>> CCNY - MCA BLAST <<: Read (and Blog) With the Best!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Read (and Blog) With the Best!

As you know, reading is critical for success in Media and Communication Arts—and life in general. In order to find out what “new blogger” MCA Chair Prof. Andrea Weiss is reading, visit:

http://whatarewritersreading.blogspot.com/2008/11/andrea-weiss.html
http://americareads.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-is-andrea-weiss-reading.html

What’s your specialty? What are you passionate about … books, music, film, fashion, advocacy? To find a blog in your area of interest, visit:

http://www.technorati.com

Technorati lists top blogs in numerous industries. Check out a few … post comments … share your views! If you track blogs written by leaders in your field, you’ll soon become knowledgeable about a wide range of topics. This provides useful info and discussion points for internships and job interviews.

If there isn’t a blog that strikes your fancy, then create one. Your unique voice is important. Blogs are excellent tools to promote “brand you” and a weblog (or blog) is an excellent way to help refine your writing skills. Blogging and “citizen journalism” are all the rave. And, it’s fun!

Careful: the Internet is a powerful communications tool. Students are advised that potential employers track blogs for any “off color” subject matter or content. Polish your professional skills by posting meaningful blog posts that contribute to the body of knowledge in your area of expertise. Then, remember to proof, fact-check and spell-check—before posting info for the world to see!

If you have a blog, please forward your URL to ccny.mca@gmail.com; next semester, we plan to publish a list of MCA student and faculty blogs, as well as those of interest in media specialty areas (film/video, ad/pr, journalism).

Keep blogging as you pursue your passion!

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Internship & Resume Insight

Obama's First Job

Did you know ...

Following graduation from Columbia University, President Barack Obama worked for three months as a community organizer for the CCNY Chapter of NYPIRG - New York Public Interest Group!

In the mid 1980s, Obama was instrumental in developing a social network of students involved in voter education and other important advocacy work. You're certainly walking in the footsteps of greatness.

We're now on the threshold of the 2012 presidential election season. Think about how you can use your communications degree to get involved in the political process.

Where will your valuable CCNY - MCA degree take you?

Follow your own unique path. Study hard, ace your assignments / midterms and work to complete outstanding final projects.

We Recommend

When you ask professors for internship or scholarship recommendations, be complete in your requests and provide:

1) Your full name, email and phone number

2) Deadline - allow at least two week's notice, if possible

3) Send request as separate email with clear subject line (not part of class assignments)

4) Attach resume

5) Attach background on job/scholarship

6) Include blurb on why you should be selected

While professors know you pretty well, it never hurts to sell yourself. Make it easy for your A-Team* to support you and remember PR starts at home. Good luck!

*A-Team: Academic Team - professors, advisors, administration and peers

Wanted: Student Leaders!

Media and Communication Arts (MCA) needs YOU!

Your TALENT, your VOICE, your VISION, your special BRAND of ENTHUSIASM!

Take the crucial FIRST STEP and GET INVOLVED!

Join an MCA club, fine-tune your leadership skills and get a leg up on industry insider news!

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) and Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) are the primary organizations for the Ad/PR specialization. There is also a Magazine Club and the department supports WE ACT @ CCNY, an environmental justice club and outgrowth of the Ad/PR Workshop in partnership with the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies.

BFA Film/Video Students are encouraged to join "The Cinema Society" and MFA Graduate Students should envision a role in "The City Cine Club."

All MCA students should check out The Career Center and Office of Student Life and Leadership Development (NAC Building - 1st Floor). There are a wide range of programs you can participate in throughout the year.

We're proud to announce that MCA Ad/PR Senior Mishka Montrope is President of the CCNY Student Government Association. She and her leadership team are always in need of students who want to bring their skills to the wider CCNY community.

Get involved ... in class ... on campus ... and in your community! Take part in the system.

Get social ... be vocal ... it's YOUR academic career!

Secure Your Success!

Fall '11 Professional Development Workshops are in the works! In addition to what's posted here, let us know what you're interested in as professors coordinate calendars and line up guest speakers.

A featured program is CCNY @ Y&R. Young & Rubicam is a global marketing communications agency that employs many MCA students as interns and junior executives!

Past sessions have included sit downs with Belle Frank, Y&R Executive Vice President for Strategy. She provided "insider info" including resume tips, role playing and the opportunity to meet HR executives and other professionals. Belle is writing a book to assist young people who want to enter the ad business; her dad was a proud CCNY alum.

We also have an excellent relationship with Group M, a media planning unit of WPP group. MCA students have landed valuable internships and also secured entry-level positions.

CCNY was privileged to have Howard Burson, Chairman & Founder, Burson-Marsteller on campus! He provided a rich retrospective on changes in the media landscape over the past 50 years.

Our popular Lunch w/Leaders series began in Spring '10 with Futurist Faris Yakob, HR Exec Donna Renella and Strategist Joe Patigoso.

And, you undoubtedly heard about our Fall '09 screening of the "Art and Copy" documentary hosted with the One Club, which included a panel discussion with industry leaders about diversity in the marketing communications industry.

Watch this blog for updates and RSVP EARLY so you don't miss out!

NYC's Best Kept Secret: NYPL - Science, Industry, Business Library

New York Public Library
Science, Industry, Business Library (SIBL)
188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, NYC

NYPL - SIBL is the world's largest business library open to the public. Expand your knowledge by obtaining a free NYPL "Access" card. Learn to enhance your research skills and take advantage of FREE seminars throughout the year.

For hours and more info, visit:
http://www.nypl.org/sibl

Set yourself apart from the pack as you research internships, obtain important backstory and insider info that can lead to a full time gig.

While you're familiar with Google, there's a wealth of info out there! And, take advantage of FREE half-hour sessions with resource associates who can help you with final projects and other assignments.

Don't forget the CCNY Library, also a valuable resource with knowledgeable associates to help. Ask for Prof. Rob Laurich or Prof. William Gibbons, who are familiar with MCA programs and media-related issues.

Job Fair Tips from PRSA-NY

> Prepare 60 second verbal summary of who you are and what you have to offer
> Preparation, enthusiasm and energy will get you noticed
> Research companies you're interested in
> Bring plenty of resumes, a pad and pen
> Dress professionally (suits may not always be required, but business casual is strongly recommended)
> Speak clearly and concisely
> Manage your time (visit the employers you're most interested in first)
> Sell yourself: being hired won't happen unless you can prove you belong
> Get as much information as possible; make a great first impression
> You're never wasting time talking to an employer who does not have an opening (hiring is cyclical)
> Job fairs are networking opportunities -- speak to other attendees who can provide info leading to internships and jobs
> Send thank you notes to recruiters

MCA - A Part of Harlem and the Global Village

As part of the Fall '11 Ad/PR Senior Workshops, MCA students will develop integrated marketing campaigns to change student/faculty/community behavior regarding two exciting on-campus programs. Stay tuned for details and dates of campus awareness events!

Past projects included work in support of the WHCR 90.3 FM Radio, The Writing Center at CCNY, Harlem Health Promotion Center (HealthyMonday.org and GetHealthyHarlem.org) and New York Organ Donor Network (NYODN), to name a few. The goal of the Workshop is to persuade students, faculty, administration and staff to change behavior as a result of integrated marketing communications campaigns. Thus, students practice real-world skills and campus audiences learn about the impact an Ad/PR campaign can have on their choices.

Throughout the semester, you'll hear more about these exciting projects, which are part of MCA's service learning programs supported by CCNY's Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies.

As part of the Powell Center initiative, MCA PR Writing classes have provided media services for Harvest Home Farmers Market, The Frederick Douglass Academy and West Harlem Group Assistance, which provides mortgage assistance and counseling for uptown residents. WHGAinc.org is a resource for all of CCNY and offers free financial literacy seminars on how to obtain credit and build a solid credit history, credit repair, saving for a condo/house. These subjects interest many college students eager to learn how to finance their dreams.

MCA students are involved in their community, here in Harlem and throughout the global village they call home!

Visit the CCNY home page; search for activities and events in your areas of interest and get involved! Make your college years count.