By Tempest Holliman
On February 21st, Savannah State University began its annual Southern Regional Press Institute— a two day event that helps college and high school students learn from professionals in the mass communications field.
President and founder of BOOPA! Marking Tatia Adams Fox and other experts spoke on the importance of marketing and branding yourself through social media.
The workshop, The Digital Portfolio: Creating an Online Presence was held in John F. Kennedy Fine Arts Building, with the purpose of providing students with an understanding of how to prepare for interviews.
Under the guidance of Miss Luetta Colvin, The Press Institute was started by the Savannah State College Press Club from First Annual Press Workshop in 1951.
The first Southern Regional Press Institute, as we know it today, was founded by the late Wilton C. Scott in 1952 as the First Annual Statewide Interscholastic Press Institute.
While at the workshop, students listened as the speakers expressed how important it is to correctly present yourself and your digital portfolio before and during an interview.
When looking for a job, someone with the company will Google search the applicant. “They always check Facebook,” said Lafreda Hendley, a communications consultant. She explained “You must be strategic with your block settings. You don’t want to eliminate yourself before you even get in the door.
Fox, president at The New School of Etiquette, suggested that when at an interview always make a strong first impression with everyone. “The receptionist is watching you before you go in and see the boss.” she says. “Take time to invest in yourself”, added Legislative Officer, Rahsheim Wright.
The Speakers suggested:
* Always be “on”. You never know who you are standing next to.
* Make eye contact. Use a firm not crippling handshake.
* Be short and concise with your answers during the interview.
* Have professional and personal profiles on social networking sites. Use privacy settings strategically.
* Do research on the company before you arrive.
* Speak in a low tone. Lower tones are taken more seriously.
Contributing: Indiah Bell, and Traci Lewis
