ou prssa chicago trip 2017

The University of Oklahoma's Public Relations Student Society of America chapter traveled to Chicago, Illinois from November 1 to November 5 to tour seven well-established public relations agencies.

Agency Visits

After a long Wednesday full of traveling, we were all undoubtedly ready to explore Chicago and learn from professionals in the PR industry. On Thursday, November 2 the OU chapter of PRSSA woke up bright and early to tour four agencies: Propllr, Ketchum, Edelman and Allison PR. With coffee in hand and a short walk around the foreign city, we did not know what to expect.

Throughout our first day of site visits, we were shown nothing but enthusiasm. Various individuals from different companies used their experiences to provide advice to us on several subjects: what skills to practice pre-graduation, ways to grow our network, how to stand out among recruiters, etc. Among the very important information we learned, here are some major points that stood out:

• Pay attention to the world;
• Be a critical thinker, writer and communicator;
• Connect with others and help each other;
• "Get known, get liked and get trusted";
• Never be afraid to ask questions;
• Add your personal flare to resumes;
• Show your brand is listening to their publics;
• Constantly reevaluate your growth to make sure you stay challenged;
• Mind your bias;
• Be a go-getter;
• Seek a collaborative learning environment;
• Work hard, play hard. ​

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At the end of a long day of visits, we ended our Thursday with an OU alumni dinner. The kind of support and advice that previous Sooners showed us was unexpected, and we left that Thursday wanting to add to the number of Sooner alumni in the Chicago area.

Thanks, Motion PR for our site visit!

After a long night of sleep that led us to our second day of visits, we woke up to visit Motion PR, the Chicago Cubs Assistant Communication Director and Walker Sands. Very much like day one, these professionals poured advice into us and were eager to answer any questions thrown their way. From day two, here are some major points that I took to heart:

• Stay hungry and optimistic;
• Hound for connections, not for jobs;
• Always be around people who are smarter than you;
• Follow up and stay in touch with your network;
• Be honest and transparent about what you already know and what you are looking for;
• We can be our publics' heroes;
• It pays to get personal;
• Keep your cool;
• Add measurement to your resume experience;
• Have a plan, but also capitalize in real time;
• Be prepared for a writing test during application processes.

​Exhausted, yet inspired, we left the site visits with valuable advice. It is comforting to know that current industry professionals are eager to help the next generation become successful. Public relations is all about building relationships, and the networking opportunity that was given to us throughout the Chicago trip left us with several new connections. I can’t thank the people from Propllr, Ketchum, Edelman, Allison+Partners, Motion PR, the Chicago Cubs and Walker Sands for genuinely pouring into us. We appreciate these visits more than we can put into words!

Thanks, Allison+Partners for the awesome view!

Work Hard, Play Hard

​After learning from PR industry professionals, we got the chance to explore Chicago on Saturday and Sunday. Though it was cold and raining the whole weekend, we took advantage of the opportunity to be true tourists. From exploring Cloud Gate (the Bean), Sky Deck, Wrigleyville and the Signature Room to getting dessert at Magnolia Bakery and the Nutella store, our free days were spent making memories and exploring a beautiful city. Chicago’s small-city vibes and big city aesthetic attracted many of us as a dream location to work. The city exceeded our expectations… As you can tell in all of our pictures!

The OU PRSSA Chicago agency tour trip was both enjoyable and beneficial. The advice we were given and the memories we made will be remembered and passed on to the next generation of professionals. Thanks again, Chicago, for making us feel right at home. You may see some of us back in the near future!