Students interested in pursuing a career in public relations got a feel for the field at a panel held last night. The event, sponsored by the Career Center and Student Government, Inc., was held in Marillac Terrace from 5-8 p.m.

Representatives from Hill & Knowlton, Stanton Communications, New York Magazine and KBuzz Social Media spoke about their careers and offered advice about students interested in breaking into the field. John DiMarco, assistant professor of Public Relations and Advertising at St. John’s, was also a panelist at the event.

The panelists all stressed the importance of internships.

Jill Weiskopf, communications manager and PR manager for New York Magazine, said that she interned at a few magazines during her time as a student at Cornell, initially interested in going into the editorial field. But after graduation, she got an internship in the communications department at New York Magazine and was then offered a job there. Weiskopf said that by interning, students would “make connections,” much like she did after her internship, helping in the job process after graduation.

Kristen Malzone, director of the Buzz Builder Network at the Kbuzz Social Media and Word of Mouth Marketing Agency, spoke about the importance of being able to write effectively.

“If you can communicate effectively in writing, that will help you so much when you’re applying for a job,” she said.
Malzone recommended blogging as a way to practice written communication.

DiMarco cited four areas students should have experience in if they want to enter the public relations field: writing, research, presentation and technology.

After the panel was over, students were able to speak with the panelists, and were served a three-course dinner.