by Morgan James

Morgan James was a skilled member of Belmont’s 2019-2020 Bateman competition team, Belmont University’s 2020 homecoming queen and a 2020 graduate! The PR at Belmont blog interviewed her about post-grad life and what she’s learned through her role in recruiting and talent acquisition.

What was your mentality like when you graduated from Belmont and were transitioning into the workforce? 

I was so thankful for the time I had at Belmont and really grateful for all of the people that poured into me, believed in me and gave me opportunities throughout my four years. I was also sad to leave because I had such a positive experience and built a supportive and encouraging community at Belmont! I was nervous and unsure of what the future held for me and was trying to figure out what my next step looked like. Also, with COVID-19 hitting us at the time of graduation that provided for even more uncertainty. I was applying for jobs, trying to make connections amidst the pandemic and often felt discouraged. Along with the fear and nerves, I was excited at the chance to dive into my next step, understand the professional world, make new connections and discover new passions.

How did opportunities like the Bateman Case Study Competition help you prepare for your first post-graduate job? 

The Bateman Competition prepared me so well for post grad life. I think it was one of, if not the most impactful, courses/experiences I took at Belmont. Bateman provided an opportunity to work on a team, take the reins on a project and make it our own. I think in most courses you receive a project that is well outlined/drawn out for you and you work with a group for a few weeks to complete it. Bateman was different. We were placed on a team for a year, and were driving the campaign from start to finish with the oversight of Dr. K and a professional advisor. This was an invaluable, collaborative experience that helped me enter the workforce with more confidence. I felt, and still feel so proud of what we accomplished!

What’s the biggest thing you think PR students should know about the job search and talent recruiting process? 

The job search can be a hard process and is a full time job. It can be frustrating getting declines/no responses, but being persistent and resilient can lead to great prospects. Updating your linkedin and providing descriptions along with your roles/internships makes your experiences easily accessible to employers. If you have a portfolio website or somewhere you are showcasing your work, create a video introducing yourself that represents who you are. This is a great way to showcase your skills and personality to an employer – especially in the virtual world! Be consistent, keep track of the jobs you apply for and follow up on your applications. If you have an interview, make sure to reach out to the hiring manager you spoke with to thank them for their time. This helps you stay visible throughout the interview process. I think there is a healthy balance between being too forward and being persistent. Staying top of mind to an employer is a MUST and helpful to differentiate yourself!

Why has working in recruiting been a good fit for you, and would you recommend anyone else with a PR degree to take a similar path? 

I actually didn’t think I would end up in recruiting and wasn’t specifically seeking out roles in recruiting/talent acquisition. I think it has been a great fit for me to continue to build on my emotional intelligence, allow me to create relationships with several different types of people, gain understanding and knowledge of different types of roles and develop my business acumen. I also think my company specifically has embraced me as I start this new chapter of my life. They have been so eager to share, help, guide and trust me. There have already been many opportunities to dive in and learn. I would recommend a role in the talent acquisition space to anyone who enjoys people and relationships. It is highly people focused and for someone who is energized by conversation and connection, this could be a great way to utilize these skills and apply them in a unique way. I have found a lot of joy in the field and would recommend it. This has been a great way to dip my toes into several areas such as marketing, business development, design, recruiting and gain a variety of knowledge in my first role!

Midwesterner by birth, Morgan spent most of her early life in Franklin, TN and graduated with a Public Relations, Marketing and Design Communications degree from Belmont University. Morgan thrives in situations where she can celebrate others and help them succeed. Lover of nature, cooking, good food, and fun fashion – on a perfect day you might find her skiing or snowboarding, traveling somewhere new, or finding a quirky clothing store and a great off the radar Thai restaurant!

 

 

 

by  Kaitlyn Drzewiecki

The truth is that students don’t know enough about financial literacy. So, why is having good credit essential? A good credit score will help you apply for a future car loan or mortgage.  If you have good credit, that means it will be easier to borrow money for necessities later in life. You can achieve good credit by making your loan payments on time as well. However, you want to avoid having problems with your credit. Use your credit responsibly, otherwise, you could have trouble borrowing money later on. Here are some ways you can start building good credit while you’re still in college.

Open a credit card

Credit cards can help take care of the daily expenses you have as a student. This includes books, transportation, and food. Having a credit card gives you a revolving line of credit with a pre-approved dollar limit. When shopping for credit cards, you should compare the annual percentage rates, fees and if there is a grace period.

Pay your bill on time

If you’ve ever made the mistake of not paying your bill on time, then you’ve had experience with late fees. The trick is to set a date in your calendar for when your bill is due each month. This is a helpful reminder to pay your bill so you can avoid lowering your credit score.

Check your credit report

Your credit report tells creditors who you are, how much you owe and whether you have made payments on time. Many other factors go into your credit report. You can request a free credit report from the three credit reporting bureaus which include Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Use your money wisely

Only make purchases that you will be able to pay off. It sounds easy but sometimes we use the excuse of wanting to treat ourselves. You can treat yourself if you stick to your set budget. You should pay for your necessities first and then see if you have any money left over for fun things. Keeping a set budget will help with overspending for the month. You can track your budget using budget planning apps such as Mint.

Check your account frequently for suspicious activity

Credit card fraud happens more than you think. Some ways you can avoid your identity being stolen are to put a fraud alert on your credit report, check your credit reports frequently and change your passwords every so often. This will make it harder for your accounts to be affected. If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact your bank immediately.

The bottom line

Remember, your credit score is based on your past payment history, outstanding debt, how long you have had credit, new applications for credit and your types of credit. Having good credit is very useful in times of an emergency. Overall, good credit will impact your ability to obtain a job or insurance. Start making smart choices now, PR students!

Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, public relations major and music business minor, Class of 2020, was a
member of Belmont Public Relations Student Society of America and participated in the
Chapter’s GROW Mentorship Program. She is an associate member of the Public Relations
Society of America.

by Alexia Berton

Life after high school seemed pretty well laid out for many of us: go to college, graduate and get a job. But what no one prepared us for is graduating during a pandemic where more people are losing their jobs rather than being hired as many businesses are struggling to stay open. The spread of COVID-19 has made graduating in the 2020-2021 academic year a little bit confusing and a lot more complicated. Let’s look at ways to get through graduating during a pandemic.

Be Patient

A job may not necessarily come easily or quickly. It is completely normal to move back in with a family member or friend while you continue your job search and figure out what you want to do. The key is to never give up and keep searching even when your options appear limited and you begin to lose hope. When there is pressure pushing you toward finding a career right away take a deep breath and remind yourself that opportunities will arise in their own time.

Be open-minded

Explore opportunities that you might have not considered before. Applying for or taking a job that may not be your original first pick can lead to unexpected opportunities. You may learn a new skill that could benefit you in the long run, or meet people who can help you progress in your career in ways you never imagined. The good news is that nothing has to be forever. Opportunities to get your dream job may come at any time! The more you can look for ways to grow and expand your skills now, the better prepared you’ll be for when things start looking a little brighter and the economy starts to come back to life. 

Network

This is the perfect time to use the internet in your favor while looking for ways to connect with others. Engage in content with companies that interest you, introduce yourself to people via direct message and attend online seminars where you can get to know industry professionals. In some ways, this could be more beneficial because not only can you connect with more people quickly but you also have the ability to connect with people you might have never talked to if the circumstances were different. Take advantage of any situation that you can showcase who you are via links and attachments.

Spend Your Free Time Exploring Jobs and Investing in Yourself

There are plenty of websites that make searching for a job online easy. A few options include Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed, FlexJobs or simply searching what you are interested in on Google. Show initiative by contacting companies or people in the professional areas you are most interested in and expressing your interests in working for them. This could be a direct message on Instagram or even a message on LinkedIn. This is also the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself by taking online courses, learning something new or building up your “side-hustle.” By investing in growth and learning opportunities now, you will develop skills and knowledge that will make you more desirable to companies that are hiring.

Be Kind to Yourself

This pandemic and its effect on the economy is outside of your control. Try not to compare yourself to others who have found a job or convince yourself that you are not good enough. Make sure that you are checking in with yourself and putting your own mental health first. Take breaks from job searches to do something you love or spend time with a loved one. Take deep breaths, write down your thoughts and talk to someone if you need guidance.

Life after college is unknown and can be very overwhelming, but with the right attitude, patience, open-mindedness and kindness, you can make it through this uncertain time, no matter how hard things may seem in the moment. Best of luck!

 

Alexia Berton is a 2020 graduate of Belmont University, where she studied public relations and business administration. She’s a dedicated individual who strives to build strong relationships and create exceptional work. At Belmont, she earned placement on the Dean’s List and was involved with Grammy U and the student showcase series.

by  Kaitlin Drzewiecki

A recent promotion for Aliyah Sheffield at Apple Inc. came as no surprise to those who knew her
as an undergraduate student at Belmont.

“If you have a dream, do not let someone tell you it isn’t possible.” As an eager public relations
graduate from Belmont, Aliyah Sheffield wasn’t afraid to do what it takes to land her dream job.
Before graduating from the public relations program in 2017, Sheffield was involved in
numerous campus organizations with roles as the president of Belmont PRSSA, member of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and as a Bruin Recruiter.

With these opportunities, Sheffield took advantage of connecting with people. She also met
numerous future students as they prepared to join the Bruin family. While studying public relations, Sheffield said her favorite class was PR Research. Through this course, Sheffield developed a deeper level of thinking and learned about the importance of asking questions to find the right answer. Sheffield states that the public relations program allowed her to continue being curious. One of her favorite memories from Belmont was her
Maymester in Washington, D.C. She toured the capitol, the monuments and museums. This trip
emphasized her desire to want to work as a White House press secretary. It was also her first
time traveling on a plane!

After Sheffield graduated from Belmont, she pursued different job opportunities and
concurrently completed her master’s in organizational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene
University in 2020. Sheffield understands that each employee needs to feel heard. After all, this
is the first time in history that a workforce is combined of four different generations. Sheffield
also understands that it’s important for employees to support the goals and message of their
organization. Overall, she learned different leadership styles and how to communicate with team
members in the workplace.

Currently, Sheffield is working for Apple Inc. as a publisher relations specialist. She started as a
retail technician and before her recent promotion worked on the business team supporting local
businesses in developing their technology strategies. Sheffield stated that she “had the
opportunity to meet people from all walks of life (languages, cultures, etc.).” Through her current
role, she is in charge of helping publishers navigate how to publish on the Apple News App and
monetize their content. Sheffield will move to New York City for work.

While Sheffield grew as a leader and individual through her various work experiences, she never
lost sight of her path. Her leadership philosophy is, “Our team is a reflection of us.” Our values
are equal in importance to our team members. Teams are what make businesses successful. “A leader guides our teams through the good, bad and ugly parts of the job,” she said. “Followers
are just as valuable and always bring something to the table.”

The bottom line is that Sheffield wouldn’t be where she is today without hard work. Her advice
to current students and new graduates is to remember that everything is temporary. This hard
time in your life will soon pass. “Every moment is just a moment,” she said. “Do your best to
live in it or take the time to plan your way out of it.”

Lastly, never settle for “no.”

“It may take time to get your dream job but don’t let that stop you,” said Sheffield. “Keep
applying for jobs and submitting your work to publications. You will get several people to tell
you ‘no,’ but one day someone will tell you ‘yes.’ Never give up!”

Sheffield received numerous recognitions as an undergraduate at Belmont. She was the
Department of Public Relations Graduate of the Year in 2017. She was a member of the Lambda
Pi Eta national communications studies honor society and the Omicron Delta Kappa national
leadership honor society. She served as treasurer, president and immediate past president of
Belmont PRSSA. She helped developed Belmont PRSSA’s GROW Mentorship Program, which
matches interested student members one-on-one with industry professionals. She received a
National Gold Key Award from PRSSA. She earned the nationally administered Certificate in
Principles in Public Relations. She served as a congress member in the Belmont University
Student Government Association.

Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, public relations major and music business minor, Class of 2020, was a
member of Belmont Public Relations Student Society of America and participated in the
Chapter’s GROW Mentorship Program. She is an associate member of the Public Relations
Society of America.

By Lydia Bailey

Making the jump to transition from student life and four years on campus to the professional world and a nine to five role can seem intimidating at times, but with the right support systems and mentors can make this feat more manageable. The PR at Belmont blog interviewed alumna and former Belmont PRSSA chapter president Lydia Bailey on post-grad life and how Belmont set her up for success!

 

How did the foundation you gained from your time at Belmont help with your transition to post-grad life?

Belmont, especially the PR department, prioritized professional connections throughout my college career. Belmont PRSSA and the PR department provided opportunities to have one-on-one mentor experiences with leading industry professionals, attend international student and professional conferences and Nashville PRSA networking events, practice networking and job-seeking skills with peers and train with career professionals on resume writing, job interviewing and more.

 

What impact did joining the Knoxville PRSA chapter have on you, and what have you learned from being an involved member?

I joined Volunteer PRSA as the chapter was planning its annual V Awards, which recognizes excellence in the field of public relations among local PR practitioners. After sharing my experience finding guest speakers as vice president of professional development for the Belmont PRSSA chapter and previous networking and internship experience with the Knoxville Chamber, Volunteer PRSA assigned me to find and coordinate all V Awards speakers. This was a feat within only a few months of membership, but the leadership from the get-go made my relationships with chapter members that much stronger! I had a foot in the door and gained great professional connections along the way. I was recently elected to serve on the 2021 Volunteer PRSA board of directors as an director-at-large.

 

What from your time as Belmont PRSSA chapter president do you think helped you most?

The opportunities to attend PRSA/PRSSA International conferences and the Leadership Rally expanded my understanding and helped develop my PR professional dreams. The networking, the ongoing friendships, the inspiring guest speakers from across the globe, the opportunity to travel professionally to some of the greatest cities in the United States as a college student… I could go on and on about the benefits of attending what may only seem like a four-day student conference. I encourage every PRSSA member interested in attending to go, especially as a chapter leader. Many peers I met at PRSA/PRSSA ICON understood the challenges I faced in the chapter president, vice president of professional development and vice president of communications (please correct if not the official title for who handles all chapter social media – used to be “director) roles. Together, fellow PRSSA chapter leaders encouraged and helped each other come up with practical solutions to our chapter problems and held each other accountable at the conference and once we all returned home to our chapters.

 

Who on Belmont’s campus inspired you personally and professionally, and how did those relationships positively influence you? 

 It all started in the GPS office. I was lost in my search for a major, but the GPS office helped direct me to the public relations department, based on my interests and StrengthsFinder test results. One 20-minute conversation with Dr. Bonnie Riechert, and I was hooked on PR at Belmont.

No one encouraged and supported my college and professional career as much as Dr. Bonnie. I knew no matter what, she was on my team and determined to help me succeed. So many others come to mind, but to name a few folks at Belmont that changed my life in and beyond the classroom: My Wesley Fellowship pastor David Hollis; my mentor, professor, colleague and friend Hope Buckner; Communications and PR professors Dr. Jimmy Davis, Dr. Christie Kleinmann and Dr. Kevin Trowbridge; Sarah Cates and Dorren Robinson.

 

Can you describe your experience as a student writer for Belmont’s Office of Communications? What was it like playing such a big role in campus communications? 

Each day I stepped into Freeman Hall, I was met with new challenges and opportunities to grow my writing, adaptability and passion for Belmont. The Office of Communications team has Belmont students top-of-mind in all they do and write. I loved reaching out to alumni to hear their inspiring stories of “here to anywhere.” Knowing my writing was touching students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, potential students, the Nashville community and beyond helped me develop a greater responsibility in my writing and deeper appreciation for my second home. Not to mention, it was a lot of fun! I miss Greg, April, Sam, Misty and Hope all the time. 

 

Lydia Bailey is a public relations specialist for Moxley Carmichael, Knoxville local, aspiring traveler and canine enthusiast. She received a Bachelor of Science in public relations from Belmont University in 2019 and credits much of her post-graduate success on Belmont’s PRSSA chapter leadership and professional development opportunities. Bailey now serves as director-at-large for the Volunteer PRSA chapter and is a member of Young Professionals of Knoxville and Knoxville Volunteer Rotary. Bailey enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and spending time with her family’s dog, Winnie Cade, an English golden retriever named after two of her favorite things: Disney and Cades Cove.