How I see it, as I see it.

Today was an exciting day for Centennial College’s public relations students as they joined dynamic podcasting duo Terry Fallis and David Jones for the taping of Inside PR’s 100^th show. 

At the front end, students were encouraged to contribute with comments and opinions about big picture issues in public relations.  Compelling student comments and insightful answers by Mr. Jones and Mr. Fallis offered great insight into ethics, ideals, and future trends in social media and public relations in general.

Needless to say, 50 minutes of taped discussion passed quickly. 

Reflecting on the experience, my classmate, Tara Young, and I agreed there was common sentiment among the 40-member student body that made up the majority of the podcast’s audience. 

1. It’s difficult to muster up the courage to get up and speak into a mic.
2. It’s difficult to formulate a value-added question or comment. 

Tara and I concluded that these obstacles are largely interrelated.  Once the light bulb goes off, and you figure out something great to add to the conversation, it’s much easier to get up in front of any audience. 

I eventually mustered up the courage to ask Mr. Jones and Mr. Fallis a question related to ethics and social media.  Before asking the question, I had an idea of the direction the discussion would take.  This was the main reason for my hesitation.    

As we have recently learned during in-class interviewing modules, it’s common practice for interviewers to ask questions to which they already know the answers.  Their intent being to get their source to tell the story. 

But, do the same rules apply in the realm of social-media?  Is it common ground to raise issues to stir up conversation? Or, should questions always be extended out of genuine need for an answer?

January marks the beginning of the internship process at Centennial College’s Corporate Communications and Public Relations program.  Some students, me included, enroll in the program largely for the assisted field placement. So far, I am happy with the outlook of my internship possibilities. 

At this point in the process, students make the decision between agency, government and non-profit.  Some are very clear about their direction - others, not. 

I have spent the past five months researching the nature of work in each sector.  Intending to make the optimal career choice, I’ve tapped into many resources - textbooks, guest speakers, networking events, professors and the blogosphere.

At this point, I am confident to declare my interest in PR agencies - small, medium and large.  I am still struggling to determine which of the three will provide the best kick-start for my career.

By no means is my career focus a decision to be taken lightly.  However, am I over-estimating the impact it will have on my long-term success?  Is it a make it or break it situation?  

My intuition tells me the answer is a whopping no.  However, I am still nervous to declare the direction of my career path. Unsure of the magnitude of possibilities, how can I be expected to make the best decision? 

I guess I will have to resort to a different approach - the best decision for right now.  

In response to positive feedback on the benefits of blogging, I have decided to launch my first blog. (Well, that and the fact that it’s now a requirement for my Online PR course at Centennial College.)

My initial hesitation in launching a blog was rooted in the fear of publishing my personal thoughts and opinions for the world to see. However, after sifting through hundreds of pro-blogging posts, I am convinced that Web 2.0 sets the stage for  opportunity more than it does threats.   Enabling instantaneous sharing and reflection of information and opinion, it levels the playing field and encourages insightful thinking. To pass up blogging is to pass up the opportunity to develop my craft.

I struggled with the earliest stages of blog development – choosing a name.

At last fall’s IABC/Toronto event – an evening seminar on surefire strategies for branding yourself – keynote speaker, Roz Usheroff, emphasized the impact, influence and opportunity that lie within a strong brand. As I have learned, writing a blog provides opportunity to manage your online reputation.  In essence, a chance to brand yourself.

I found myself two days (and countless lists) later, still trying to generate a name that: (1) accurately represents who I am, (2) distinguishes me from my peers and (3) triggers the idea that it is a student’s commentary on PR.

Narrowed down to two names – Fresh PRspective or PRpetual Motion – I resorted to surveying peers, colleagues and friends.

Almost instantly I got a response from blogging guru Paull Young:

“Hmmm, I must admit that the plays on PR are getting a bit over done. (Says the man who author’s Young PR - however in my defense that’s simply my initials). 

How about plain old kristenzemlak.com? I’m moving over to paullyoung.com shortly (but hanging onto Young PR cause I’m already branded as such).”

At this moment, I realized that in an attempt to be original, I fell into the trap I was trying to avoid. No wonder I couldn’t figure out which one to use – neither was good enough.

Out of this, my blog name was born – How I see it, as I see it. I feel this title accurately represents what I plan to publish on this website – my experiences, as they relate to PR, corporate communications and Web 2.0.

 I welcome the comments of my peers, colleagues and friends on the posts to come.