Make it Tiki with a Wiki
Posted by: crtnyhks on: March 29, 2009
In JB #4520, good new-fashioned Social Media, we talked about Wikis.
If you’re like me, you think you know enough about Wikis to give the silent-Ahh-yes-you’re exactly-right nod but not enough to actually say much outside of that nod. Perhaps Wikis have something to do with that tiny site known as Wikipedia or the Wet Paint site my PR group used a couple years ago. Hmm…
Wikis are great sources to manage group projects and improve communication. Now I wonder why the heck I didn’t consider using them sooner, especially now that it’s the last semester of my senior year!
What is a Wiki?
Who should use Wikis?
People who
A) Are managing group projects and events.
B) Need to communicate with everyone but want better interaction than conference calls and mass e-mails.
C) Want an archive of information that is open to each member of the group to change as necessary.
Case-in-Point
I’m mentally kicking myself for not using a Wiki as we were plannning the OSU JB Communications Networking Expo. Throughout the planning process we struggled to find a medium that would work.
Facebook: Created a group to post information on discussion boards, the wall and message the team.
Positives – We knew what everyone on the team looked like from profile pictures. Otherwise it was mostly…
Negatives – Members typically didn’t post any information on the discussion board, it didn’t offer an avenue for all team members to update each other and members rarely communicated progress.
Basic e-mail: As the chair, I regularly sent e-mail updates about meetings, team assignments and progress.
Positives – Team members were well informed about what was going on and a few maintained regular communication that way.
Negatives – Didn’t provide an avenue for group discussion, not all team members responded and updated group on progress, information primarily came from one source and information wasn’t archived in one central location for group access.
See why I have scuff marks from frustration?
Thank goodness I learned more about Wikis now – instead of years later! Also, this site has been really helpful for my many, I’m-not-raising-my-hand questions.
What about you? Anything that you’ve considered (or have) used Wikis for?
Lord, Let Your RAIN Fall on Me
Posted by: crtnyhks on: March 25, 2009
On Monday night while I was leading Yoga at the University Center, the storm hit Stillwater. As we pushed up into downward dog, we heard the rain pour onto the roof. While bracing ourselves for the Pilates 100, the UC was pelted with hail the size of quarters.
We were just nearing the end when rain started gushing from at least eight spots along the western wall. Students from the lobby poured into the room to help catch the water with our assorted collection of trash cans, ice chests, pots and towels. Even though our wall was soaked, the carpet began to smell and the room was filled with frentic activity – it was rather inspiring.
Whoever designed the church was an idiot. They gave it a flat roof. Of course, this means that for the past few decades of the building’s existence, its staff and students regularly visit the UC during storms to make sure that the UC isn’t flooded. After the rain pours in, the fellowship room is usually aired out for a couple of days to dry the carpet and walls.
Fortunately, it’s also given our students a tradition to remember during their time at OSU and the UC. For instance, our group of seniors often refers to the storm during the spring banquet of our freshman year. While at Meditations, one of the elders burst into the banquet to announce that the UC was flooded and we “needed a few good men” to save the day. Of course, practically all of the guys left and the girls were left to wrap up the banquet and clean up. The guys later said that there really wasn’t anything to do, except put buckets under the drips and watch. We laugh about now. It certainly wasn’t the bailing buckets of water scenario that we’d imagined!
True, it sounds like a pretty lame ritual, but our group is always strengthened a bit when we’re forced to work together and help keep the UC going, even if it means putting a pot under a drip. Watching people work together successfully and have a great attitude is a gift to behold.
It’s cheesy, but I dig teamwork.
By the way, after the rush we continued Yoga, in case you were concerned.
My ship has crashed
Posted by: crtnyhks on: March 1, 2009
I’m glad that I’m sick now, not earlier this month.
February has been crazy… good, but I’m glad it’s petering off. I’m sure I’m not the only one!
- Communications Networking Expo
- Campus Encounter, monthlong preparation, weekend event
- Brother came to town (Yay!)
- Secret Valentine stuff and party
- Biggest Loser planning and meetings
- Exams
- Grad school applications, acceptance (Yay!)
- Camera crashed
- Flash drive flaked out
- Limping around the house for a few days
- Taught first Yoga class!
I’m glad to crash, even if it includes the sniffles and cough.
Expo: Mission Accomplished
Posted by: crtnyhks on: March 1, 2009
The Communications Networking Expo was a smashing success. Reasons:
1) Students got hands-on networking experience with professional contacts and potential employers.
2) Students were prepared with interview-style attire and stacks of resumes.
3) Employers were pleased to meet so many enthusiastic, appreciative and interested students.
4) Faculty, staff, students and employers said they enjoyed the experience and hoped it would become a tradition.
5) The ballroom’s environment was casual, but professional. It must have been the orange and black sequins…
Hurrah! Our team (Bobbi Kay, Allison, Jasmine, Jessica, Mary, Stacy, Sierra, Whitney and I) had been planning the expo for months. We’ve learned a lot about the various issues that crop up when planning this kind of event, including reservation issues, promotional problems, university involvement and more. It was so exciting (and such a relief) to see the expo actually happen. If you get a chance, tell these women what a great job they did to plan and promote the expo. We had a great team.
The expo was designed to help students learn how to network with communication professionals, regardless if they were on the job/internship hunt or not. Granted, not as many employers attended as were listed on our Web site, but those who did were thrilled with our students attendance and enthusiasm. Go JB School!
Most students left with smiles on their faces, even if they were bummed that some employers hadn’t attended (we were bummed, too). It’s so exciting to think that even if students didn’t directly get internships or employment from the expo, they gained some networking experience. It’s not as scary as it looks, huh?
As I saw students line up to register and network with our attending employers, I realized that our team had done the best we could (especially for a first time event) and had succeeded. Students had an opportunity to mingle with people who wanted to mingle with them specifically.
Thank you to each of you who promoted, supported, planned for and attended the Communications Networking Expo. You made it a success!
Plus, my nightmares (random ice storms, twisters, catering miscommunication, no employers, no students) are over. Thank goodness! : )
Expo: Possibly Asked Questions
Posted by: crtnyhks on: February 25, 2009
Wondering whether attending the Communications Networking Expo is worth your time? What the heck you’re supposed to do? Who’s coming to the Expo? What it will look like?
Hopefully my list of Possibly Asked Questions will help you out. Comment or tweet me if you have unanswered questions.
Umm… when and where is it?
Why isn’t it just called a “career fair” instead of a “networking expo”?
No booths?! How do I know who is who?
How will it be set-up?
How should I dress?
Should I bring my resume?
Do I have to stay the entire time?
What am I supposed to do?
Which employers are coming?
Is it really worth my time?
Umm… when and where is it?
Tomorrow (Thursday, February 26) from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom on the second floor.
Why isn’t it just called a “career fair” instead of a “networking expo”?
Because it’s not a career fair. What?! The expo won’t have booths for employers and it’s not designed for direct “I want a job, you can give it to me” interactions. It is designed to help students and potential employers interact and begin developing relationships. Some, not all, employers are looking for interns and employees. These positions are listed here.
No booths?! How will I know who is who?
Every attending employer representative will have name badges that state their name and which company or organization they’re from. They’ll also have colored flags on their badges which indicate which majors they’re most interested in speaking with. Students will also wear nametags with flags that indicate what their major(s) are. The code will be posted on table tents and fliers.
Code:
Purple - Advertising, marketing, graphic design
Blue - Broadcast
Yellow - News-editorial
Pink - Public Relations
Green - Sports Media
How will it be set-up?
Twelve bistro tables will be scattered throughout the center of the room and will feature peppermints, pens and table tents with OSU and media facts. The tables will serve as networking stations for employers and students to chat around.
Three long tables in the middle of the room will host employers’ promotional materials.
You can store your backpacks, purses, jackets, etc. on either one of the two long tables in the corners of the room.
How should I dress?
Since some employers are looking for interns and employees, you should still dress professionally. Employers (and business contacts in general) like to see students take the initiative and look nice.
Example: matching two-piece suit with closed-toe dress shoes, simple shirt and minimal jewelry. Still not sure about proper attire? Click on Dressing for the Interview here.
Should I bring my resume?
Yes – bring multiple copies of your resume. You never know who might want to get some take-home information about you! You can visit HireOSUGrads for a stack of resume paper and thank you notes. Your fees pay for them!
Do I have to stay the entire time?
Nope. It’s come and go from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Take advantage of the time and get to know these employers who came to see you.
What am I supposed to do?
Introduce yourself: “Hi, I’m Jim Bob and I’m studying basket-weaving. It’s nice to meet you.”
Thank them for coming to the expo. People always like to be appreciated.
Start chatting – talk about the current state of the economy, job prospects, OSU, etc. Ask them about their job – what do they do, why do they like it, any advice for recent graduates, etc.
Remember to relax. Our visiting representatives are human, too. (Just don’t spill the beans about how much you hate searching for a job, etc. Be wise.)
Which employers are coming?
Newspapers, broadcast stations, advertising and public relations firms, non-profits and radio stations. The complete list is here.
Is it really worth my time?
If you’d like to meet people who can help you get an internship or a job, you should come to the Communications Networking Expo. The expo is designed for journalism and communication majors like you – why not invest some time in getting to know the employers who sacrificed their time to meet you? The expo will give you connections and networking experience – take advantage of the opportunity.
If you need further information about the expo, visit www.cowboynetworking.org or send us an e-mail at students@cowboynetworking.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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