Public Relations Chicago Auto Show interns hit the road

From Dr. Ron Koperski…

Ten senior public relations majors from the Department of Communication will serve as interns for the 2009 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place on the lakefront during media preview week from February 9-13. Students are selected through a highly competitive application and interview process at the end of the fall semester. This is the seventh consecutive year Bradley students have been interns at the show. Last year the students had the unique experience of working at the 100th Chicago Auto Show.

During the week, duties will include:

• • staffing the media center and providing credentials for worldwide automotive media professionals
• • covering major automotive manufacturer news conferences (often introducing new vehicles) and interacting with media
• • writing copy, shooting photos and posting them on the show Web site
• • writing news releases and media advisories as assigned
• • assisting social media professionals
• • assisting with industry-related activities such as breakfasts, lunches, and high-profile evening social events such as “First Look for Charity,” a major black-tie fundraising gala which raises over $2.5 million to benefit 15 selected charities in the Chicago area.

During the week, students have a full slate of “real world” assignments including, but not limited to, covering press conferences for Ford, General Motors, Kia, Suzuki, Acura, Chrysler, Mazda, and Subaru, plus several automotive industry associations. They also will facilitate coverage of two new features at this year’s show: “Engaging the Blogosphere,” and “Social Media Communications Strategy.”

The CHICAGO AUTO SHOW internship is just one of many special “out-of-the-classroom” opportunities available to students majoring in the Department of Communication at Bradley University. As a result of these meaningful experiences, they have greater opportunities to secure other valuable internships, expand their networking base, and build a powerful and compelling resume as they eventually begin their permanent job search.

The show will be open to the public from February 13-22. The President and CEO of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is Jerry H. Cizek III ‘68. The auto show is developed and staged by CATA. I have maintained an ongoing relationship with him to allow Bradley students to benefit from this challenging and educational experience.