Return to: U of M Home |
|
|
myU | One Stop | Directories | Search U of M | |
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|
Expert Alerts |
|
|
|
U of M student named PRWeek's 'Public Relations Student of the Year'
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 3/23/2007 ) -- Meghan Stafford, a senior in the strategic communications program at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication, has been named PRWeek's Public Relations Student of the Year. The PRWeek competition, presented by Hill and Knowlton, honors undergraduate public relations students who show outstanding ability in a range of core public relations skills. Five finalists, including Stafford, were flown to New York in late January for a one-day competition, which included a presentation, pitch call and on-the-spot product promotion scenario. As winner of the competition, Stafford receives $5,000 and a paid internship at one of the world's largest public relations firms. "I don't know if I could truly describe the overwhelming sense of accomplishment that comes with receiving this award," Stafford said. "I was so shocked and grateful because the other top five finalists were extremely intelligent, professional and creative. It was the most amazing and rewarding feeling I've ever had the opportunity to experience." Finalists were required to create a public relations plan for a real-life client and make a 30-minute presentation in front of judges comprised of professionals in the field. Working with a superheroes theme for the client, Motorola, Stafford created the idea of a Motorola Mob Squad, which would be made up of the company's most senior executives. Her plan included detailed explanations of where the team would travel and why, in order to maximize high-profile technology events throughout the year. Other components of the plan included a blogging initiative, viral video extensions to reach more of the target demographic and creation of a Motorola-inspired "bat signal" to light up the sky in cities visited by the Mod Squad. After the pressure of the initial presentation, finalists were asked to make a pitch call to the editor of MIT's Technology in Review magazine, which Stafford called, "nerve-racking." Finalists were also required to create an impromptu plan to promote a product. They were given just 90 minutes to devise their plan before presenting their idea to judges. Stafford's presentations and ideas were called "inventive and well-informed" by judges, who also said her presentations were "confident, passionate, and sound. She was quick on her feet and took everything to the next level. A real up-and-comer." The competition was sponsored by Hill and Knowlton, which is considered one of the world's top full-service, multi-specialist public relations consultancies. "The recognition I've received from professionals and dozens of public relations firms all over the U.S. have really made me feel like this award was an extremely huge honor for any student," Stafford said. "It comes as a perfect confirmation that insanely hard work can actually pay off." ---------- |
|
||||
|
