Networking Workshop with Stephanie Duffy

 Stephanie Duffy works at WhiteSpace Creative as a public relations coordinator. As such, she supports the senior PR team with all aspects of public relations, special events and social media efforts. She received her BA in public relations at Kent State in 2011 and was a former PRSSA Kent president. Stephanie is a member of Akron’s PRSA chapter and a co-chair of the AAF-Akron communications committee. Additionally, she serves on the event committee for the Akron Zoo's Summer Safari and board of the Akron Chapter of the American Outlaws, a U.S. soccer supporters group.

Stephanie led our networking workshop with a PowerPoint presentation followed by a question and answer session. She began by telling us to start networking on our own campus by looking up and attending events and inviting friends. Stephanie also touched on the importance of attending PRSSA, PRSA, AAF and AMA meetings and how they can open you up to networking opportunities.

Stephanie gave us some advice on how to prepare before attending events. She said to research who is going to be at the event, find out their interest through their social media profiles and interact with them beforehand. By interacting with them before hand, whether it is replying to their tweets or reaching out to them and asking them a question, you are then giving yourself something to say when you approach them at an event, kind of like an icebreaker. Stephanie also explained the importance of cleaning up your social media profiles and making sure it reflects your personal brand. Your personal brand should also extend to what you wear to events, business cards and resumes. 

When you attend networking events, Stephanie stressed on the importance of having your elevator pitch prepared. She advised us to make sure it doesn’t sound like a sales pitch. She also advised us to wear nametags and shake hands with every person we approach. After the event, follow up via email or send a thank you letter. You can also connect through social media or try to set up an informational interview to learn more about a company or position you are interested in. 

To find Stephanie’s contact information look under the officers/advisors tab on our website.

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