Heads Up! Internship Boot Camp - Now Thursday, Feb. 18

The MCA Internship Boot Camp has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18, 8-9:15 am, #492 Shepard Hall.

Ad/PR, Journalism and Film/Video students are welcome. You should attend this session before scheduling a meeting with Prof. Lynn Appelbaum to discuss Summer and Fall '10 internships.

Get to campus early Feb. 18 to jump start your professional development. Hear from seniors who interned at MTV, Y&R, Sony Music and other leading firms. Obtain resume samples and other helpful tips for career success.

There's no time like the present to plan your career success! Please spread the word to classmates.

Welcome New Ad/PR Majors!

February 11 (Thursday) - 12:30 - 2 PM (Club Hours)
Welcome Reception for New Ad/PR Majors - #290 Shepard Hall
Attendance Strongly Recommended

The faculty will officially welcome new Ad/PR majors, introduce themselves and share a little about life in the major, courses students will experience in coming semesters and answer questions. Come learn how you can excel in the communications field—expected to grow 24% by 2018, according to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Light refreshments will be provided!

Spring 2010 Professional Development Events

February 4 (Thursday) American Advertising Federation (AAF)
FREE MOSAIC Career Fair 2010
New York Athletic Club
180 Central Park South
http://www.aaf.org/default.asp?id=733

* DEADLINE to upload resumes (required) is Thursday, January 28
* Recent graduates may also attend
* Circulate to friends & February ’10 grads
* Students MUST pre-register for career fair online & submit resumes in ADVANCE
* Business attire
* Nearly 30 recruiters are expected
* Excellent opportunity for AAF chapter members and interested students
* AAF membership is not required to attend


February 5 (Friday) LaGrant Foundation
Council of Public Relations Firms & New York University
FREE Career Development Workshop
Noon-4 PM :: NYU Midtown Center, 11 West 42nd St. – Room #431)
(between 5th & 6th Ave., 4th Floor)
http://www.lagrantfoundation.org

* Registration deadline Wednesday, February 3, 2010
* Business attire – additional details below
* Send email to Ericka Avila with name, email address, phone number, school, major and year (junior, senior + when you’ll graduate)
* Space is limited, students advised to register early
* Subject Line should read –
Feb. 5 Career Development Workshop Registration

Contact: Ericka Avila – Programs Manager
The LaGrant Foundation
323.469.8680, ext. 223
erickaavila@lagrant.com


February 10 (Wednesday) - 8 AM
FREE MCA Internship Boot Camp - #492 Shepard Hall
http://www.internshipinsight.blogspot.com
* Complimentary “Basic Training Breakfast” provided
BYOC - Bring Your Own Coffee : )
No advance registration required

If you’re thinking about an internship for Summer or Fall ’10, then this workshop’s for you because deadlines are fast approaching. Ad/PR, Journalism and Film/Video Majors are welcome to attend.

Bring your resumes and questions about potential employers. Seniors and guest speakers will share success strategies as you learn from others who’ve been in the trenches. Student / workplace tip sheets will be provided. Juniors/third year students should attend this session PRIOR to your meeting with Internship Advisor Prof. Lynn Appelbaum.

Boot Camp Drill Sergeant: Prof. Lynne Scott Jackson, #466 Shepard Hall lynne.scottjackson@gmail.com; 917.748.8917 – cell; 212.650.7114-office.

> Entertainment PR: Thurs, Nov. 5, 1-2:30 PM
http://cencom.org
Aronow Theater – NAC
Co-Sponsored by the Center for Communication and CCNY Career Services

> New York Women in Communications: Sat, Nov. 7
http://nywici.org
Networking opportunities for young women
Ad/PR major Chenelle Frederick hopes to round up a group of 10 so students can take advantage of the $65 conference rate; chenelle26@hotmail.com.

> Ad/PR Workshop: Thurs, Nov. 12, 12:30 - 2 PM (NAC)
Client: CCNY Office of Student Life and Leadership Development (OSSLD)
Watch the halls, your email and campus media for news about how you can get more out of your college experience! Enjoy free food and music as you learn about CCNY’s 160 clubs and other activities. In a few weeks, other Ad/PR Workshop events will support the Heritage Heights Village Project.

> Building Bridges: Tues, Nov. 17, 6:30 - 8:30 PM; Shepard #290
Join recent MCA alums, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the CCNY Communications Alumni Association for an evening that links seasoned execs with pre-professionals. All students and faculty are welcome!

> Financial Communications: Winter Session (MCA Elective)
Prof. Eugene Donati – January 5 - 22, 2010 (M-Th; 12-4 PM)
See Prof. Donati (#467 Shepard) to check out the syllabus; edonati@ccny.cuny.edu.
Consider expanding your knowledge in this challenging and specialized career field!

> Financial Relations Internships Available
See Prof. Donati for a one-on-one.

> Spring 2010 Internships
http://internshipinsight.blogspot.com
Start your search now!
See Prof. Lynne Scott Jackson (#466 Shepard); lynne.scottjackson@gmail.com.

> It’s not too late to join PRSSA!
Annual dues are $50. The national office extended the deadline until Nov. 12. To learn more, contact President Natalee Facey at ntlfacey@yahoo.com or Vice President Kellie Jelecovich, kelilake@aol.com.

> MCA June ’10 Grads ,
Obtain a “Grad Check” from BOTH your Program Advisor and the Dean’s Office BEFORE registering for the spring term.

Art of the PR Job Hunt

If you missed the recent Careers in Social Media Panel, guest speaker Peter Himler of Flatiron Communications offers this excellent advice via The Flack. Check out his award winning blog often to keep up to date with Ad/PR industry news.

http://theflack.blogspot.com/2009/10/art-of-pr-job-hunt.html

October Panels & Upcoming Special Events

> MAIP Info Session - Multicultural Advertising Internship Program
Wednesday - Oct. 14 - 12:30-1:30 PM
Shepard #290

CCNY's Meng Li (senior) will share details about this excellent training program, of which she is a graduate. Stop by for a few moments to learn more about creative or account management careers in the communications industry.
MAIP :: AdUnity :: Dedicated to Developing Multicultural Advertising Professionals
http://www.adunity.aaaa.org/

> The Changing Dynamics of Public Relations
Thursday - Oct. 15 - 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Baruch College – Newman Library Building #750

This informative event courtesy of Prof. Gene Donati

On both the corporate and agency side the public relations profession has changed dramatically over the past few years and has been impacted more than most industries by the Internet and other communication tools. Industry leaders will detail how the industry has changed, how it had remained the same and what direction it will take going forward. Speakers will extract from their own experiences and explain what role the Internet has played, how down-sized newspapers have impacted their clients’ goals and objectives and how direct to consumer opportunities have changed the ground rules. They will also explore what qualities and skills sets are necessary for beginners to be successful in the public relations career.

http://zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu/centers/dmc/events/the-changing-dynamics-of-public-relations-1

Zicklin School of Business – Website :: Contact Name - Prof. David Luna
Email marklab@baruch.cuny.edu :: Phone 646-312-1530

> Access the Money :: A Conversation with the LaGrant Foundation's Joy Hunter
THURSDAY - Oct. 22 - 12:30 - 2 PM (Club Hours)
Shepard #290

Joy Hunter, Executive Director and LaGrant Foundation Scholars from the tri-state area will provide inside tips on how to successfully compete for one of many prestigious scholarships for undergrads and grad school hopefuls! This session will help you build your personal brand and strengthen application packets for any internships you may seek.

http://lagrantfoundation.org

> MCA Blast :: New Posts Added 24/7!
http://ccny-mcablast.blogspot.com

Check this blog often for frequent updates and news you can use! Spread the word to classmates; share resources and information!

> Calling All Entrepreneurs
Building a Business 101
A Three-Part Series on Launching a Successful Business

Brooklyn Public Library - Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Get FREE ADVICE on launching a business from experienced business consultants.
It’s never too soon to invest in your long-term dreams. The Brooklyn Business Library is in downtown Brooklyn near the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge near Dumbo and easily accessible to all train routes!

If you have an entrepreneurial streak, check out these FREE sessions to assist in developing your long-term business development strategy for your production company, boutique agency or independent freelance consultancy.

Writing a Business Plan
Tuesday, Oct. 13
6-7:30 PM

Creating a Marketing Plan
Tuesday, Oct. 20
6-7:30 PM

Making Financial Projections
Tuesday, Oct. 27
6-7:30 PM

Register online at –

www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/business
or call 718.623.7000 and select option 4.

> Advertising: Branded Content
Tuesday, Oct. 20
6:30 – 8 PM

The New School
Theresa Lang Center – 2nd Floor
55 West 13th Street
New York, NY

With advertisers being forced to adapt to digital and social media, the emphasis shifts to branded content. Learn how TV everywhere is the new reality and which new technologies the networks are using to involve the audience.

- Jack Myers, Editor and Publisher, Jack Myers Media Business Report
- Aimee Duell, Director of Activation, PhD
- Guy McCarter, Managing Director, Green Room Entertainment
- Kurt Brokaw, Professor of Advertising, The New School

Presented by the Center for Communication and The New School’s
Department of Media Studies and Film

www.CenCom.org

> Careers in Book Publishing
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
12:30 – 2 pm
Location: TBA

For more information or to sign-up, visit the CCNY Career Center – NAC 1/116

Participants:

- Carolyn Zimatore, College Relations and Diversity Associate, Penguin Group, USA
- Melissa Goltsch, Human Resources Associate, Random House
- Ryan Darlington, College Relations Specialist, Pearson North America
- Charlene Venturino-Fontana, Assistant Director, Staffing & Employee Relations, Wiley & Sons
- David Unger, Director, CCNY Publishing Certificate Program


> Public Relations Careers in the Entertainment Industry
A CUNY-Wide Event Presented with the Center for Communication
Thursday, Nov. 5
1 – 2:30 PM
CCNY NAC Aronow Theater

Participants:

- Matt Biscuiti, Senior Vice President, The Lippin Group
- Jamie Roberts, President/Founder, Forest Media Consulting; VP Publicity and New Media, Big Machine Media
- Katie Rosin, Kampfire PR and Marketing
- Kimberly Maul, Moderator, Entertainment Reporter, PR Week

www.CenCom.org

> Careers in Caribbean Cultures
Thursday, Nov. 19
12:30 – 2 PM
Participants: To Be Announced

For more information or to sign-up, visit the CCNY Career Center – NAC 1/116

> Center for Communication
www.CenCom.org

Check this website often for outstanding seminars and special events. The Center for Communication offers free students only “On Location” experiences where you can talk one-on-one with industry leaders who give you the inside scoop about their career path. Learn how to become the communications professional you want to be!

Looking for a Spring / Summer ‘10 Internship? Follow This 7 Step Success Plan

Now is the time to start your search if you’re looking for a Spring / Summer ‘10 internship. Most “for credit” internships are for 3 credits; students usually work 12-15 hours per week, for a 15-18 week period (about 180 hours/semester).

In order to qualify, you should have completed 12-15 hours (4-5 classes) in your major. If you have completed less than 12 hours, chances are slim that the department will approve your internship request.

Understand we cannot file paperwork with the CCNY Registrar until your internship is finalized by a hiring manager. “We might hire you in January” doesn’t count; it has to be a firm internship offer. Thus, most internships may not officially be included on your schedule until the first few weeks of the Spring ’10 semester.

Your internship experience should provide “real world” insight to your field of study, such as advertising, public relations, journalism or film/video. Students are encouraged to research and fact-find to secure the right internship for their unique and special talents. The department assists you with ideas and leads—but does not do the work for you.

In the highly competitive communications field, “the hunt” is part of an exciting game. Part of “the reward” is being selected from a talent pool of many and feeling the “thrill of victory” when you land the prized internship of your dreams!

This fall, CCNY-MCA students are interning at Sony Pictures, Anderson Cooper 360, Time Warner/People Magazine, NY1 and The Plaza Hotel-Marketing, to name a few. Understand that your classmates did it—and so can you!

Our advice: Arm yourself with confidence and get your digital tools in order (resume / cover letter / writing samples / digital portfolio - if applicable) and embark on a deep dive internship search!

Follow these simple steps to get ahead of the competition:

1. Research 3-5 dream internships. Think about where you’d ideally like to work. These should be positions where you could gain experience and ultimately end up in an entry level position, if you’re diligent and play your cards right.

2. Update your resume. Add recent jobs, new skills, classes or interests. Yes, you may include informational blogs created for CCNY-MCA writing classes. Pay close attention to trends in the news and think about how you can link your unique skills to what potential employers are looking for. Since social media is all the rave, then fine-tune your resume to show what you know! Be sure your resume includes buzz words that catch the eyes of human resource associates and internship directors, i.e. wording such as --

> Passionate about social media
> As founder of www.moviemaven.blogspot.com, diligent about connections with 800+ fellow movie-enthusiasts

Note: Wording like the above would be perfect if you’re applying for a job in publicity for Warner Bros. It shows the reader/potential employer that you’re adept in online marketing tools/blogging and have an online network that could potentially buy movie tickets. Make it easy for employers to see your strengths. Show them what you bring to the table.

Get creative! Think of your resume as a business card for Brand You!

3. Prepare a cover letter/email. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to get done. Professors and associates at the CCNY Career Services (NAC 1/116) and The Writing Center (NAC) can help you fine-tune the wording.

MCA professors strongly advise that you take advantage of the many resume writing workshops offered by the career center. Understand that you hold the reigns to your future. Make sure you utilize all the wonderful tools CCNY has put at your disposal during your college years.

The Career Center also offers free job placement assistance to graduates up to one full year after graduation. Take advantage of this wonderful academic benefit and spread the word to friends who have recently graduated.

4. Email MCA Internship Advisor Prof. Lynne Scott Jackson; lynne.scottjackson@gmail.com. We’ll schedule a sit down and help you devise a personal action plan.

5. In the next few weeks, you’ll apply for internships, with the goal of locking in a position (ideally) by year end. Understand you may have to go through a series of interviews before you land something—the internship/job market is that tight.

But, you’re in perhaps the best position, because you’re young and only subway ride away from the headquarters of the planet’s leading communications companies! Never forget that. Worse case scenario, you’ll go on interviews during the winter break and land something early in the year. Think with the end in mind (your coveted internship), stay positive and keep plugging! Never give up on yourself or your professional development.

6. Once your internship is secured, we’ll file paperwork with the CCNY registrar; this usually happens during the first two weeks of the Spring ’10 semester. Note: You cannot register for your internship online and the paperwork must be filed by the MCA department (not students); the university has instituted new policies.

7. Now the real work begins. Before your first day on the job, you should learn all you can about your new employer. Ideally, you will have done that during the interview phase, but here’s an opportunity to learn even more. That way you can start to impress you supervisor from day one.

Throughout the semester, we’ll touch bases to keep you on track. Your employer will evaluate your progress and you’ll be required to write a paper reflecting on your experience. This will include what you learned on the job and a little about how you could have been better prepared for the experience.

Stay tuned … near the end of the semester we may schedule another Internship Bootcamp to share tools for success. At the start of the Fall ‘09 semester our boot camp allowed dozens of students to share resources, gain confidence and be one step ahead of the pack in deciding what internship path may be the best fit.

Good luck with your midterms and good luck as you begin your search for a 2010 internship!

Best Regards,

Prof. Lynne Scott Jackson
lynne.scottjackson@gmail.com
Shepard - #466
917.748.8917 - cell

Prof. Lynn Appelbaum (currently on sabbatical)
* will resume internship advising duties January '10