Finding Your Passion: Informational Interviews 101.

 

You’re done. That piece of paper symbolizing years of caffeine overloads, too-many page papers and impressive procrastination skills is within your reach… or at least tucked under a bunch of other important documents. Maybe you’re right in the thick of it, a sophomore or junior in college debating if you should change your major again. You know the opportunities for your future are limitless, but you can’t figure out if you should pursue your personal interests or follow the typical career path for your major. Trust me, you are definitely not alone. There are tons of people trying to hone in on their career desires. Here’s a little secret from me to you: informational interviews can provide all the answers you need.

Informational interviews are unique opportunities to build relationships and gain insight from professionals in your desired career fields. Imagine networking, but only with people you choose to seek out. Maybe you can’t choose between becoming an engineer or a career as a tour manager for live events. Informational interviews allow you to reach out to a variety of people with differing perspectives to solidify your choice. The best part? You’re in control of the conversations. Asking industry insiders questions about their experiences means no pressure for you!

Before you brag to your colleagues about your newfound knowledge, it’s important to know how to seek out professionals and properly conduct an informational interview. Below are some tips to get you started on your journey towards Career Nirvana.

Find Your Passion and Remember Your Major

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Feature Friday: Aleesha Carter of K A C Images and U, LLC.

Aleesha Carter is a publicist and CEO of her own firm, K A C Images and U, LLC.  After moving to Atlanta, out of college, she was able to network her way into the entertainment industry and has worked with a number of celebrities like Trina, Rick Ross, Cam Newton and many more.

In this interview she discusses career goals for 2014, finding a balance between work and personal life, and her favorite part of entertainment PR.

• Brea: Describe your job in one sentence.

Aleesha: The art of capturing moments on behalf of a brand.

 

• B: How would you say K A C Images and U differentiates itself from other PR firms?

A: K A C, Images and U, LLC. thrives on a significant foundation of relationships, consistency and value on behalf of the brand’s clientele abroad.  I wanted to build a name that is of significance to representing images that we consider as a reflection of our own. The name alone represents a strong meaning to my personal development. We remain a unique boutique that continuously strives on delivering results.

• B: What is your favorite part of Entertainment PR?

A: I do not have one particular part of the entertainment sector when it comes to Public Relations; I am more enthused about the art behind being the talent, behind the talent. I love the creative chemistry that PR brings with it. The entertainment industry welcomed me with open arms, and it is enjoyable to be able to represent talent within such environment. If I had to decide on one area, it would be witnessing clientele deliver a connection with their audience.

• B: Is there anything you dislike about the industry?

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5 Truths About Post Grad Life.

Congratulations on graduating! You've made it this far and that's a hell of an accomplishment. Now that you've graduated fasten your seatbelts for a ride I like to call post grad life.

Job searching blues.
Your entire life you've been told to go to college to better your chances at getting the job you want. Then once you got into college and took out x-amount of money to complete your degree, you find out the truth...your degree WILL NOT guarantee you employment after graduating.  Next thing you know, you've spent 6 months out of school job searching your life away in your pajamas back at moms house. Then you think to yourself, "Did I really just spend 4 years of my life in college for this??".

Quarter life crisis.

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#MusicMonday- Danity Kane.

Last year everyone's favorite reality TV girl group, Danity Kane, announced their return to the scene (sans D. Woods). Just as the group was on the heels of going on their #NoFilter tour, last week group member Aundrea announced her departure from DK. While that's good and all, I'd love to see the entire group go on tour just one last time....but I guess that's all over now. WOMP!

As for more happier news, the ladies released a new single last week in what feels like 345445 years, titled "Lemonade". It's a little like a modern version of "Show Stopper" in my opinion, but I'm still here for it! The song even includes a sample of "Grindin" by Clipse (YES! Middle school lunch time memories). With a verse from rapper, Tyga, this new music definitely did not disappoint. Go on, click play!



(photo credit: hiphollywood.com)

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Feature Friday: Ruth Ann Wiesner of RAW Marketing.

As CEO of  RAW Marketing  Ruth Ann Wiesner is a self- proclaimed "Principal Cleaver Heaver”. This describes the no-nonsense approach that she takes with every aspect of the creation and operation of RAW Marketing.

Highlighted as one of the Top 125 Women Entrepreneurs for the Chicago area, Top Mompreneur of 2012, and recently a finalist as one of the Top 25 Awesome Mom-Based Biz in Chicago, Ruth Ann has burst onto the scene with her creative and innovative marketing techniques.

In this interview she discusses why she started her own firm, the relaunch of RawMrktg.com and more!

    

• Brea: What attracted you to PR/Marketing?

RuthAnn: I have always been intrigued by the sayings "You can't change someones perception." and "Perception is Reality". When I first began in Marketing and PR, I quickly realized that (when done correctly), through Marketing and PR, you have the power to change just about anyones perception of anything. That type of influence is very powerful, especially when most people do not realize that everything created by a Marketing/PR or Advertising agency is done to invoke a very specific perception of their client or their clients product.
 

• B: Why did you decide to open your own firm? 

R: After working at the Directorship level of Marketing (the PR Dept rolls up under Marketing in most larger businesses) for many years, my life took an exciting turn and I found myself relocating. In the process, I was approached to continue handling the Marketing for my client, but in a consulting role from afar. Within weeks of my relocation, I had acquired half a dozen more clients and decided I better make this official, and RAW Marketing was born! 

• B: In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about PR/Marketing? 

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#MusicMonday- SZA.

So it's pretty safe to say that I'm really behind on listening to new music/artists; however, this past weekend I came across Kendrick Lamar's label mate, SZA. The 23-year-old singer has a laid back kind of sound, which has been described as "hipster- hop/alternative R&B". SZA released her debut album, Z, back in April following her earlier EP's See.SZA.Run and S.

The first song I had heard from TDE's first lady was "Warm Winds", and let's just say I hit the replay button a few more times than I'd like to admit. On the hook she sings, "Sometimes we hate to leave somebody. What's happening to we? Warm winds on a space ride. When I call your phone on a late night. I recall your soul and it taste like...Gardens, flowers, Warm Winds". 

I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us because my SZA listening session has yet to end. The video to "Warm Winds" is below so sit back, press play and listen to the wonderful sounds of Miss SZA.



(photo credit: HNHH.com)

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Feature Friday: Sarah Tiambeng.

•  Brea: Tell me about yourself.

Sarah: I am a Public Relations Account Executive at Zehnder Communications in New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m in my third year at the agency with clients in food and beverage, health care and banking industries. I am a proud graduate of the journalism school at the University of Missouri.

• B: What do you like most about PR?

S: I love the versatility of the industry. Public relations is a career that requires adaptability and agility because the landscape of communications is always changing. My career keeps me motivated to experiment with and evolve the ways I try to accomplish my client’s goals in a way that allows me to combine my technical skills and my creativity.

 

• B: How did you land your current position at Zehnder Communications and what are your responsibilities in that position?

S: I decided I wanted to move back to New Orleans, my hometown, after completing a 6-month internship in Dallas. I always considered going back there so I knew of a few companies I was interested in and admired. I cold emailed a handful of people with my resume letting them know I’d be moving back and would love the chance to meet with them. It was a big gamble because I’d never taken that approach before, but I was pleasantly surprised by the responses!
 
I started with the company as an Account Coordinator and am now a public relations account executive. I serve as the day-to-day contact for my clients and I execute the PR plans and strategies I’ve developed with my supervisor and team members.

• B: How has being a member of PRSA helped you in your career?

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