Happy Holidays from New York Women in Communications!

Hello and happy holidays!

It’s that time of year again — where you eat too many cookies, you have an arm and a leg worth of finals to take and projects to complete, and you’re dreading what your grandparents give you for the holidays.

But there’s one thing you could have this season that’s worth asking for every December: A year-long student membership to New York Women in Communications. The price: $45. The value? An investment toward your future (and the rest of your life).

What does one year with NYWICI award you (beyond foregoing the hassle of asking for a return receipt this year?):

• Free registration to any one  Cocktails & Conversations event, where you’ll hear from a panel of influential women speaking on a chosen topic, plus have the opportunity to mingle with the organization’s movers and shakers
• Instant connection to a network of 1,200 female communications professionals with experience across dozens of areas — and some with titles like president, founder, and editor-in-chief!
• Friendships with nearly 200 student members — amazing young women with fearless gutso and know-how to share with you at fantastic NYWICI events
• Free subscription to the quarterly professional newsletter,CONNECT and the quarterly student newsletter NYWICInext (and check out the always free nextBLOG)
• Access to the online membership portal allows you to search for the women you want to meet (Advertising executive? PR professional? Film maker?) and then reach out to them via their contact information.
• Inside scoop on internships via the always full, always free  internship database
• Discounts to monthly Cocktails & Conversations networking events — only $11!

So what do you prefer? One ugly sweater you feel bad returning; or a year’s worth of opportunity, resources, confidence and fun? Break it down for the best deal this holiday season: 365 days of NYWICI for $45 = $.12 cents a day ($45/365 days in a year … it’s true!)

Don’t hesitate – become a member today! Plus, join our group on Facebook!

Wishing you the warmest of holidays (and that NYWICI blesses you with the gift of confidence and career know-how this season),

-Sammy Davis
New York Women in Communications Student Affairs
Director of Student Recruitment
sammyd22@gmail.com
Add me on Facebook!
JOIN NYWICI NOW!

As Magazines Fold, Our Bright Futures Have a Few Less Bulbs

During the summer of 2007, I had a dream internship at CosmoGIRL!. I was interning for Executive Editor Chandra Czape Turner, who is also the founder of Ed2010, a national network for aspiring and professional magazine editors.  When the internship came to an end, I left with confidence that I would have a future career in magazines.  I was looking forward to what would happen after I graduated (which was two years away at the time)–my big move to New York City and a promising career as an editor at a teen or women’s magazine, preferably CosmoGIRL!

But just a few weeks ago, the world learned that CosmoGIRL! was folding due to the lack of advertising resulting from the poor economy. This sent me for a whirl since the talented editors with whom I kept in touch were jobless, and my future career was in limbo. To be honest, the plummeting economy did not have much of an effect on me before this moment. I was not worrying about my career or finances since I am still living in the little bubble called “college.” But then the news hit that CosmoGIRL! folded and Time Inc. decided to restructure their company, which will lead to hundreds of job cuts, and I did not know what to think. What does this mean for our future careers in magazines? Is there really a “bright future” ahead?

My friends from past internships, my college friends and I are now puzzled about what to do. For the past few years, we have been networking with editors at magazines. We even visited print magazine headquarters in New York City such as Glamour and Entertainment Weekly, hoping to find out what it takes to land a job at a print magazine when we graduate.  But now we are faced with the depressing fact that print magazines may not be around for long.

The vision of my life after college that I developed at CosmoGIRL! has changed completely. What should I do now? What should I say to the new members of our Ed2010 chapter at my college? Wait for that perfect opportunity, which may never come, to get a job at a magazine that may fold? Should I tell them to hope that things will get better, or should I tell them to start studying their HTML? Should we sign up for the GRE, pull out the graduate school applications or, dare I say, look at law schools?

But being the optimist that I am, I am still hoping for a change for the better.  I advise all people like me to keep their heads held high.  Don’t wait around in this financial slump; do what you know how to do best: get as many clips as possible, network with magazine editors, search for freelance opportunities and pray that this economy will get better.

~Katerina Gkionis
English, The College of New Jersey ‘09

My New York Women in Communications Student Conference Speech

Aisha Al-Muslim gives a speech to a captive audience at the 2008 New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference

Over 400 pair of high school student, college student and working professional eyes stared at me as I gave a speech during the New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on November 15.

Two days earlier, I had no idea what I would say. .I kept remembering what Joan Cear, co-chair of the Student Affairs Committee, told me: “Just be yourself.” As I wrote my speech, I wanted to do just that, but I also realized that I hadn’t given a speech since I spoke about my pastor at church when I was in the ninth grade.

When I was finally introduced to step up to the podium, I held tight onto my one-page paper with underlines and scribbles. I realized once I was standing in front of the large crowd that I had not written a smooth transition into my speech. As I stared into the bright yellow lights shining on me preventing me from clearly seeing the faces staring at me, I quickly made up an opening line on the spot.

“I want to share a story with you about how I got to where I am today,” I said. “I hid under my bed crying, terrified of the military helicopters thundering outside. It was December 1989 in Panama. My country was under attack. I crept out of my hiding place to find my family huddled around the television set. A news anchor told us nervously that the United States was knocking down the country’s door to capture our leader, General Manuel Noriega.”

I went on to tell my story of living in Panama, arriving in the United States and eventually attending the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism, where I am earning a Master’s degree in broadcast journalism. I also spoke about my inspiration for becoming a journalist and about my experiences with New York Women in Communications as a scholarship winner and a volunteer for the Student Affairs Committee.

After I finished giving my speech, students continued to approach me throughout the day giving me compliments about its impact. To think that I was scared about how the audience would react to my speech. I left that day feeling like I might have motivated some in the room to strive to succeed.

Read more of Aisha’s speech here at her school’s blog.

~Aisha Al-Muslim
New York Women in Communications Foundation 2008 Scholar
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism

My Overnight Stay at Educational Housing Services

When I was given the opportunity to stay at the Educational Housing Services (EHS) residence the night before the 2008 New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference, I was so excited.  Located in the Upper East Side, 1760 Third Avenue is the newest of ten EHS residence buildings around Manhattan and Brooklyn.

photo by Katerina Gkionis

Equipped with a flat-screen television, DVD player, private bathroom and Internet access in each room; a 24-hour gym, laundry rooms and game rooms on the lower level and a small library and computer lab on the first level–not to mention 24-hour security–this EHS residence made me wish that I had an internship so that I could live in this residence building for a semester.

I assumed that the prices would be a bit steep for such a great living experience.   For summer housing, the rates range from $6,000 for a single room with a kitchen to $3,750 for a lofted triple room, which, if you think about it, is actually a great deal.  If I were to sublet an apartment, I might get away with paying lower rent, but I would not be getting the safety, security, location and amenities (such as that amazing gym) that are included in the EHS program.

photo by Katerina Gkionis

To be honest, I was a bit too excited about the experience at EHS.  I started thinking about the summer that could be had at EHS, even though I’m graduating in May.  EHS provides several activities throughout the week, ranging from Monday movie nights to trips to museums, sports games or shopping destinations in New York City.  Events such as Las Vegas night, which was being held while I was staying at EHS the night before the conference, take place weekly. There were restaurants, shops, food stores and nightlife in the area as well. Want a night in or a night out on the town?  The EHS residences can offer you that.

It may only be December, but after the New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference, I know that you are all already thinking about that dream internship you want to score this summer in New York City.  Why not think about where you are going to stay once you’re in the Big Apple?  EHS takes students and interns by semester on a first-come, first-serve basis.  So if you want to live in the hip Brooklyn Heights or hang out in midtown this summer, check out www.studenthousing.org.  Not only will you be a successful woman in New York City, you will be living in one of its best areas.

~Katerina Gkionis
English, The College of New Jersey ‘09

A Priceless Day at the Annual New York Women in Communications Foundation Student Career Conference

Nearly 400 ambitious students
(+) 2 iconic keynote speakers
(+) 40 communications luminaries/panelists
(+) 10 thought-provoking communications-related panels
(+) 20+ tireless volunteers
(+) 1 freebie-filled goody bag per attendee
(=) an amazing full-day of unprecedented access, career advice and inspiration

In spite of a rainy day, the hardworking New York Women in Communications Student Affairs Committee proved this winning formula works.  On November 15, 2008, they pulled off yet another flawless student career conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in NYC .

The student attendees who cleared an entire Saturday in their busy schedules to attend the conference were driven by their ambition to take the lead, and to succeed in an economy that doesn’t leave much reason for hope or optimism. I could see it on the hopeful, eager faces of every rising young communications professional at the conference.  I could feel it with every deep, calming breath taken before approaching an industry idol with resume or business card in hand, and every curious question bravely raised to the professionals in front of a full room of peers. These young women (and a few token males) were unwilling to let some bad headlines stand in the way of their dreams.

As I went through my own day at the conference, I was not only inspired by the amazing, accomplished communications professionals whose advice I eagerly scribbled in my notebook for future reference, but I was also inspired by my fellow students—from  the eighth grade students representing the Pink Polka Dot Organization who where unafraid to talk to Cosmo Editor-in-Chief Kate White; to inspiring New York Women in Communications Foundation Scholarship Winner Aisha Al-Muslim, a graduate student who has taken full advantage of the organization’s support network and was unafraid to tell her story to a crowded room.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so check out the photo gallery above to see for yourself …and remember these faces because these women are going places. (All photos provided by Maryanne Russell & Associates Photography – visit her Web site for more photos from the conference and other NYWICI events). Then, check out our series of blogs covering all aspects of the conference – from the panels to the goody bag.

In NYWICI Love,
Kelli Plasket
Editor-in-Chief, nextBLOG

Goodies-to-Go: Exploring the Conference Goody Bag

Anticipation for this year’s New York Women in Communications Foundation Student Career Conference goody bag was established early in the day, when organization President Nancy Nichols mentioned the fabulous takeaway in her opening speech. Her comment ignited a buzz of thoughts from students that lasted throughout the whole day.

“When are we going to get the goody bags?”

“What will be in our goody bags?”

And most frequently: “I can’t wait to get my goody bag!”

We had a preview to some of the loot when we received NBC News pens (an every wannabe journalist must-have), coupons for Moo Cards, which allow you to create your own signature business cards, and passes to the New York Health & Racquet Clubs throughout the day.

Alas, they came, the icing on the cake when the conference came to a close at 4:30 p.m. There was no need to point out the location of the goody bags to students, who spotted the Lifetime totes glistening in the distance, as if by an innate instinct.

These stylish and spacious bags (white totes with silver or gold trim and a “Lifetime” logo) are perfect for a rising communications star on-the-go!

photo by Kelli Plasket

It got even better as I excitedly explored the bag’s contents!

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Other Die by Chip & Dan Heath: It is no shock that ideas make the world go around; if you want to make an impact, what better way than to start by reading this book?

Baublebath.com Drama Queen Lip Balm: The weather outside is frightful but chapped lips are so not delightful! So use liberally.

New York Magazine and People Magazine: For all the magazine lovers and for all who want memorabilia from President-elect Obama’s historic win… remember to put this one in your keep-safe box.

The New York Times Luggage Identifier: This bright-colored, padded luggage identifier has The New York Times logo printed on it. This luggage identifier will have people wondering if you work at The New York Times as you spot your luggage from a mile away.

The Complete Confidence Handbook: Becoming the Powerful Person You were Born to Be by Sheenah Hankin: Confidence=landing your dream job! This one has to find a place in your bedtime reading.

Wrigley’s 5 Gum: Fresh breath? What more can a communications student ask for?

Crest SpinBrush Pro Woman Toothbrush: Perfect for weekend trips and sleepovers, this toothbrush will fit snuggly in your overnight bag. And we love anything “pro woman”!

Dream Stone: Hold on tight and dream away!

Who By Fire by Diana Spechler: A summer read, perfect for a lazy day in the beach. This book will be an asset to your beach bag.

Godiva Chocolate bar: Long day? Kick off your shoes and let this delicious chocolate bar help you unwind.

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal eye pencil and Stila cheek color: These beauty items will find a great home in your make up bag-you can never have too many!

Avon Pro-To-Go Lipstick: This gloss should give you the glam to go with your style.

Signatures by LaNorma gift certificate: Pick out the perfect pair to go with your interview outfit or power suit.

…and now you have 16 ways your life just got better.

~Nancy Sai
Managing Editor, nywiciNEXT
English, The College of New Jersey ‘10

Newspaper/Newswire Journalism Panel

To be a journalist:
o Curiosity is vital
o Be shameless
o Be assertive
o Be persistent
o Own a ready-made kit with snacks and maps for the unexpected stories

These were the words of advice from the four journalists who dished the secrets of success at the newspaper/newswire journalism panel at the New York Women in Communications Foundation Student Career Conference.

Tanzina Vega, multimedia journalist and Web producer at The New York Times said, “If you love writing, do it. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn Final Cut Pro.”

photo courtesy of Maryanne Russell Photography

Nekessa Moody, music writer for The Associated Press, echoed this when she said she wished she learned skills outside of print. “You have to be flexible. I think there will be fewer jobs and I think you should learn to adapt,” she said.

But to master the craft of journalism, Katie Wang, reporter for The Star Ledger, said journalism is one thing you have to get out in the field and learn.

In the Q&A segment of the panel, student Katerina Gkionis asked how the panelist maintained their ethics. Swapna Ramswamy, reporter from The Journal News, recalled a time when she was assigned to a story on the death of a 14-year-old boy. It was a sensitive story for the boy’s parents and she had to decide whether or not to write it. “It is a judgment call,” and you have to be able to sleep at night, she said.

When asked how they stay motivated, Wang said, “It has to be self-motivation, the rush from a big story . . . the thrill that goes into a story.”

Over 60 women attended the panel, a telltale sign that print is not dead.

Audience member Nicole Melton said, “I don’t think this is the end of print. There is always going to be the person who wants to read the morning paper with coffee.”

~Nancy Sai
Managing Editor, nywiciNEXT
Journalism and Women & Gender Studies, The College of New Jersey ‘10

Broadcast Journalism Panel

Lynda Baquero, Reporter, WNBC News 4 New York
Marla Diamond, Anchor, WCBS 880 News
Kristine Johnson, Anchor, WCBS-TV
Vanessa Tyler, Anchor/Reporter, CW11 News at Ten

The broadcast journalism session at the New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference touched on many hot topics. Here’s a handy guide to some of what the panelists listed above had to say about each of them:

Choosing a Major

Marla: Having knowledge in another subject is great for background information on a piece. They may be considered “outside” backgrounds, but everything is connected through journalism. Lots of skills – writing, public relations, marketing – transcend beyond professional specialization.

Vanessa: What you should be most concerned with is having good writing skills. That’s what will make you successful in this industry, as well as any others you may stumble into. I’ve also found that knowing Spanish is extremely helpful out in the field. Basic skills like that are often overlooked, but they are utilized on the job day-to-day, so focus on them!

Lynda: A major other than broadcast journalism is refreshing and better in the sense that you bring more to the table. Having a specialty sets you apart, especially knowing another language. It’s great for self-marketability…and it always offers a plan B! As for a master’s degree, it is great but more so is experience.

Interns

photo courtesy of Maryanne Russell & Associates Photography

Marla: I like to mold interns! You can definitely do what you want to do, but you need to be smart about it. My first job came out of an internship. Be sure to make connections! It’s a small industry, so be sure not to burn any bridges either.

Vanessa: Sometimes I wonder… are they willing to listen as much as needed? Impatience is resented in the newsroom, especially by the well established…On the other hand, don’t be intimidated – utilize the opportunity! Be sure to know who is hiring and let your intentions for the future be known. Above all, balance aggressiveness with your willingness to learn and absorb everything around you.

Lynda: I love their enthusiasm and it’s a pleasure to help them grow… but they are there to learn, and that should be done with respect.

Starting Position
Vanessa: Here’s a paradox: don’t become a “market-hopper” but find where you want to be. If the latter doesn’t happen within six months to a year of being in a position at a particular station, it might be time to move on. Keep an open mind, though; there are terribly low numbers of women news directors, for example, and they are the ones responsible for shaping the industry!

Lynda: There are so many jobs in this industry, not just on-air! Don’t be afraid to try those out first. That’s where I was for a while and I was completely happy, but the on-air opportunity arose and that made me happy too. Once I got there, though, I knew how everything else was working on the other side in relation to me, which proved extremely useful.

Kristine: I can’t stress it enough: get your foot in the door! It may not be the exact position you imagined yourself in, but it’s still a position and you will still learn and you will still be in the general vicinity of where you want to be. Eventually, it will all fall into place!

~Marie Dugo
Editor-in-Chief, nywiciNEXT
Media Studies, Vassar College ‘11

Secrets to a Successful Job Search Panel

The students at the New York Women in Communications Foundation Student Career Conference received some final words of advice at the last panel of the day, getting the “Secrets to a Successful Job Search” from the people who know it best – human resources professional.

Crystal Johns, director of Career Development and Diversity Recruiting at CBS News, Jamila McCoy, associate manager of University Relations in Human Resources at Time Inc., Felicia Walker Benson, a senior HR manager in Diversity & Outreach at The New York Times Company, and moderator Saundra Thomas, vice president of Community Affairs at WABC-TV, shared advice and answered questions on how to stand out in today’s tough job market.

photo courtesy of Maryanne Russell Photography

Among other tidbits, the ladies advised students to do their homework about a company before interviewing, be on time for that interview and build a well-rounded repertoire. They also emphasized the importance of networking—all four women had gotten their jobs through networking.

Jamila McCoy recalled how she landed her first job by having confidence—she went into the interview knowing she would get the job. She shared a helpful secret to getting in to Time Inc.; they have a “promote from within” policy and look to their intern pool first when hiring for entry-level positions. So get your foot in the door early!

Crystal Johns advised students to be consistently nice and energetic while working and networking. Remember the names of people you meet and what they do, she said, because there is something to be learned from everyone.

~Kelli Plasket
Editor-in-Chief, nextBLOG
Interactive Multimedia and Journalism, The College of New Jersey ‘10

Magazine Panel

You are a senior in college, ready to take on the big magazine world after completing several internships, but you are faced with the sad truth of print magazines; advertising is taking its toll. But despite the job cuts, the magazine panel at the New York Women In Communications Foundation Student Career Conference managed to cheer up students with hopes of new media, the Internet and freelance opportunities.

Marnie Harnel, a reporter and researcher for Vanity Fair, Natalie Zmuda, a retail reporter at Advertising Age and Melissa Walker, a freelance writer/editor and young adult author inspired all the young women in the room to study what they love, network as much as they can and embrace the Internet. Here are three of the best bits of advice that aspiring magazine journalists received from the magazine panel:

photo courtesy of Maryanne Russell Photography

Magazines are not going anywhere
Since print magazines are in flux right now, the future of magazines drove most of the conversation. Natalie Zmuda assured the students in the room that “the Web doesn’t make the print edition obsolete; you have to adjust yourself to think about that.” Magazines do not just appear in print anymore, they belong to the Web just as much. Marnie Harnel spoke about her experiences writing on the Web for Vanity Fair, “Blogging on Vanity Fair can be like writing small articles in other places. Definitely have a blog. It’s a cool way to get practice and show editors who you are.”

Do what you love
Don’t be worried if your school doesn’t offer a journalism or magazine journalism program. “Study what you love. You can learn to write in any major,” said Melissa Walker, who was a political science and English major in college and is now a successful freelance journalist. Marnie Harnel told the students, “Find a specific area of interest that intrigues you and just be good at everything you do.” Natalie Zmuda finally told the young women, “You have passions and you just have to apply that to journalism.”

Network and Follow-up
“Networking is huge,” said Natalie Zmuda, who asked the head of an internship coordinator at a previous internship out to lunch, which led to her first job in New York City. Melissa Walker also advised writing thank you notes to everyone you meet, even Kate White. She also gave hope to everyone who cannot afford the unpaid internships in New York City. “Even if you have one internship, like I did, you make it count and it lays the groundwork.”

Natalie, Marnie and Melissa all offered the young women advice that will help them thrive in this tough economy. Learn how to work in different mediums, pitch ideas to magazines-even if you have never heard of them-and be open to all jobs in the publishing world. If you keep an open mind, a dream-job may just fall into your lap. It may not happen at first, but stay positive, find a passion and keep on writing.

~Katerina Gkionis
English, The College of New Jersey ‘09