There are three modules in my Entrepreneurship course – public relations, social media, and my current marketing module. I am quickly realizing PR is a fast-pace industry. Assignments and projects are given at the same time with short deadlines, which can become overwhelming at times, but I can’t help but want to continue. It’s safe to say I have a love hate relationship with PR.
For the social media module, my class worked with the University’s Strategic Communication and Marketing department Social Media Manager Jamila Walker. This was my favorite module! I was tasked with taking photos around Old Dominion and writing captions for Old Dominion’s #WhereamIWednesday game. This created many ways for me to exhibit professional communications in a creative way.
I loved manipulating the camera in different angles to capture images unfamiliar to the eye. I was able to write alliterations, use quotes, and riddles to make this hashtag a better guessing game for students and the ODU community. I have also seen examples of academic offices using creativity to engage students.
Bright colors on flyers, catchy phrases on t-shirts, and memes are a few of the many ways I’ve seen the LeADERS program grab students attention, upon working there. The LeADERS program depends on these avenues to promote events on campus. What I believe dictates the extent of creativity in professional communications is understanding the targeted audience. Primarily, universities cater to a younger market. Understanding what engages them is a strong determinant on how well the message being distributed is perceived.