursing was not the field that she wanted to pursue. While she loved the social and emotional support aspect of nursing, she did not like the physical aspect. Katie’s love for community service and nonprofits remained a constant in her life, and she ultimately decided that going to law school would solidify the impact that she wants to make in the future on individuals and the community. While Katie took several public relations courses at Belmont, her favorite course was public relations cases. She was fascinated by all of the different case studies she read, and she describes how this course showed the intersection between several professions and public relations. As the recipient of the department’s leadership award, Katie explains how she learned much about setting boundaries and feeling comfortable with saying “no.” “This was key to my ability to keep my grades where I wanted them, fulfilling my leadership duties and maintaining my life outside of those things,” says Katie. Katie believes that all leaders should practice communication, compassion and curiosity.

If Katie could give one piece of advice to aspiring law students, she would tell them to pursue all of their passions and to reach out to people. Katie describes how she reached out to over 40 students, faculty members and alumni to help gain insight on their career path. Doing this helped Katie gain different perspectives while contributing to her understanding of the role she aspires to play in the world one day. When Katie is not doing schoolwork or community activities, she still loves to learn. She enjoys watching documentaries, reading books or solving puzzles. Katie will be continuing her education at Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in Baltimore, Maryland. The school’s commitment to public service and community involvement stood out to Katie during the application process. Katie says to always “Trust your gut and follow your bliss!”

Brooke Elliott is a junior at Belmont University studying public relations and economics. Elliott has lived in Nashville her entire life, and in her free time she enjoys going on hikes, driving on backroads and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, Elliott hopes to work as the public relations coordinator for any up-and-coming beauty brand. Connect with Elliott on LinkedIn.

 

Be Belmont Day: Advice from CLASS Admissions Coordinator Chelsea Lomartire

by Chelsea Lomartire

What does Be Belmont Day 2021 look like? What can students and families expect when they come to campus for that event? 

Be Belmont Day is an admissions event put on each year that focuses on welcoming our newly admitted students to the Bruin family. This event is the perfect opportunity for students to learn more about life at Belmont and the unique opportunities the university provides to its students. What can you expect at the event? Members of Belmont’s admission team, students, faculty, staff and alumni ready to give you an unforgettable day getting to know Belmont! 

What’s your best advice for any prospective PR students that might read this post? 

My best piece of advice for prospective PR students is to talk to a professor and learn about the different opportunities to get involved in the program. The faculty in the PR program are wonderful and love to connect students with hands-on opportunities as early as your first semester. 

What was the most meaningful and beneficial part of your undergraduate experience at Belmont, and why have you chosen to return as a staff member? 

The most beneficial experience I had as a Belmont undergrad was being a part of the Bateman Case Study Competition. This competition gives students from across the country the opportunity to work with a national client to create a full public relations campaign. During my campaign, I worked with a team of five students to meet the communication needs of our client, With Purpose. With Purpose is a nonprofit organization that focuses on increasing funds for childhood cancer research through youth empowerment. This experience helped me to grow tremendously on a professional level but it also showcased the amazing power that Belmont has to rally around a cause. I chose to come back to Belmont as a staff member because of my passion for the university and the unique opportunities it provides to its students. I also love working with prospective students in guiding them in the college search process.

How would you explain the difference between a public relations degree and other similar programs Belmont offers? 

The public relations degree specifically focuses on external communication. This degree prepares you to tell the story of your organization or client to the public. Similar degrees are going to focus more on internal or advocacy communication.

Chelsea Lomartire is the Admissions Coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences and School of Education. In her role, Lomartire guides prospective students interested in these colleges throughout the admissions process. 

As a Belmont alumna, she has seen firsthand how the university inspires students to achieve their greatest ambitions. Lomartire is a firm believer in the power of creativity and immersive discovery that allows students to develop their own story. At Belmont, students have the unique ability to tap into both of these areas as they engage with faculty and students. Lomartire is passionate about helping these students as they navigate their journey towards finding what sparks their imagination and inspires them to accomplish their dreams.

To learn more about Be Belmont Day 2021, click here. 

5 Tips to Prepare for your Virtual Interview

by Rileigh Skelton

Let’s be real, interviews are stressful. Whether you are trying to land your next internship or your first full-time job, there is a lot of pressure to nail the interview process. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new work-from-home era, that many of us are still trying to navigate. With this new era, comes an increase in video interviews. Here are 5 tips to help reduce your stress and give you confidence going into your virtual interview.

Tip 1: Test Your Technology

Before Zoom,  it was common for aspiring employees to drive past their desired place of work the day before the interview. This would provide the interviewee with a greater sense of preparedness and reduce their stress about the big day. The current equivalent to this practice is to check your technology before your interview. Make sure your camera is working, your mic is turned on, and your Wi-Fi signal is strong. You may even find that you need to relocate to another area of your living space to get a stronger internet connection.

Tip 2: Check your Background

To answer the question we’ve all been asking since the start of Zoom calls: Yes, we are all looking at your background.  With this in mind, you want to make sure, to the best of your ability, that your background is clear of distractions. If you have roommates, take five minutes before your interview to politely ask them to not disturb you for the next hour. Another option would be to place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door as a reminder not to interrupt. Of course, sometimes interruptions happen. If a distraction occurs during your interview, such as a family member walking into the frame, acknowledge it and move on. You could simply say, “I apologize, this is my younger brother,” and then dive back into your conversation. While doing your best to be professional, remind yourself that you are human. Show yourself grace and be okay if interruptions occur. Your interviewer has likely seen it before or experienced it themselves, so they should be understanding.

Tip 3: Creating a Connection

The lack of non-verbal cues during an online interview can make it more difficult to create a memorable connection with your interviewer. If you want to stand out from other candidates, it is crucial you find something to bond over. Utilizing your background is one way to do this. For example, you may be interested in sports, and have a flag for your favorite team in your Zoom background. This creates the opportunity for your interviewer to comment on it, and you can create a connection about sports. Another example could be having a musical instrument in the background, a band poster, or family photo. If altering your background doesn’t work for your specific situation, that’s okay! By focusing on your body language such as hand gestures and eye contact, you can control the situation and increase the level of connection. Staying alert and engaged the entire interview fosters greater connection than if seem distracted. So, do your best to avoid looking at those email alerts being sent over or nervously touching your hair. Overall, do your best to be personable and create a memorable interview.

Tip 4: Dress for Success

You may have caught yourself wondering: Does it really matter if I get fully dressed? The interview will only see me from the neck up anyways. The answer is: Yes. There have been far too many Zoom horror stories that include an interviewee’s phone or computer falling over and showing off their fuzzy PJ pants. When dressing for your interview, assume that your interviewer can see your whole outfit and dress appropriately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Once the interview is over, feel free to slip back on those comfy PJs!

Tip 5: The Follow-Up

After an interview, it is always a good idea to send a thank you note. Some may even say it’s essential.  During the pandemic, it may be harder to send a physical card. Since the meeting took place online, you may not know the employer’s physical address. Or perhaps you want to avoid your letter passing through multiple hands before arriving at your interviewer’s desk. You can always say thank you by email, LinkedIn, or send a virtual thank you card if you really want to stand out in their inbox! When crafting your thank you note, be sure to add in specific details of what made your conversation with the interviewer meaningful.

We are all navigating these unprecedented times together. Keep putting your best effort forth and remember to show yourself kindness!

Rileigh Skelton is a senior public relations student graduating in the Belmont University’s Class of 2021.

Social Media & Student Orgs: A Q&A with Olivia Toliver

by Olivia Toliver

What student organizations have you managed social media for, and how did each program have unique needs? 

I am the current Vice President of Marketing for Belmont University’s chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta. This position oversees all social media and merchandising efforts. Previously, I was the Director of Social Media for Alpha Gamma Delta. Being in charge of a sorority’s social media efforts is very exciting because you have the opportunity to shape and strengthen both the relationships within the chapter and within the community. This positon can be overwhelming at times, which is why I have made it a priority to create content calendars to keep up with it all.

I also spent a year serving as the Digital Marketing Specialst for the Wishes Foundation, a non-profit founded by two Belmont graduates. This organization has a very specific and unique mission and it was during my time serving the Wishes Foundation that I discovered my passion for branding. 

Finally, I spent two semesters as an Associate for Tower Creative Communications, a student-ran public relations firm on campus. In this positions, I was able to upload a few social media posts and help build the new brand of TCC. 

How has managing these accounts prepared you for internships and other work? 

I feel extremely prepared for work after college because of the opportunities I’ve had the honor of having these past few years. Specifically, my position within Alpha Gam has prepared me for the large workload that comes after graduation as well as working efficiently with a team. Life after college will come with several surprises and challenges, but I’m grateful to feel a little more prepared due to the amazing opportunities I’ve had at Belmont University. 

What’s your favorite part about creating a cohesive brand for an organization? 

I enjoy getting to know the values and mission of an organization and working with them to build a unique brand, tailored to them. Color psychology is always so fun to research and it comes in handy when creating a brand for an organization. I also love playing around with different styles of language and seeing what tone works best for each organization I represent through social media.

What role do you think social media has played in student life during the pandemic where fewer in-person events are accessible to students? 

I would argue that social media has become essential to everyone this year because social media offers everyone a way to directly communicate with one another, even if you’re not face-to-face. On a personal level, I used social media as a way to stay connected to my friends and family during one of the hardest years that anyone has experienced. This same concept applied directly to my work within Alpha Gam. For a year, we have not been able to experience anything together in-person.

Therefore, social media became one of the most important ways for students to feel engaged and connected to the organization. It was a very challenging time because we needed to post more content than ever before in order to feel connected, however, content was almost impossible to find. My team and I used live streams, takeovers, and spotlights as ways to keep everyone within the chapter engaged and to make them feel important. It can be so difficult to feel significant in a such a chaotic time, so we made an effort to show our members how important they truly are through social media.

Olivia Toliver is a junior at Belmont University  double majoring in Public Relations and Creative and Entertainment Industries. She has a passion for creating, implementing and maintaining unique and personalized brands through digital marketing.

Alumni Stories: Author Caroline George

by Caroline George

First off, I want to say a huge thank you to Belmont University for equipping me to navigate the rather tumultuous waters of publishing with dexterity and grace. If not for professors like Richard Sowienski and Dr. Christie Kleinmann who presented opportunities, encouraged, and cheered me along, I don’t think I would be where I am today.  

What has your path as an author looked like to get you to where you are today? 

Stories have been my passion for as long as I can remember. Before I could pen a word, I told my mom stories. She wrote them down for me, and I illustrated the little books. Fast forward a few years, I became an imaginative child who played make-believe and breathed fiction like air. I suppose it was only a matter of time before writing found me.  

I devoured books throughout elementary and middle school. The bigger, the better. During middle school, I experienced bullying and used writing as an escape. I got my start penning fanfiction for a teen writing website. After a few months, I had over sixty thousand weekly readers. The kicker: I was the main character of my fanfiction.

Hence my wild popularity in middle school.

I showed my work to my English teacher Mrs. Capers, and she encouraged me to write an original novel. (She ended up teaching my high school classes as well. To this day, we are best friends. She reads all my manuscripts, and she also makes cameos in my novels.)

Between eighth and ninth grade, I wrote my first novel. It sucked, but I wrote a second, then a third. I set the goal of being published by age sixteen. Granted, I knew nothing about publishing. I figured I’d release a book, get rich and famous.

Oh, the beauty of ignorance.

Literary agents said I was too young to have an author career, which motivated me to pursue self-publishing. At the time, eBooks were new to the literary scene. Amazon hadn’t launched their print-on-demand services yet. (Wow, this ages me.) I downloaded my very first eBook onto my Dad’s iPad, titled eBooks for Dummies.

Imagine a montage of a fourteen/fifteen-year-old girl trying to learn how to publish a book.

I self-published my first book twenty-five days before my sixteenth birthday. A year later, I released the sequel.

After I graduated high school, I pitched a novel to agents in New York City, then began the querying process. I signed with an agent during my freshman year at Belmont University, and my book The Vestige released from a small press two years later.

My time at Belmont prepared me to take next steps in my career. I majored in Publishing and Public Relations because I figured if I knew how to sell something, I could sell anything. Thanks to Professor Sowienski, I was the first intern at Thomas Nelson, Harper Collins. I also interned with BookGrabbr, The Dunham Group, and Hillsong Publishing in Sydney, Australia.

I could go on and on about the incredible opportunities Belmont gave me.

Following graduation and some hardships, I decided to jump headfirst into pursuing an author career. I worked as a literary agent and conference speaker for two years while writing book after book, getting rejection after rejection.

A few sentences cannot summarize the difficulty, stress, and growth of that season.

I signed a three-book contract with Thomas Nelson, Harper Collins in September of 2019.

February 2021, my YA romance Dearest Josephine hit shelves across the globe, named number one “Most Anticipated YA Release” by PopSugar.

Yes, I might’ve fallen out of my chair when my publicist sent me the news.

My next book The Summer We Forgot releases November 2021.

 Like many things in life, an author career doesn’t have a finish line. I am no “happier” now than I was as an imaginative kid drawing stick figure pictures in her little book. I still have goals, dreams, milestones I hope to reach.

We must love the process as much, maybe even more, than the destination.

 

How did your time studying public relations at Belmont set you up for success in your writing career? 

Most of what I do as an author involves public relations. Writers write. Authors write, develop brands, organize release campaigns, manage relations with readers, stores, libraries, etcetera. I use the PR knowledge I gained from Belmont daily, and I believe my education gives me an edge in the industry. At least, my publishing team seems to appreciate it.

I’m so grateful to Belmont’s PR department for teaching me how to present myself to media, think strategically, among countless other things. I’ll always be a BU PR girl!

To the aspiring authors reading this, study public relations.

 

What has your newest novel, Dearest Josephine, taught you about both yourself and the publishing industry? 

I’ll keep my response to this question short and simple even though I could write a novella on the subject. Prior to Dearest Josephine, I wrote for myself. I relied on my own emotions to motivate my writing. With Dearest Josephine came deadlines and new pressures. I learned to rely on my knowledge of the craft and write because I knew how to write and tell stories. This gave me tremendous freedom.

I believe Dearest Josephine taught me what it means to be an author. 

 

What advice do you have for students pursuing a career in any creative industry? 

–        Intern as much as possible! Connections and experience are invaluable.

–        Practice, practice, practice. Learn from your errors, and never stop creating.

–        Educate yourself about the industry. Being a great artist will only take you so far. You also need to be a great businessperson.

–     Tenacity beats talent. Don’t give up too early!

 

What are three books every Belmont student should read before they graduate? 

Just read. This may seem a lame response, but a mentor once told me “The moment you think you know everything is the moment you become irrelevant.” So, pick up a book. Learn. Soak in the words. Reading develops vocabulary, information retention, communication skills . . .

The list goes on.

 

Caroline George is the multi-award-winning author of Dearest Josephine (HarperCollins) and other YA fiction titles. She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in publishing and public relations, and now travels the country, speaking at conferences and writing full-time. A Georgia native, Caroline aspires to one day host The Great British Baking Show and delights in being best known for writing the phrase, “Coffee first. Save the world later.” Find her on Instagram @authorcarolinegeorge and Twitter @CarolineGeorge_.  

Website: www.authorcarolinegeorge.com 

About the book: Dearest Josephine (tnzfiction.com) (All info via this link.)

Ask a PR Student: Lessons Learned

by Lucy Walsh

With courses in writing, research and design, Belmont PR students leave the classroom bursting at the seams with the information that readies them to be well-rounded PR practitioners. These lessons learned both in the classroom and in application through internships are what empower graduates to take the next steps towards building their careers and professional lives.To see what has resonated with our upperclassmen students, December and April public relations graduates were asked to share their thoughts on what will stick with them most as they move forwards towards their next chapter. 

 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in a PR class or internship?

“Writing is central to everything PR. Whether writing press releases, creating content for social media, pitching to media, writing blog posts, etc., you must be an amazing writer.” – Katie McAdams, Class of 2020

 

“The most important thing that I have learned is to do your best and know that you are more than qualified. Imposter syndrome is real, but don’t let it overwhelm and become who you are!” – Aliah Tayyun, Class of 2021

 

“Everyone grows at different rates.” – Rachel Smith, Class of 2021

 

“Professional and academic kindness matters! Taking moments to be gracious, accommodating and collaborative to those around you is a cumulative and empowering habit to adopt. It’s the decent thing to do, and you never know where it will come in handy. There is strength in hospitality, and it makes you a better leader overall.” – Lucy Walsh, Class of 2021

 

“Connections are absolutely everything. Provide them for other people and take advantage of the ones people provide you with.” – Sophia Johnson, Class of 2021

 

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a PR student is to always have a solution in mind to any problem I may have. PR professionals love to describe themselves as problem-solvers, and I have learned the true definition of that. I always try to come to my professor or supervisor with a solution to the problem I am about to present to them.” – Rileigh Skelton, Class of 2021

 

“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.” – Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, Class of 2020

 

“You are taught so much valuable information in class, but it means nothing if you don’t get out there and live out what you’ve learned in the classroom. Apply to internships, reach out to your advisors and alumni, and make the most of your education by coupling it with real-world experience.” – Emily Stembridge, Class of 2020

 

“The most important thing from an internship I’ve learned is to be able to make myself important! Volunteering to use my skills I’ve learned at Belmont in my internships has made me a valuable resource to each organization!” – Shelby Cage, Class of 2021

Lucy Walsh is a senior public relations and publishing student from Evansville, Indiana. She serves as an executive board member of Belmont’s PRSSA chapter and as the editor of the PR at Belmont blog. 

 

So, A Global Pandemic Moved All of Your Work Online…

by Cameron Corey

Welcome to 2021, where the title above is now applicable to a majority of working Americans, as well as college students (hey, that’s you!) This shift in day-to-day routine has posed no shortage of problems, and innately, humans are afraid of change. Have no fear though, because I’m going to outline three helpful tips on making your work from home experience a lot less drab, and a lot MORE fab.

Do not work from home in your grubby oversized t-shirt and pajama pants. Though it is incredibly tempting to roll out of bed and go to class, will this produce your best results? It is often stated that when you look good, you feel good. Would you be embarrassed if your crush could see your Christmas tree printed pajama pants from 2012? Then maybe put on something slightly nicer and incorporate a “getting ready” step into your daily routine. Even if getting ready simply means putting on a cute pair of sweatpants and actually brushing your hair, it’s better than nothing.

A routine doesn’t have to be a rut. Allow yourself freedom within your routine, but sticking to a somewhat solid routine can help keep some level of normalcy in your day. Dedicating certain times for work and class, and separating those hours from your own personal time can make all of the difference in feeling more productive.

My final tip on making your work from home experience more fabulous, is to dedicate a space in your home to work, and work only. Not everyone is blessed enough to have a home office with French doors and the whole nine yards, but your kitchen table or a desk in the corner of your dorm will suffice and can be just as good of a workspace. Be sure your space makes you feel comfortable, and productive. Add a little flair by including fun desk supplies or hanging up some motivational quotes in your space. Separating your workspace from your relaxing space can also help with normalcy and routinization.

With these tips, I hope you’re able to modify your work from home routine to become the best at-home student/worker you can be. Work hard, stay safe, and take care of yourself!

Cameron Corey is a senior public relations and corporate communications student at Belmont University.

In Review: The 2021 Arthur W. Page Center Awards

by Sydney Miller

The 2021 Arthur W. Page Center Awards recognize leaders who dedicate their careers to communicating information to the public. Their biggest goals throughout the year are to strengthen trust with the public and honoring those who are a part of that goal by working with scholars around the world. This award ceremony recognized four individuals for their careers of ethically and responsibly communicating with the public by receiving a Larry Foster Award for Integrity in Public Communication. 

The first honoree of the night, Dr. Anthony Fauci, is a long-time Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci’s first piece of advice given during his speech was, “Know your audience.” As a Social Media Management major, I feel as if this is one of, if not the most important information for creating content. If one does not know who they are creating or designing for, it can be hard to curate work. 

The next honoree was Bill Heyman, who is the founder and CEO of Heyman Associates. His company is responsible for filling top communications roles for some of the most recognized brands in the world. Heyman states that he lives by his mother’s advice of valuing and cultivating relationships, while also recognizing the importance of character. Being a college student, you are always told that these years should be all about networking. While social media revolves entirely around people, it is important to make those connections and surround yourself that will not only help your future but better you as a person. 

Later we heard remarks made by Eugene Robinson, Editor, and Columnist at the Washington Post, who focuses on politics and culture in his twice-a-week posts. When asked a question about what tips Robinson had for recent communication graduates on remaining honest and ethical, he stated: “You know what’s right and what’s wrong. There is the right job out there for you and if the one you have now is not the right, there are lots of people who will help you find the right one.” Not only in the field of public relations, but in any field, it is important to enjoy your job and want to do the ethical thing no matter the circumstance. 

For the last honoree for the Page Center Awards, we heard from Judy Woodruff, Anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour (fun fact: Woodruff has covered every presidential election since 1976). During this ceremony, we learn that Woodruff has been quoted to say, “There is no such thing as objectivity, but that you do your best to be fair.” Personally, I feel that that is such an important aspect when it comes to any job or lifestyle. In day-to-day encounters, judgment should be based on observations and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.

Sydney Miller is a social media management student from Mount Juliet, Tennessee and is a member of Belmont University’s class of 2022. 

Adapting to the Digital Landscape: How to Thrive Online

by Katie McAdams

It’s no question that this has been a time of great challenges. With these hardships, came new opportunities, one of which was the expansion of the digital landscape. Students around the globe are learning remotely, interviewing digitally and navigating the work from home life.

Director of the Office of Career & Professional Development Mary Claire Dismukes and four panelists recently dove into the unique challenges and opportunities presented in the “year of Zoom” in a new Belmont & Beyond event. Panelists included Jimmy Davis, professor of communication studies, Jeremy Fyke, assistant professor of communication studies, Mabry Culp, Belmont alumna and staffing services associate at Google, and Ronnie Ross, senior regional recruitment manager at City Year.

Below are to three key tips on how to ensure that you thrive in your new life online, make the most of opportunities to connect with other and take on the challenges of new technology.

• Be prepared for technology to fail.

While months of virtual work and school have given time to address technological issues and further adapt to an online world, technology is not infallible. Davis shared his experience with BlackBoard Collaborate and the struggles students faced in adapting to remote learning. While he hoped for a smooth transition to the online classroom, some days the failure of technology was simply out of his hands. “My students had huge hardware issues. No one was prepared for the move to an online classroom,” Davis explained.

Ross recommends always testing your technology before putting it to use in a real-life situation. Before hopping on an interview or class session, be sure to check that your technology is ready to go. Give yourself at least a few minutes to test your mic, check to see if your camera is working and make sure you have all of the materials you need to be successful.

• Stay on your toes.

No one expected a global pandemic, nor did anyone foresee the worldwide transition to living life online. With no certain end to the pandemic in sight, it’s crucial to be able to adapt to whatever changes may still come.

When asked how her job at Google has evolved over the course of the past year, Culp said, “I think the focal point in pivoting this year has been Google’s responsibility to be helpful.” In the midst of COVID-19, billions of people are scouring the internet for information about the pandemic, resources of medical advice and even just how to stay afloat. So, Google implemented a screening test to provide searchers with information that is more relevant and easily accessible. Culp noted that while this improved the way searchers get information, the process isn’t complete.

In light of the pandemic and limited in-person experiences, this applies to all fields and industries in our current societal context. A co-worker may be diagnosed with COVID-19 and result in the closure of the office. Your company may transition to a hybrid model including remote work and office work. So, be flexible and prepare to adapt as new developments arise.

• Be intentional about cultivating connection.

Making connections and fostering community while remote is difficult to say the least. So many of us who have graduated recently or are graduating soon, are faced with the hurdle of online job-hunting. With the job search comes applications. With applications come interviews. Interview look drastically different now than they did pre-pandemic. In fact, almost all interviews are being conducted virtually. For current and formers students that are beginning new jobs, onboarding processes are more difficult than ever online, not to mention bonding with co-workers. Across the globe, individuals and companies are struggling to create and maintain relationships in a time of separation.

Working with organizational leaders in the virtual space, Fyke has found that building trust and rapport in a virtual work environment has been his biggest teaching subject in demand. So, how can we still create and maintain connections? Ross says video calls can help. In fact, he recommends doing a visual scan of the background on Zoom calls or other videocommunications to spark conversation. “I interviewed someone the other day, and they had a St. Louis Blues poster behind them. They just won the Stanley Cup not too long ago, so I used sports to make a connection with him,” Ross said. “I remember that guy and the conversation we had.”

Ross also encourages individuals to focus on being themselves and showing true authenticity. This couldn’t be more important. While interviews and introductions in the digital age can be intimidating, being true to yourself is the most important component to creating connection. Don’t be afraid to be you! On another note, especially in light of the challenging time we are all living in, being genuine is of the utmost importance. Further, being extra kind and understanding is absolute requirement as we all continue to do our best to navigate the world both online and offline. Show compassion. Reach out to co-workers. Ask people how they’re doing…and mean it. And of course, don’t forget to show that same care and concern for yourself.

Katie McAdams is a 2020 graduate of Belmont University. 

4 Things I Have Learned Working as a Virtual Intern

by Bronwyn Milne

The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted the world into strange and unfamiliar territory. As college students, it is easy to feel like time and crucial life moments are being ripped away from us. I can admit that I am definitely one of those people who wishes almost every day that COVID-19 did not exist and I got to experience all of the study abroads, campus activities and in-person internships that I had lined up for the rest of my college career.

But unprecedented times also call for unprecedented opportunities. We’re living in a virtual world, and it’s time to start taking advantage of the ability to intern and learn from anywhere. Throughout the past year, I have had the opportunity to intern virtually for four different companies and have worked with dozens of people that I may never meet in person. I’ve reflected on all of my experiences and put together a list of the top tips I have for interning in a COVID-19 world.

1. ​Capitalize on your ability to work anywhere. ​

Virtual opportunities have opened up a new and vast field of internships and the best part is, it doesn’t matter where you live. You can connect with companies from all over the world from your dorm room. And don’t let a little thing like time zones stop you! This past summer, I was prepared to move to London for two months to start my first ever internship and experience a new environment. Little did I know that I would still be able to experience the company culture and clientele of the UK through my computer screen, despite being stuck in my childhood bedroom. There was a five hour time difference, but I was still able to interact with my coworkers regularly and gain valuable experience.

2. ​Communication is key. ​

Communication is one of the most important aspects of any working relationship, but it becomes even more so when you don’t see each other face to face. Sometimes it is difficult to know exactly what people are asking for in an email. Keep in mind that the companies you are interning with are there to help you learn and grow, and that it’s okay to ask for help. I have found that problems get solved much faster when I’ve asked to hop on a Zoom call to talk things through rather than figuring it out on my own or through email threads.

3. ​Look for the open doors instead of dwelling on the closed ones. ​

This past year has been tough on all of us and sometimes it can be easy to focus on what has been lost. Instead, find ways to turn those closed doors into new opportunities. I had my heart set on going to Belmont East in the spring 2021 semester, but the pandemic had different plans. Despite this loss, I was still able to secure an internship based in New York City with a company I love, in a position I may never have come across if my original plan had panned out. Another benefit to waiting means that I will start off my semester in New York this fall with warm weather, instead of the freezing cold. When you find something blocking your path, pivot and you could find something unexpected and great.

4. ​Working from home also means working comfortably.

​A virtual work environment gives students a chance to slowly acclimate themselves to the workplace. Although the professional world is nearing, virtual internships give you the ability to still dress like a college student and go to work in a sweatshirt or whatever you are comfortable in. On the days that it is hard to get out of bed in the morning, your commute is five steps to your computer rather than 15 minutes on the highway.

2020 is not at all how I pictured my sophomore and junior years of college, but the experiences I’ve had helped me to grow personally and professionally in ways I could not have imagined. Throughout your internship searches, remember that we’re all in the same boat. If you’re worried about not having enough experience to prepare you for life after graduation, don’t be. With the plethora of opportunities out there, virtual internships are great options for advancing your skills and confidence!

Bronwyn Milne is a junior public relations student from Milton, Georgia with minors in corporate communications and fashion studies. She is currently interning with The Decker & Royal Agency, which specializes in travel and hospitality PR and is based in New York City. In her free time, she enjoys cirque du soleil, reading and traveling.