Student PR organization finds learning opportunities in Nashville

April 19, 2016 | Communication

Twelve members of the Public Relations Organization (PRO) on campus took an experiential learning trip to Nashville, Tennessee, April 7-10. Students spent time visiting several Nashville organizations, sightseeing and meeting alumni.

The group began their trip learning about creating voices for organizations at Proof Branding agency. This first stop was a favorite for senior Maeghen Carter, vice president of PRO.

“I really enjoyed our time at Proof Branding,” Carter said. “Branding is a newer facet of PR we haven’t learned much about yet, so it was fascinating to learn more about the process of branding and new ways PR skills are used.”

They also met for lunch with alum Mark Slagle (’11) who shared the story of starting his own one-for-one peanut butter company Good Spread and shared some insight into the need for public relations in philanthropy. The group finished up Thursday at the Nashville Downtown Partnership, a nonprofit focused on the development and cultivation of Downtown Nashville.

On Friday, students visited Nissan Stadium, learned from marketing professionals with the Tennessee Titans, and toured the stadium. This visit was a personal favorite for freshman Ally Parrett.

“The man who spoke to us, Ralph Ockenfels, vice president of marketing for the Tennessee Titans, described his job as ‘throwing a dinner party for thousands of people,’” Parrett said. “I really think I can see myself doing that for my career. As a freshman, a great problem I have had is being overwhelmed by the possibilities for my future. Through the variety of businesses that we saw, I was able to see a future and set a goal for myself, which is more motivating when I have to schedule my classes. I'm excited for the program I get to be a part of for three more years.”

The afternoon was spent visiting corporate communications professional Steve Parrett (’88) at Nissan North America headquarters. The group heard from a panel of communications professionals with Nissan, saw how the organization monitors its social media, and checked out some vehicles in the salon. The day finished with an alumni reception at Edly’s Bar-B-Que in East Nashville where students met communications department alumni who now live in the area.

“A trip like this allows students the chance to learn together outside of the classroom.” -Katie Ramirez

The last day of the trip began visiting Chloe Hoffman (’15) at Green Door Gourmet, a privately-owned organic farm, grocery store and event venue. Hoffman shared about finding her first job out of college, managing a social media presence, and the role design work plays in public relations. Saturday ended with visiting Mandy Valentine (’15) with the Nashville Sounds baseball team at First Tennessee Park. The group enjoyed a game and caught a glimpse into the busyness of opening week baseball.

Carter said the trip was a source of encouragement as she prepares to graduate and enter the professional world of public relations in May.

“It was very encouraging to meet so many professionals who are receptive to interest,” Carter said. “Many of the places we visited we genuinely interested in keeping in contact or just knowing what we’re planning for the future. It was so refreshing and awesome to feel their support and see their interest. I felt supported by basically strangers, and it was very uplifting.”

Communications instructor and PRO sponsor Katie Ramirez said this kind of trip provides a unique learning experience, and she hopes the club can continue and expand it.

“A trip like this allows students the chance to learn together outside of the classroom,” Ramirez said. “I love seeing freshmen interact with seniors and learn about the public relations world together, which can’t always happen in a classroom. Academic organizations are so valuable for that very reason. I hope that next year we can take even more PRO students and expand the trip to include other professional organizations or even a new city.”