Address: http://www.radford.edu/content/chbs/home/comm.html/

or www.radford.edu/comm for short.

Undergraduate students in all areas of study are encouraged to apply, especially advertising, journalism, marketing, communications and business administration. The company says its program is flexible about meeting personal requirements and academic schedules.

“These unpaid internships are designed to provide hands-on experience and insight into the fast-paced advertising industry, as well as to integrate the intern into the environment so that he/she will be well prepared to enter the career field with ample experience,” the internship announcement said.

BCF  provides marketing, advertising, public relations, interactive and brand development services in the travel/tourism, consumer products, financial services, technology and retail industries, among others,  according to the agency’s announcement.

“We plan and buy everything from Radio, TV, Print, Outdoor, Internet to non-traditional media,” the spokesman said. “We’re not just number crunchers. We love to research, analyze, negotiate, layout plans and yes, we admit we like to crunch numbers, too.”

From the position announcement:

Media Department interns are responsible for, but not limited to:

• Assisting the team on various projects as needed
• Conducting research for the agency’s prospects and clients
• Entering data
• Coordinating materials between media department members and between the media department and other departments in the office
• Developing a basic, working knowledge of media planning and buying through learning and application
• Day-to-day administrative operations for the department (including returning calls, requesting and providing information, filing, data entry, and making copies)

Interested students should possess:
• Strong organization, communication and writing skills
• Desire and ability to handle multiple assignments
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office, primarily Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• General knowledge of standard office equipment and filing practices
• Professionalism
• Excellent follow through skills
• A creative mind and strong desire to learn
• Ability to take the initiative on projects and work independently when needed.
• Enthusiasm!

BCF

4500 MAIN STREET
SUITE 600
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23462

PHONE: (757) 497-4811
FAX: (757) 497-3684

Web: http://www.boomyourbrand.com/

For more information about the RU School of Communication internship process and course credits, see internship coordinator Betty Kennan.

The position can be tailored to the intern’s skills, but may include creation of marketing materials, implementation of museum events and fundraisers, promotion of exhibits and community activities to build overall awareness of the museum and its mission.

Interested students may send their resume and a cover letter by email to Justina Sage Sumpter, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd. Her address is  justina@unitedwaynrv.org

Recent Radford University graduates Mike Andrews and Holly Henry gave advice and stories about how they landed their jobs at an alumni panel on Friday, April 6, that marked the end of Communication Week. They also had an open discussion with the 50 some students in attendance.

Henry is the web content manager at WTKR. She is responsible for deciding what stories go on the station’s website.  “I have to have good news judgment to place each story one, two, three, and decide which one goes as the top story.” She graduated from Radford in 2008 with a degree in media studies.

Mike Andrews is the promotions coordinator at WJFK-FM. He not only deals with planning events around the D.C. area but also blogs about the Washington Wizards.

Andrews talked about how he had received several job offers but the money was not enough to live comfortably. A common problem for journalist starting out is low pay and long hours, he said. Building your career requires a lot of time and effort.

“I got offered a job [in the Roanoke area] but it just wouldn’t have worked out money-wise for me. I wouldn’t have made enough to even pay rent.” He also spoke about how he and several people he works with have additional jobs to make extra money.

Henry wasn’t working in media at first. She had a day job and cleaned houses on the side. She then got a job doing promotions but was making $7.25 an hour, so she waited tables for extra money. She described the promotions experience as “awesome, because you met everyone in the media and became friends with them.”

As for social media, Andrews and Henry agreed that you are going to have to first clean it up and secondly keep it clean. In reference to Facebook, Henry said “Pretend that everyone is going to see something and then only post stuff that you feel comfortable with.” She also said that it was not necessary to delete your Facebook or to have two Facebook accounts.

She also said that she goes through her social media and cleans it up once every couple of months and continues to make sure that anything she posts would be acceptable for all ages.

Andrews told students about how just earlier in the week two employees at CBS were fired because of what they put on twitter. Although they weren’t acting as employees when they posted, “their twitter bio was affiliated with the station.”

He also mentioned that a picture of you at a bar is OK, but you upside down drinking is over the line and can land you in some serious trouble with your manager. He highly recommends students make their Facebook profiles private and continually check the privacy settings so that nothing comes back to hurt you. Andrews also recommends students keep their twitter completely clean.

Both Henry and Andrews spoke of how they have done a lot of work for free to help get their names out there. They both said that having a blog that looks professional and has strong quality in it is key. “I put together a WordPress and spent about five hours putting content together for it,” said Andrews of how he got started blogging. He said students shouldn’t do what he did, but rather should start now.

They both said that in journalism, it takes money to make money.

“How we handle ourselves in front of a group impacts our future more than any thing we might do,” Kevin Daley told an auditorium filled with Radford University students and professors on April 3. In Daley’s presentation, “How to address any audience like your career depended on it,” he made it clear what qualities any great public speaker needs.

Daley has coached thousands of people in communication skills. From sales managers to political figures, he helps people present themselves more effectively and think more clearly under pressure. “If pressure hurts us, it hurts everyone listening,” said Daley.

Daley assured the audience that he was not a natural speaker. When first asked to speak in front of a large group, he said, “I don’t speak, I won’t speak, and I can’t speak.”

When his father, Arthur Daley, won a Pulitzer Prize, Kevin Daley was forced to go up on stage and give a speech in front of 500 people. That was the last thing Daley wanted to do. He said once he got up there his mind went blank and he could not even give a speech about his own father. Daley said our biggest enemy is fear.

To illustrate his point, Daley flashed a slide listing what people fear most, and speaking in front of a group ranked higher on the list than fear of death. When asked how many people get the trembles when talking in front of a group, almost all the hands in the auditorium went up. Daley understands fear happens, but he hopes to give people the tools to “access the power that resides in us so we can persuade people’s thinking.”

Daley said in the real world we hope that our messages, our words, and our ideas will have a great impact on the people listening. But a UCLA study found that how we look is most important, followed by how we sound, and then our message. In order to make sure the message gets across, people need to learn the physical skills of getting a messages across.

Daley’s address was part of Communication Week, a week of speakers, panels and events that focus on journalism, media, public relations, advertising and public speaking.

“Only a mother loves us without cause. For the world, we need cause,” said Daley, and the world is sensory. He said the visual impact you have on an audience is important. The energy you release will be the energy you receive. The way we look, speak, and sound are all very important when it comes to presentations and public speaking. He told the audience the body is a part of the whole process of communicating.

“If they don’t buy you, they don’t buy your message,” said Daley. The pace, volume, and inflection are what keeps the audience interested. Using non-words such as “like” or “um” is a habit that is hard to break but one that needs to be broken.

“Controlling your eyes ends up being the greatest skill of being a communicator,” said Daley. When we get in front of a crowd we tend to want to scan the audience. Daley suggests focusing on one person for a complete thought and moving on to the next person with the next thought.

Daley wants speakers to make sure their information comes alive for the listeners. He wants people to know you are always selling yourself so do it with confidence, credibility, enthusiasm and conviction.

Whether a student was there for a class assignment or to learn more about Daley, there were many memorable moments. Kathleen Miles was attending the event for a class, but she said, “It was good information for when you’re making presentations.”

Shaina Shaffner was there to learn from his experiences and gain perspective about what to do when she graduates.

“It was interesting to learn about better public speaking skills. I really enjoyed it,” said Bekah States. She was also there for a class, but was a part of the whole group who could not help but laugh as Daley poked fun at bad habits.

“We don’t make the world, we just live in it, and by our actions they shall know us,” Daley said. Students need to know how to address an audience like their career depends on it, he said, because it does.

http://kdspeak.com

Marty Smith, a Radford University graduate who is also a well-known NASCAR reporter for ESPN, gave this advice to aspiring journalists: “Have passion in everything you do.” At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, Smith spoke to Radford University students and others about his career and gave students tips on how to get where they want to be in life.

Smith began his path at Radford in 1995, where his first love and passion was baseball. He decided to walk-on to Radford’s baseball team, but he was cut.

“It was the worst moment of my life and the best moment of my life all at the same time.” In trying to figure out what was next, Smith decided to ask for a job at the sports information office. It was one of the three moments that most defined his life at Radford and it was the first step in his new path.

Smith realized he wanted to continue his passion for sports and be a sports journalist. Making contacts early helped in the long run. His boss at the sports information office helped him get assignments with The Roanoke Times while he was still a student.

Smith ended up working for The (Lynchburg) News & Advance covering NASCAR. While there, he landed an interview with Paul Brooks, the vice president of NASCAR. The interview changed his career dramatically and helped him get where is today.

From the outside looking in it seems like the job of an ESPN NASCAR reporter would be easy, but every job has its challenges. “Working in media isn’t always peachy,” Smith explained. He described the industry as “a push and shove world.” He told students to always treat people the way you want to be treated, and it will come back to you in unexpected ways.

The speech was held in the Bonnie Auditorium, which was almost completely filled. He was invited as part of Communication Week, a week-long event put on by the School of Communication. Smith even mentioned how surprised he was with the turnout. Rebekah Willetts, a public relations major and aspiring ESPN reporter, was inspired. “It was really cool to know that he started out at Radford, and it gives me a lot of hope that I might actually be able to work for ESPN one day, too.”

Toward the end of the speech, Smith took students’ questions.

When asked about the hardest part of covering NASCAR, Smith said it was getting started. When he first began everybody knew each other and he became nervous. “It’s like a traveling pack of gypsies,” Smith said. It’s a tight-knit group, and over time you start to know everyone. Smith said it is “imperative to give back,” so whenever he sees a new reporter, he always helps him out and shows him the ropes.

Smith still strives to be the best he can be. He still works to improve his writing and will always continue to try to be better than he was the day before.

Smith’s main message to the students at Radford was to have passion for what you do, because passion wins over everything else. One of the biggest compliments he received was when a fan told him, “The passion for what you do is in my living room.”

He also stressed the idea of having an open mind and to always check your facts, because as a journalist your credibility is everything.

The most difficult part of transferring from print to digital media is moving beyond 125 years of print-based thinking, according to Carole Tarrant, editor of The Roanoke Times.  ”Don’t stay frozen in time,” she told students and faculty Monday night. Journalists must be able to do more, she said. They need to adapt to changes in media delivery and consumption.

Tarrant was the opening speaker for Communication Week. This year marks the third year of the event, which brings professionals to Radford to promote a better understanding of current thinking in advertising, journalism, public relations, media and communication. Events run through Friday.

Her talk began later than scheduled because of severe traffic delays; part of Interstate 81 southbound from Roanoke was closed. Most students and the faculty in the audience waited, however, and some followed and Tarrant’s progress through her Twitter updates.

Tarrant says the Times has a larger readership than most believe. It is estimated that the paper reaches about 200,000 people each weekday and 250,000 on Sundays. The paper also reaches people online through roanoke.com.

The Internet allows consumers to obtain their news from home without waiting for the delivery of the print version. This luxury creates more work for journalists, she said. Tarrant said The Roanoke Times employs around 90 journalists.

Tarrant understands the transition from traditional to digital journalism. She is the editor of The Roanoke Times and has been a journalist for more than 20 years. She has worked for newspapers across the nation.

She was recognized with the 2011 Mimi Award for coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings.  This award is special to her because the tragedy occurred close to home.

Tarrant offered advice to students beginning their careers as journalists in the digital age. Her first tip? Stay flexible. Journalism is a large field and is continuing to grow. Online journalism is opening many new jobs, and this means more opportunities. Tarrant has seen great journalists lose their job because they were not flexible.

Investing in yourself is another necessary step. Tarrant advises aspiring journalists to read. Subscribe to The New Yorker to understand how online news and print news work. The more a journalist understands about the business, the more valuable they will be for a company.

Ambition is important in any field of communication, she said. Tarrant encouraged students to “find someone to mentor you while you are learning the field.” Students should study the work of other journalists. Learning from the writings of other journalists helps because they could be future competition.

Tarrant also said students should think like entrepreneurs, because every job has a business side. Entrepreneurs understand how business works, and students should as well, because this knowledge helps you become well-rounded. She highly encourages students to ask question about the business side of their field.

One point of advice is for students to listen to what professors say. The professors know what they are talking about because they have first-hand experience. The advice they offer is only going to help students land their “dream job.” She instructs students to “soak it up,” because students eventually graduate and move into the job market.

The introduction of online journalism has created new jobs such as a day-side copy editor. The copy editor has traditionally been an evening job because editing was done once all stories had been written and given to the editor. Now the copy editor must be available all day because news is published on a 24 hour cycle.

Another job that has been created recently is the community content editor. This editor regulates the content that comes from the public. This position is important because there can be thousands of stories that are sent in regarding any particular topic, and someone has to filter these and decide what is most important.

The Roanoke Times is adapting to the digital age. The paper recently released a version of the paper that is compatible with the iPad. The Apple product has taken over the tablet industry and the Times is adjusting with the industry.

Consumers asked for a digital form of the paper, and Tarrant and others were happy to oblige. The newspaper is continuing work on different forms of information delivery.

The development of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogs continue to change the field of journalism. But writers and editors still have to use their skills. “You have to think before you tweet,” Tarrant said.

Radford University’s Communication Week will feature a number of skilled guest speakers, but one in particular talks the talk.

Kevin Daley, a former vice president of the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency and founder of the communication skills business Communispond, captivated the audience at an April 3 lunch in the Muse banquet hall.

The event was part of the university’s Global Capitalism Distinguished Speaker series, which is sponsored by BB&T and organized by the College of Business and Economics.

Faculty administrators, guests, and business and communication students attended to gain insight from the persuasion coach. Daley’s talk, “Persuasion: the Force that Makes Capitalism Hum,” centered on how to communicate effectively to large groups.

An animated Daley used a combination of his own teachings and experience, as well as demonstrations that featured audience members, to show how to be a skilled speaker.

He began by stating it is completely normal for all people to be apprehensive about speaking in front of large audiences and the importance of being able to harness and make positive use of that nervous energy.

Daley also focused on the basics, such as making eye contact and using proper body language and posture. “We are not going to score as communicators unless we recognize communication is a physical process. Unless we release the energy, they won’t get it. We should be exhausted when it’s over,” Daley said.

One of the most informative and enjoyable parts of the presentation was his use of audience members in speech exercises. He started with simple tasks: having them introduce themselves or tell the audience an interesting story while utilizing the basic speech skills.

The true gem came with the last demonstration. Daley instructed participants to tell an awkward or embarrassing story.  He encouraged them to dramatize the account with high volume, excessive hand gestures and movement. The display drew laughs and comments from the faculty and students, but it also helped Daley drive home one of the pivotal points of his presentation: It got the audience engaged and it made the speech interesting.  Daley preached that above all else, communication should never be boring.

Daley closed by talking about the importance of effective speech in terms of employment and promotion.  He said that in most companies, the possibility of moving up the ranks does not come down to the work that is done day in and day out.  He said it is frequently determined by one or two significant situations a year where an employee has to speak with or in front of management, and it’s the ability to do this successfully that determines progress.

Daley stated it is whether or not an employee can convey enthusiasm, passion and commitment skillfully that often makes the difference.

The Muse Banquet Room was filled with faculty and outstanding students from Radford University’s School of Communication in celebration of Communication week 2012 where they held an award and recognition banquet at 5 p.m. Sunday April 1.

Members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Lambda Pi Eta (LPH), and RadAd Advertising Club were in attendance for distribution of awards and inductions. They were joined Radford University faculty, family and friends.

The ceremony began with dinner and opening remarks by Dr. Lynn M. Zoch, director of the School of Communication. The first award of the evening — which Zoch called the “we couldn’t have done it without you” award — was given to the president of PRSSA, Taylor Bikowski, for organizing the banquet.

Early in her freshman year, Bikowski told her public-relations professsor,  Dr. Lisa Baker Webster, “One day I’m going to be [PRSSA] president. I want to be your president.” Baker Webster noted that she’s held almost every office in the PRSSA organization. She recently went to the National Assembly near the end of spring break for a 13-hour-long conference to vote on the new national executive board.

The next set of awards were the “Outstanding Junior and Sophomore” in Media Studies and Communication, the school’s two majors. The students chosen for the sophomore category were Lauren Martin and Monica McAfee. Hunter Thompson and Robert Lambert were the juniors.

Communication Professor and Dean Kate Hawkins, of the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, gave “Outstanding Senior” and Dean’s Scholar awards to two students. First was Bryce Floyd, a Media Studies major concentrating in advertising and a member of RadAd. Lauren Miller, a Communication major concentrating in public relations also was honored.

Dr. Baker Webster, the PRSSA advisor, expressed her gratitude for the club’s efforts. “This is the most energetic group I’ve ever worked with.” Behind her was a slideshow of photographs from the year’s events: from leadership retreats to charity events to on-campus socials.

Bikowski was also awarded “Right Hand Man and Most Dedicated” as well as The Platinum Award winner. PRSSA Vice President, Rachel Proctor was awarded “Most Valuable” for her efforts to the organization.

Current members were recognized and next year’s executive board was introduced. Brittany Jeglum will be the new vice president, Elizabeth Damron will be the public relations director, Greg Rubinstein will be the new secretary, Hollyn Page is the new treasurer and Jolyn Paoletti is the new historian. Taking Bikowski’s position will be Jennifer Balka.

The program was then turned over to Lambda Pi Eta. Dr. Sandra French, the advisor for the organization, and LPH Chapter President Deanna Perry began their induction ceremony. The communication honor society gave all in attendance an understanding of the organiztion’s founding in traditional rhetorical concepts.

“I’m excited to be part of the organization and hope to get more involved before I graduate,” says junior Jodie Bell, who was inducted that evening. Senior Travis Handy was also inducted: “I was very excited to be inducted into LPH. It felt like a great validation of all the hard work I have put in over my time at RU. … The fact that a faculty member had recommended me for induction made it even more special, because that showed me that my effort had been recognized and acknowledged by one of my mentors.”

Excitement spread around the room for those being awarded and inducted, but for some seniors the event was bittersweet.

“I’ll miss the group that we’ve had and the friends that I have made through PRSSA,” said senior Courtney Earll, former PR director for PRSSA. “I wish them the best of luck and success.”

The honor society’s Perry said, “I hope the next president will continue to carry on and do more for the organization to really get it going.”

The final group to recognize students’ efforts was the RadAd Advertising Club. Professor James Collier, the club’s advisor, recognized President Natalie Dempsey and Vice President Sheena Palmer. Palmer will take over as president. She will continue graduate school here at RU.

Handy stayed almost to the end. “It makes me proud to be recognized within a group of my peers with an honor that will follow and hopefully serve me throughout my career.”

Last year, Arielle Retting, editor of RUWhim.com, became the first Radford student to win one of these awards.

The Virginia SPJ, SDX Educational Foundation awards the scholarships annually, with support from Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Pro Chapter. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 1, 2012.

Scholarship winners will be recognized in June at the annual George Mason Banquet, which also honors a person who has supported freedom of the press and contributed significantly to Virginia journalism.

For details, see the Virginia SPJ blog.