Geaux for a Good Time, part three: Vicki Voelker

New Orleans native Vicki Voelker spoke at PRSSA’s Regional Conference at Loyola University. As a Loyola public relations graduate, Vicki was eager to share her passion for communications with us Saturday morning.

Vicki is a communications strategist and social media specialist at Gambel Communications. During her presentation, she shared five campaigns she and the rest of her coincidentally all-female team at Gambel worked on, which included Hotel Monteleon, Steamboat Natchez, The Louisiana Children’s Museum and the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Vicki gave us great advice and insight to what it is like to work in a public relations agency. After her campaign presentations, she offered PRSSA members advice about gaining experience outside of the classroom:

If you don’t already have an online portfolio, get one. Online portfolios will show employers your personality and creative style.Remember that most entry-level positions are trainable. Employers are looking to see if you have the personality and work ethic that fits their company.If you are hired for a part-time job, ask to be re-evaluated for a full-time job after three months.

After an interview, find ways to keep in touch. It wouldn’t hurt to send them a tweet or personal video to thank them after you send a thank you note.Attend networking events. It’s important to know people in the right places.It’s ideal to get agency experience after college because working there will get your feet wet in a lot of different areas.Even if a company you talk with does not have current openings, ask to meet with them or buy them coffee to show your interest. When they do have an opening, they’ll remember your initiative and face.

 Now geaux succeed!