APDA Young Onset Center

I was employed at the American Parkinson Disease Association Young Onset Center from Aug. 09 through Feb. 10. The Young Onset Center is for those who are diagnosed earlier in life, as people with Parkinson's disease are typically diagnosed after the age of 65. I acted as the assistant to the director of the Center. I held a large part in the coordination of APDA Young Onset Conferences. My organization skills were key in helping the director prepare for conferences in Dallas and Sacramento. In fact, comments were made at the Dallas conference regarding how well-organized the event had been. I assisted the Director with writing and editing. While holding the position, I edited two national newsletters and drafted countless e-mails and Center articles. I maintained the Young Onset Center's membership database which, at the time of my resignation, held over 5,800 member profiles. I also maintained the Center Web site, calendar and Facebook fan page.

Part Two: Activities and Honors (Final)

I became a member of NIU’s Student Alumni Association (SAA) in the Spring of 2007. One of my roommates at the time, Deidre, was an active member and suggested that I join. The purpose of our organization was to strengthen the relationship between current students and Alumni of NIU. When I first joined, SAA was still re-establishing themselves. In Fall 2008, I assisted with recruiting new members during the first weekend of school at “Huskie Bash.” After a few more weeks of recruitment, we held our first meeting which was a networking opportunity with Alumni. I met several fabulous alums and enjoyed the experience. The organization gave great opportunities to practice networking and speaking in a professional setting. What I enjoyed most about the organization was being paired with alumni in the same field as I. This gave me a glance of what I might be doing in the future. I suggest that all students join their Student Alumni Association as well.

Activities and Honors (Sect. 3)

After our somewhat comical “What Not To Wear” workshop, we moved on to more intense workshops. I asked Scott Winterroth, an alumnus, to come and talk to the group about press releases and media alerts. I also gave presentations on what makes a successful portfolio and the importance of web blogging. I would have to say that one of the most exciting projects I worked on was setting up the grand opening of Fushi Yami Hibachi n’ Sushi in Dekalb. I kept in close ties with the owner and worked meetings between he and our account executives. It was very successful and the restaurant continues to thrive today! I also set up two very successful agency visits (Edelman & LC Williams). We began to close up the year with our annual “Rock 4 Life” benefit concert. This is the one event NIU PRSSA puts together from scratch. There are no limits in the where and when, and the profits go to whichever non-profit the group chooses (in 2009 the beneficiary was the “Forward Together Forward” memorial fund). The concert raised over $4,000 for the charity. My final project was presenting to the PRSA Suburban Chicagoland Chapter. I was the student perspective of social media, and opened for Jassen Strokosch (a social media guru). Rebuilding the organization was a lot of work, however it was extremely rewarding. I was chosen to win the George M. Crowson (Outstanding Senior in PRSSA) Award, but it was so much more than that. I had gained leadership experience I could not receive in a classroom. I communicated with my peers in a professional manner and solved issues the organization came across, not as a college student, but as a young adult. I have met lifelong friends and mentors and found an inner professional strength I never knew existed.

Activities and Honors (Sect. 2)

Over time, the PRSSA firm at NIU had slightly crumbled. By my junior year, attendance and participation had gone downhill severely and a large percent of the NIU student body didn’t know who we were. At the decision of our executive board, it was our mission to spread the word of our chapter around campus and re-establish the Betsy Plank chapter. We also decided that it would be in the chapter’s best interest for a number of executive board members to attend the PRSSA National Conference - that included the president, contact director, PR coordinator and myself. There, I met PRSSA members from all over the United States. Our members became particularly close to the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh Chapter. When we returned from Detroit, our hearts were in PRSSA and we were ready to make the remainder of the Fall semester and Spring semester fantastic. I had already scheduled a firm visit to Ketchum, which went very smoothly.

Activities and Honors (Sect. 1)

I joined the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)in Fall 2007 quite honestly because I knew I’d have to put something on my resume and my best friend, Carri, was a member. I never imagined how much PRSSA would affect me. I became more heavily involved in the spring, acting as the Account Executive for the Bowl for Kid’s Sake client. My job as AE was to be sort of liaison between Big Brothers/Big Sisters and my group members. I was to make sure group members attended meetings, and if they did not, to update them on what had been missed. This was when I first began to learn how a firm ran and the responsibilities behind a successful PR firm. The executive board appreciated my efforts, attitude, and work and I received Sara Barr Cohen (Outstanding Junior in PRSSA) Award in the Spring of 2008. After my involvement in BFKS, firm visits, etc. I considered running for an executive board position. Elections were held and I was the new Vice-President of NIU’s PRSSA.

An Education

I began my education at Northern Illinois University in the Fall of 2005. I made it my goal to graduate in 4 years. I completed my first three, found out I would have to take 18 hours of 400 level classes during the two remaining semesters of my senior year to finish on time, so I trudged through and graduated in May 2009.

I did this because I knew (HAH!) that I would have my dream job at a PR firm lined up and waiting for me in May. I don’t feel stupid admitting this now because what graduating senior doesn’t want to think that? So, although I kept up with the news, I guess I didn’t let it sink in that the economy was on a slippery slope and it would be harder for me to find a job. I have, indeed, learned my lesson.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Specifically, it is Corporate Communications – which is a route taken by many at NIU who would like to do Public Relations (there’s no actual PR program).

The Resume Project

Hello loyal readers (Carri), Firefox Stumblers and employers. I have made a decision that I am excited for and, at the same time, mad that I didn’t think of earlier. As I sat on the train that I take to Chicago two days a week, bored (no offense, Metra) and without a book – I had an idea. Since I have my laptop in tow, I am going to take this time and prepare a blog. A blog that I hope points me in the direction of a job. Because you see, I am going to blog about what is on my resume – piece by piece. I originally posted my resume as a “Table of Contents,” but decided a resume is something that should only be shared with potential employers. Thank you and enjoy.