Auburn University Public Relations Advisory Council hosts Public Relations Day

Last Friday, Auburn University’s Public Relations Advisory Council hosted “PR Day” to bring valuable networking to Auburn University public relations students.

PR Day featured a Q&A panel of PR professionals from various industries who answered questions and gave advice to student attendees.

The featured panelists were Taylor Clark (USAA), Ally Dorrough (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism), Eleanor Hawkins (Axios), Nicole Klein (Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex), John Atkinson (East Alabama Medical Center) and Kathryn Venzon (Jackson Spalding).

The panelists provided Auburn students with excellent advice on how to handle challenges, work through crises and prepare for their future careers now.

“Know what you can and cannot control,” shared Taylor Clark, communications and operations executive for USAA.

Eleanor Hawkins, communications strategist and writer at Axios, shared that she would tell her younger self to “take risks,” “get uncomfortable” and “put yourself out there.” Hawkins also highlighted how public relations elevates the role of communication in any field, even careers outside traditional communication jobs.

Klein, a sales and marketing executive for the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex encouraged current students to get involved and to put yourself in the vicinity of people who advocate for you and want to advance you in your career.

Atkinson, PR and marketing director at the East Alabama Medical Center, echoed Klein’s advice and shared his experience of switching industries from athletics to healthcare. His story inspired students with the message that it’s never too late to find a job that best fits you.

Venzon, the senior lead of communication engagement at Jackson Spalding, shared her “day-in-the-life” working for a major PR firm. Her typical day on the job calls for media monitoring, responding and interacting with customers on Chick-fil-A’s social media networks.

Following the Q&A panel, students had the opportunity to network with the featured panelists and attend a LinkedIn and resume workshop with the panel. The professionals were able to offer advice on LinkedIn profiles and resumes, as well as compliment and critique those of individual Auburn students.

Events like PR Day advance the education of Auburn public relations students and will undoubtedly shape their future careers. AUPR is gracious to the PR Advisory Council for its commitment to the future of Auburn public relations students.