Phew.

Last night we had the pleasure of hearing our first guest speaker: the bright, bubbly, and often times silly, Deanna McKinley. Not only did our visitor bring snacks (there’s nothing college kids love more than free food), but more importantly, she brought her invaluable knowledge on the real world of public relations.

After listening to McKinley, the Public Relations Coordinator for Frito-Lay, Inc. (and also one of the youngest people in America with an APR), I felt reassured on many levels.  As I said in my previous post, I am still young and not 100% positive what exactly I want to do with my career. McKinley shared with us that early in her college career she had her heart set on being a 9^th grade teacher. However, after an in-class teaching experience didn’t go as planned, she quickly realized that maybe that wasn’t the right choice, and on a whim, changed her major. When I heard this, a sense of relief washed over me. Aha! So not everyone knows from the beginning what they want do with their life!

           

               “Whatever your reason for choosing public relations, own it.”

This especially stuck with me because sometimes it is easy to forget the breadth of the public relations field. Many of our CCPA classes focus on more of the serious stuff: textbook definitions, case studies, political communication, rhetorical studies, etc. Some people find all that interesting, but for me personally, I enjoy the lighter side of public relations. McKinley made me realize that it’s okay to admit you want to work in public relations for all the fun stuff, like planning parties and events.

A few other reassuring things I learned from McKinley’s engaging and hilarious presentation:

• -       TMZ IS a news source, no matter what anybody says
• -       A bag of Lay’s potato chips has less salt than a slice of bread
• -       Your degree doesn’t matter! (I think Professor Flournoy cringed upon hearing this)
• -       “You’re supposed to be tired and broke in college. It’s the American way!”

Deanna McKinley really set the standard high for the rest of our speakers, but I am sure they will have just as much to offer. Next in line: Ken Fairchild, Founder and Principal of Fairchild Consulting. Can’t wait!