Making it in PR

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations in the College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin welcomed Fred Cook, CEO of Chicago-based public relations firm GolinHarris, to campus on March 7.

GolinHarris CEO Fred Cook - Making it in PR from Moody College of Communication on Vimeo.

Cook told students there are multiple paths to success and to be patient if they don't "get exactly the right job" immediately upon graduation. He also encouraged pupils to study abroad, travel, learn new languages and differentiate themselves in the global marketplace.

"You have to have the courage on the way to improvise a little bit and to try something new," said Cook, a 25-year veteran of GolinHarris, who manages approximately 900 employees in the United States and satellite offices worldwide. "In the end, where you end up isn't nearly as interesting as the trip you took to get there."

 Cook stressed for students to push themselves out of the "comfort zone" so they can stand out from others.

"We're looking for people with new ideas and new thinking and new skills," Cook said. "So the most important thing, I think, is to expose yourself."

Jacqi Moore Richardson, College alumna and senior manager at GolinHarris, also addressed students at the event. Richardson said working in public relations allows her to learn more about other industries and that students should find a company with a culture that fits their personalities and lifestyles. 

For Cook's speech, visit https://vimeo.com/62428352. For Richardson's speech, visit http://vimeo.com/62193175.