It's crunch-time for seniors at Grady College, as campaigns classes are in full-swing. The amazing PRSSA Bateman campaigns team is doing a stellar job with their client Safe Kids Athens, and Dr. Russell and Dr. Sweetser's students (many of them my friends) have been hard at work, as well.
As a PR student, I can't imagine a more challenging campaigns client than Edelman. It's only the world's largest independent public relations firm! Event planning for a PR agency... it's even hard to say!
I decided to sit down with master's student Connie Braesch, one of Dr. Sweetser's campaign team leaders for the Edelman Digital Bootcamp, to discuss the whirlwind of the past two months.
What brought you to UGA? Why Grady?
Connie is an active-duty U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant attending grad school here at UGA to eventually become a U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs Officer. She's on a full scholarship from the USCG, as Grady College is the school of choice for the public affairs program. After gradation, Connie will likely head off to Washington D.C.
Tell me a little bit about your campaigns client.
Connie and the rest of her team have been working with Edelman to plan the inaugural Edelman Digital Bootcamp at Grady College on March 1. The idea came to furition during last year's UGA CONNECT Conference. To be brief, the event aims to educate students and educators on the basics and applications of new media in a professional setting. Edelman practitioners will be facilitating sessions throughout the day, providing students and educators incredible exposure to new media and one-on-one time with these experts in the field.
You must be very proficient in new media to be planning a Digital Bootcamp, right?
No, not at all! Connie explained that the only thing she could give a presentation on is how to write an e-mail & commented that it's likely she would make a mistake even on that. (I disagree; I think Connie's a lot smarter than she gives herself credit for. She's a great student in the word of mouth class we take together, but hopefully she will have time to listen in on a few of the sessions at the conference.)
What are you looking forward to the most (other than the sigh of relief you'll have when it's over)?
She's excited to see how social media is actually used in client campaigns. Students at the Bootcamp will have the opportunity to be creative & incorporate their newly learned skills to work on mini-campaigns for real clients. Edelman practitioners will be there to offer guidance along the way.
What is your proudest accomplishment in the campaign so far?
Connie is amazed that she and her team took a concept (a social media bootcamp for students) and turned it into what I know will be an amazing event in only 46 days!
Definitely consider registering for the event. At the very least, come to congratulate Connie for a job well-done. It's coming up this Saturday, and I'm looking forward to it! I will be live-blogging & Twittering, of course, so look for my updates.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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5 comments:
Thanks for posting about the bootcamp. There are 13 folks on the campaign team -- a small army :) -- to plan what we hope is an awesome bootcamp. So, as Erin Caldwell at Edelman says, EARN YOUR STRIPES!
Hey, Lizzie, I know of one more PR campaigns class that would appreciate a shout-out!
It's not easy being green...
Dr. Sweetser -- I would have loved to have a shout-out to everyone on the team because I know they are all working equally hard. Connie couldn't do it alone!
Amy -- Of course, I knew I was forgetting someone! Dr. Sallot's class has been doing an amazing job, as well. Maybe I can interview you about your client?
I'd love to do an interview about Go Green and our awesome clients. Just let me know.
Thanks for the great story Lizzie! You give me too much credit... my team has been the real force behind this campaign. Find out more about the members at: http://www.edelmandigitalbootcamp.com/2008/02/27/roll-call
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