Top 5 Tips for the New Year By Judith Stern Friedman January is a fitting time to reflect on our work as communication professionals. Thanks to the Romans, the name of this month hails from Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. How ironic that in a writing framework, starting and transitioning are among our…… Continue reading Resolved: To Write Better
Category: Advice from a Pro
Top 10 Posts of 2022 Focus on Self Improvement, Job Search and DEI
Time flies: Culpwrit is wrapping up its 14th year and nearing 1,500 posts. It was the early spring of 2008 when three interns led by Kevin Saghy pitched the idea of this blog to yours truly, who at the time headed the Chicago office of Ketchum. That winning pitch was more life changing than…… Continue reading Top 10 Posts of 2022 Focus on Self Improvement, Job Search and DEI
‘Start with the Future and Work Back:’ Unlocking Brand Value Through Corporate Heritage
The following article was written by DePaul University public relations grad student Michael Bellino as a final class assignment in researching and writing about an agency studied during the fall term of my agency-client relationship course. Michael was assigned to The History Factory and its founder and former CEO Bruce Weindruch, who pioneered the…… Continue reading ‘Start with the Future and Work Back:’ Unlocking Brand Value Through Corporate Heritage
Let’s Learn from ‘The Internet’s Agent’
By Jamie Zimmerman Do you ever find yourself sitting on the couch with friends and gossiping over the red carpet at events like the Met Gala? Because I know I do. And so did 27-year-old Robyn DelMonte, otherwise known as “@GirlBossTown” on both TikTok and Instagram. The difference between the two of us is…… Continue reading Let’s Learn from ‘The Internet’s Agent’
Interview Prep Advice for Your First Role in PR
Jobs in the PR industry tend to require confidence, strong communication skills and good interpersonal skills. The interview stage is therefore an important step in helping hiring managers determine if you’re the right fit for the role. Consultant and researcher Amanda Crowe and I put our heads together to come up with the following…… Continue reading Interview Prep Advice for Your First Role in PR
Did I Choose the Right Major?
Q. I’ve just started the first semester of my sophomore year and wonder if I picked the wrong major (journalism). I love journalism, but other friends have switched to public relations and digital media which seem to offer more job prospects. I know you are biased towards PR, but I’m looking for all sorts…… Continue reading Did I Choose the Right Major?
The Apprenticeship Gap
By David Selby “View your career as a lifelong apprenticeship” was a wonderful piece of advice I received early in my now long professional journey. I probably didn’t know what to make of it at the time, but it is advice that I have carried with me and reflected upon often. To me “lifelong…… Continue reading The Apprenticeship Gap
Why We All Need to Get Back to the Office
Although the work-from-home routine has gotten comfortable for many of us, it is time to get back to the office—at least for part of the week. And this is vitally important for recent graduates and young pros trying to launch their careers. Over the past few weeks, I have talked with more than a…… Continue reading Why We All Need to Get Back to the Office
Q&A: Are Cover Letters Still Relevant?
Q. Most online job boards seem to only want a copy of my resume, but some postings require a cover letter and others make them optional. A cover letter takes a lot of thought and time. Does it really matter? -DL A. Over the years, I’ve often had similar doubts–mainly because I’ve seen so…… Continue reading Q&A: Are Cover Letters Still Relevant?
Future PR & Ad Leaders Celebrate Accomplishments with Chicago Pros
By Myat Min Soe After a pandemic-caused hiatus, Chicago’s public relations and advertising community returned to DePaul University last week for the Portfolio Showcase event featuring class and professional work completed by grad students over the past two years. Keynote speaker this year was Lewis Williams, EVP of Brand Impact at Weber Shandwick. Williams,…… Continue reading Future PR & Ad Leaders Celebrate Accomplishments with Chicago Pros