I’m a Master!

May 22, 2012

Geez, you’d think after completing graduate school, I’d have more time to blog (Ha!) Yeah…well, it’s been about two weeks since my last post and I haven’t found the time to blog, until today… How pathetic!

But, ta-daaaa! Here I am, and I have BIG NEWS.

I GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhh, yes. The day finally came when I could pack-up the school books and close down Microsoft Word. On Mother’s Day (for real, who plans these things?), I graduated from IUPUI with my MA in PR Management in Health Care and Life Sciences (say that 3x fast). About freaking time, it’s been three years! I have literally been in school for 19 years. 19. One. Nine. I don’t know how med students do it, because near the end, I was damn-near brain-dead.

Anyways, yes– I’m a Master at life, err…PR. Master in PR. Mom and Dad wanting nothing more than to see me walk and be hooded, so I did. It still hasn’t hit me that I am done. Maybe it will around the holidays when I have NOTHING to do except bake cookies, eat and watch holiday shows all day. I was thinking I should probably develop some kind of hobby now that I have so-called, “free time,” (even though I hadn’t had a chance to blog in two weeks…). But then I remembered…OH YEAH, the boy and I bought a house so you better believe I am about to be decorating up a storm and watching HGTV/Pinteresting for ideas!

Summer is just about here, and now that I have that little thing called grad school out-of-the-way, I am super pumped to turn my house into a home!

The rents and me!

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Posted by Jackie

Complete serenity

April 29, 2012

serenity pink black trees picture and wallpaperFor the first time in a long time, I woke up with a clear head. I thought, “What will I do today?” “Should I write a blog, go to the gym, read The Help, cook a nice dinner for Scott?” My list could go on and on. Why? I’ve finally completed my last final of graduate school. After three years, I’m a MASTER!

Though my last ‘real’ class was last Thursday, I still had a final to complete. A big pain in the you know what final (one question took me three hours, no joke). I had about two questions left yesterday and spent a good majority of the day finishing, proofing and printing that bad boy. Next Thursday is my real last day of school—but the class is meeting at my favorite restaurant in Indy to turn those suckers in, Santorini’s Greek Kitchen, AKA Athens in Indy (HEAVEN).

Waking up this morning, for the first time in three years not having to worry about school, put me in a state of tranquility. No more balancing act between work and school. No more saying no to plans because I need to finish a paper. No more library or Starbucks days to hammer out a case study. I have my life back to do as I please!!!

Don’t get me wrong, if I had to do it all over again, I’d still get my MA. I’m a better writer, researcher and PR professional because of it. My education is something no one will ever be able to take away from me. And man, am I glad I finished before having a husband or kids. Major props to my classmates who juggled work, school, parenting and families—I salute you because that is NOT easy.

Now that I have all this ‘free time,’ I told my friends and family that I’ll have to find some kind of hobby or something to keep me busy. Well, hopefully I’ll be able to share good news by the end of this week—but I have found the perfect thing to keep me busy throughout the summer and the fall…more to come on that later!!

Now, time to read a book for fun… :)

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Posted by Jackie

The A-Z guide to completing grad school while working full-time

April 5, 2012

Four.

That’s the number of classes I have left in graduate school. The end is so close and I’m coasting through these last couple of classes. As I approach the finish line, I’ve had time to look back and reminisce over the many nights and weekends I’ve dedicated to this MA degree. Here’s a little A-Z guide to completing graduate school while working a full-time job.

A-     Abort (What you should do if studying goes past midnight)

B-      Beaches (What’s nice to think about as you start your fifth communications paper)

C-      Clouded (How your mind feels after the professor reviews the syllabus)

D-     Daring (How you feel when you leave work at 5:45 p.m. and class starts at 6 p.m.)

E-      Exhausted (How you often feel at the end of the day)

F-      Friendly (The way you should act toward classmates even if you don’t feel that way)

G-     Genius (What you are!)

H-     Headache (What you often have after a crazy work and school day)

I-       Ice cream (Makes homework more enjoyable)

J-       Jack Daniels (Makes you forget about class altogether. I kid… I kid, but really)

K-      Kittens (Make you smile, every time)

L-      Love (What family and friends provide you to keep you going)

M-    Mad Men (The show to watch that reminds you how awesome your industry is)

N-     Nights (The time of day that you should take classes so you can keep working full-time)

O-     Overwhelmed (A feeling you will identify with often, but get used to)

P-      Pedicure (A great way to reward yourself after a big assignment is turned in)

Q-     Quarter (The change you will need to fill the meter when you don’t want to spend $200+ for a parking pass)

R-      Running (Relieves the stress)

S-      Strong (What you need to be)

T-      Time-management (The skill you HAVE to have to balance priorities)

U-     Unconscious (What happens to you when your head hits the pillow every night)

V-     Values (What to remind yourself to reaffirm why you’re getting the degree)

W-   Wheaties (Breakfast of champions, of course)

X-      Xanax (What you feel like taking, but don’t need to!)

Y-      Yes ‘you can’ (The phrase to tell yourself when you say, “I can’t do this…”)

Z-      Zestful (How you feel when you have four classes left!!)

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Posted by Jackie

2011 Reflections; 2012 Forecasts

January 3, 2012

I’m not one to usually ‘be ready’ for a New Year to begin. The holiday season is my favorite time of year. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, there’s a part of me that wishes it could last forever.

This year was different.

2011 was still a great year! A lot of exciting events happened: Scott (boyfriend) graduated from pharmacy school and Charlie (brother) graduated from the University of Michigan. I celebrated my two-year anniversary at Borshoff, was promoted to an account manager, and also visited Las Vegas and New Orleans for the first time. My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Key West where they so kindly let Charlie, Scott and me tag along. I made my first ‘big girl’ purchase and bought a new car (Love my Rav4!). And, I just got back from the most amazing vacation in Ft. Myers with Scott’s family where we rang in the New Year on the beach as we released paper lanterns into the night sky.

However, 2011 was also a sad year. I lost two grandparents (my mom’s parents) within four months of each other. My other grandmother’s health declined significantly, and my uncle divorced. I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life, but these events have taught me how to grieve and that it’s okay to do so.

But now 2012 is here and it will certainly be a year of change for me. In May, Scott and I will celebrate our four-year anniversary. It will also be around this time (maybe even sooner) that we start looking for a house of our own. I can’t wait!! Slowly, we’re taking that next big step so who knows what will come after (or before) that…

Also in May—GRADUATION! I will finally complete my MA degree at IUPUI. Next Thursday I begin the first class of my last semester (taking two classes). I’m actually looking forward to classes starting just because it’s one step closer to saying hello to my diploma in May and goodbye to outside assignments after work hours. It’s a good thing Scott and I are buying a house because I’m going to have to find a hobby or something to keep me busy with all my extra free time. Good thing I love decorating and organizing.

Finally, this September I turn 25. That’s halfway between 20 and 30. I consider that a huge milestone, too.

With that said, I’m excited the New Year is here so I can start making small steps to big changes in my life. I am more than ready for the next stage to begin.

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Posted by Jackie

The final countdown

November 19, 2011

I haven’t blogged too much about grad school this past semester or what I have been working on. To catch you up, I’m in two classes; one is Health Care PR (which I will get into later in the post), the other is Strategic Marketing Management–a class that pairs PR grad students with MBA students and focuses on providing us with an overview of marketing in practice. You wouldn’t think pairing PR and MBA students would be challenging–boy, let me tell you. This class forced me to be outside of my comfort zone to try to, for lack of a better word, “Get on their level.” There were things we were studying that I had never heard of before. In contrast, we had several writing projects (case studies and one semester-long project) that I had to take under my wing because the MBA students were…(ahem)…not talented writers. Sure, they used the right business language, but grammar, sentence-structure, consistency and formatting are not really their thing. I was able to help and I know my team members were grateful…as was the professor.

Anyways, the class has been challenging, but I have learned a great deal from it. It also forced me to work with people I never met in my life as we were scattered across the country. Our final marketing plan and an executive summary PPT are due tomorrow and we are in the final editing stages. Hallelujah! I never thought it would end! For our semester-long project, three teams of four formed one consulting group and were assigned to create a sports/energy drink and launch it into a new market to a specific audience (all variables were up to us based on research findings). Each team was assigned a certain part of the paper, and luckily my group had the last leg of the project where I was able to fine-tune and clean-up everything, while also developing the integrated marketing communication tactics (media relations, PR, advertising–holla). The picture in this post is the final packaging we ended up creating for our product (LivRite™, designed specifically for female audiences). I have a really good feeling about our project and look forward to receiving the feedback from the professor.

Now that my marketing class is about done, I have one more to go; Health Care PR where I’ve been assigned to create, promote and launch a campaign designed around a new FDA-approved drug. I’m not going to divulge any insights yet, as this paper isn’t due until December 15, but I will be sure to share all my fabricated clinical trial results, product information and how I will promote it, at some point.

After December 15 I’m home-free and off to Fort Myers after Christmas. A nice two-week break before my last semester of graduate school is all I need.

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Posted by Jackie

Mini panic attack

October 12, 2011

I have not blogged about school or classes for some time.

Oh don’t worry. I’m still in enrolled…still truckin’ along.

This fall I am taking two classes, Strategic Marketing Management (SMM), a Kelley School of Business class that I am in with MBA students, and Public Relations in the Life Sciences, a class about PR in the pharma industry. It’s definitely a struggle doing both classes and working full-time–but that’s not new. You’ve heard me say that before…plenty of times. I am enjoying both classes–however, around the first of September I had already started my PR class and was just beginning my business class when I had a…mini panic attack. As part of the SMM class, I am required to blog (whoda thought?)  about my experience in the class and what I am learning. Well, my first blog post wasn’t really a cheery one. Take a look below to see what my professor read from me on Sept. 6.

——————————-

It’s the first day of class and I already feel overwhelmed. Maybe it’s not good to blog right now as I have mixed emotions and concerns already. I was (and still am) excited for this class and what all there is to learn. I applaud the professor for all the communication which is typically a downfall of the online Kelley classes. However, I am panicking because the workload appears too heavy for my busy schedule. I’m not saying that my schedule is any different or busier than anyone else’s. However, the short and long-term assignments, readings and semester projects leave me concerned due to my work, school and travel schedule. It will be challenging to complete weekly assignments in one week.

I am unsure about others, but I work full-time and am taking two classes. My other class occurs Tuesday nights, when we have our live Breeze sessions. This is unfortunate as that seems like the only time I will be able to converse with my classmates and the professor live to answer questions we all will have. I will try to do the best I can to accommodate, but I am not sure how that is going to work…I’m left anxious.

Yesterday night and today after work, I spent hours reviewing the Angel website and everything on the course’s page. I clicked every link and read through all pages, even printing all big assignments out. Some due dates have multiple items due on those days. Some due dates involve projects that are group work. I don’t know my group members and worry that we all may be on different time zones or maybe even countries. I’m not sure how that is going to work. Being an online class is tough enough—group projects for online classes are even more difficult.

Once I read through the entire Angel site, I reviewed all the special assignments for the semester: The Team Based Marketing Plan (and various deadlines), the individual and group case memos, learning journal entries and the ideation project. The team-based marketing plan leaves me with questions that I am sure will be answered in the Breeze sessions…if I am ever able to attend.

I admit…I’m a perfectionist and have to do everything accurately. I also worry a lot. I know I am probably thinking too deep on a lot of this, but I am a PR professional and have to have all the facts before I begin work. Prior to getting started on this semester-long marketing plan project, I will need more details and information on where to even begin.

I’m sorry this post appears negative but I am just sharing my “personal learning experience” and thoughts along the way. Normally, I am a very positive person and I hope that shines through on my next post.

————————————

I had quite the pity party for myself, didn’t I? The next morning I reread my post and thought, “Ugh…I’m such a cry  baby.” I apologized in my next post for being such a Debby Downer. The class is going well so far, I just got overwhelmed looking at EVERYTHING I had to do for the semester. Now, I am just taking it one day at a time–and all will be okay.

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Posted by Jackie

The value of continuing education in PR

September 15, 2011

The question was asked at last November’s Hoosier PRSA luncheon. “Would you recommend graduating college seniors dive right into a Master’s degree, or should we work in the field for a couple of years first?”

During the luncheon in November, known for the month of Half Day with a Pro, the aspiring Purdue student asked her question to the distinguished panel of APR professionals. They answered their wise, honest opinions that it is good to get a couple of years under your belt before going after an M.A. degree in PR, or some communication field. The question was then opened to the audience for feedback. I never spoke up.

For some people, working in the field for a couple of years prior to obtaining a graduate degree is completely logical. For me, I was determined to achieve that competitive edge early in my career. Following my Butler 2009 graduation, I immediately started my graduate work in IUPUI’s M.A. in PR program, concentrating on PR Health Care and Life Sciences; one of the three different areas of management. The flexible, part-time program was perfect for my schedule as I also was just starting an internship at Borshoff.

Though the program is specifically designed for working professionals with three to seven years of experience, I am proof that this claim is not necessarily true. In fact, working (now full-time) at Borshoff, while completing my graduate degree has been one of the smartest things I have ever done. I write better, think more strategically, research effectively, proof with a critical eye, and can lay out a campaign in perfect ROPE method with ease. In other words, I am ‘mastering’ the field (no pun intended) and applying what I learn at work, at school, and what I learn at school, at work. It’s the best of both worlds.

Looking back, I wish I would have spoken up at the November Hoosier PRSA luncheon. I would have explained to the girl and audience, that it depends on the person and the stage of life they are in because it is different for everyone. Now just happen to be the right time for me to complete my degree, and I am a better PR professional, with my coworkers and my clients, because of it.

For more information about IUPUI’s M.A. in PR program, click HERE or follow on Twitter at @IUMastersinPR.

See this post on the Hoosier PRSA website.

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Posted by Jackie

The possibility of not graduating…

August 17, 2011

…was running through my head about four weeks ago.

They say bad things happen in threes. Well, I found out that the IU Masters in PR program director (and my adviser) was no longer with the school; I was not signed up for my fall Kelley School of Business class (unlike what I was previously told); and my other fall class was suddenly cancelled.

Oh NO they didn’t.

I’m on track to graduate next May and nothing is standing in my way. No communication was sent to any of the students. Being PR graduate students (and not just students, but professionals in the field), yes, it’s a little ironic and bothersome that no internal communication was delivered to us as a heads-up. I mean, come on…we PR people PRIDE ourselves on communication.  So…I took action and my cohort and I banded together to get answers. Just this evening, the new IUPUI School of Journalism (SOJ) Associate Dean (and my new adviser) and Bloomington’s SOJ Dean met with me and other graduate students at the University Place hotel to discuss business. Turns out IU Bloomington’s SOJ is expanding and growing the program in Indianapolis. Three hours of Q&A later, I now look forward to the changes that will take place and the opportunities that will come our way. Everything looks promising and a lot of great ideas are in the works.

Despite my worrisome weeks, it just took time for things to fall into place; in other words, I just encountered a little speed bump in my graduate journey. Through several email exchanges, I was able to enroll in my business class and my fall class was reinstated. I’m now a happy camper and was reassured I would still graduate next May.

Rule of thumb—time does heal. Yes, I might have had to get answers on my own and things were frustrating for a while, but everything worked out in the end.

With that said, fall classes start next week! My second to last semester is here. I’m taking two classes (confirmed!): PR Health Care and Strategic Marketing Management. I’m excited for the health care class as it will be the first class I take toward my concentration. It also is being taught by an employee of GSK out of Pennsylvania, so our classes are via video teleconference (sweet!) As for Strategic Marketing Management, I am sure it will beneficial, but it’s also an online business class, so we will see how that goes. It’s going to be a busy fall, that’s for sure.

Here goes nothing! Wish me luck…

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Posted by Jackie

PR Lifelines in Health Care Conference 2011

April 14, 2011

On April 7, I attended IUPUI’s PR Lifelines in Health Care conference.  I had the opportunity to attend not only as a graduate student studying PR health care but also as a representative of Borshoff. A blog I wrote about my experience is posted on Borshoff’s website. I encourage you to check it out!

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Posted by Jackie

The graduate work continues

March 7, 2011

I really don’t talk about graduate school a lot. I guess it’s because it is ongoing…still going…work to class…class to home…papers…papers…papers.

I don’t say much because there is not a whole lot to say…except that I am still truckin’ along.

BUT–there is a light at the end of the tunnel. After this semester, I have 4.5 classes to go (I count one as a .5 because it is only a month long…so technically 5, but 4.5 sounds better). Regardless, I will be done by summer 2012. Hallelujah!

I’ll be the first to admit that I can’t WAIT to be done. However, going after my M.A. is also the best thing I could have ever done.

Three tracks are available at IUPUI in the PR Master’s program: PR Health Care track, PR General Management track and PR Sports Management track. I’m in the Master’s in PR Health Care and Life Sciences program. I chose health care because it struck my fancy, and honestly, I wanted some kind of niche in PR. I can get the general management stuff down–but I wanted to have a competitive edge in something.

So what’s the deal with the health care track? Well…this area of study prepares graduates for positions in today’s rapidly growing fields of health care and life sciences. This is a vital and growing business sector in Indiana with multiple organizations in the health care, life sciences/biotechnology, hospital and pharmaceutical industries. This track includes an advanced curriculum in PR and business courses (yes, I have to take Kelley business classes…ughhh) with distinctive coursework concentrated in health care and life sciences PR.

If you are interested in the Master’s PR Health Care track, I highly encourage you to read some of the blogs written by graduate students (even me!) If you are still interested, check out the M.A. in Public Relations website.  If you are STILL interested, contact Bob Dittmer, director of public relations graduate studies (rdittmer@iupui.edu). Better yet, if you have any questions–feel free to talk to me! :)

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Posted by Jackie

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