When it comes to homecoming, Virginia Tech knows how to deliver. From spirit rallies hosted by the Student Alumni Association to the election of homecoming king and queen, the whole student body comes together to participate in one of Tech’s proudest traditions. But, how does the university go about bringing together all of Hokie Nation? Public Relations. The website made specifically for homecoming, www.vthomecoming.org.vt.edu, is the central hub for all things homecoming happening on our campus. On the website, you can find schedules, updates, tailgating information, and even information about the homecoming board itself. At a university defined by an overwhelming amount of school spirit, it’s only right that we have a homecoming that lives up to that standard. The challenge presented to the homecoming board is to generate interest and excitement within the student body, essentially getting all 36,000 hokies amped up for the big homecoming game. They did just that through the use of social media outlets, email blasts, marketing throughout campus, and of course, the spirit rally. These tactics are all forms of Public Relations, maintaining a two-way communication between the university and the student body in regards to homecoming festivities. Virginia Tech wants to create engagement between the students and the university, generating attendance at their planned homecoming events. For example, the Juicy J concert hosted by the Virginia Tech Union and the Black Student Alliance used Public Relations to get the word out about the concert. Facebook and Twitter were blowing up with excitement over the concert, creating buzz in the social media realm surrounding Virginia Tech. This was a great example of how the university created and maintained a two-way communication between the student body and themselves. The outcome of course, being students had a blast at the concert and were excited for the remainder of the week’s homecoming activities. Overall, homecoming was deemed a success. From all levels whether administration or students, the university was united by our overwhelming amount of school pride and Hokie spirit. Not to mention, we won our homecoming game! Whether people realized it or not, Public Relations facilitated the week’s events, uniting us hokies through a common theme: our love of Virginia Tech. Until next year’s homecoming! Edited by Katharina Elberti, Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief 2014-2015
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Name: Virginia Hyer Graduated: Spring 2013 Course of Study: Communication (PR focus), international studies minor and a marketing cognate PRSSA Involvement: I joined during my freshman year, and became firm director, vice president, and president over the three following years. Current Employment: I am currently working as a public affairs specialist in the media relations branch of the US Census Bureau What does a day at work look like for you? Each day is different, which is the awesome thing about PR, you can work on a variety of projects even if you're working for just one organization. But, there is some consistencies. Typically I am working on a few projects which include promoting statistical briefs (I just worked on a brief on the Centenarian, 100+, population), technological innovations at the Bureau or promoting specific surveys we conduct. I start with a campaign plan (pay attention in the Campaigns class, it helps) and get approval from my supervisor to start working and coordinating on the pieces of that plan. I write blogs, press releases, manage and create content for social media, talk with and pitch reporters about the project, plan radio and satellite media tours and many other campaign tactics. In between all of that I answer media calls from national, local and regional outlets. I help reporters find statistics for their stories and also lead them to additional resources on our website. How did you originally learn about where you are working? I learned about the Census Bureau through the PRSSA intern center. I put my resume on the site and selected locations I was interested in working in and they called me between my sophomore and junior year. They were interested in my involvement in the Bateman competition which is sponsored by PRSSA. During the school years I kept in touch with my supervisor and continued as an intern during breaks from school until I graduated and was offered a permanent position. What other advice would you give PRSSA members in preparation for postgraduate work? Soak in all you can from your classes and PRSSA. Issues management, communication campaigns and public advocacy were the classes I pull from the most in my professional career. Also, measuring success has become a big part of PR. Learn as much as you can about metrics: whether it's social media, news stories, website analytics, etc. If you can show an employer you not only know how to promote but measure how your promotions do, that will help A LOT. Do you mind being contacted by PRSSA students with questions, etc? What is the best way to contact you (current email address, Facebook, etc.): Please feel free to contact me either via email ([email protected]) or Twitter @virginiahyer. You can connect with me via LinkedIn but I'm really bad a checking it so either email or Twitter works best if you want to chat. Words from a VT PRSSA member (Cat Goergen, President 2013-14): "Virginia was one of my best friends at Virginia Tech. PRSSA was a huge part of her life. As president she fostered a friendly atmosphere among our group. I credit her for getting us on track to win the Star Chapter Award. She was an absolutely fantastic president." See Virginia's LinkedIn profile here. #ThrowbackThursdayPiece Edited by Melanie Ford, Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief 2013-2014 |
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