PRSSA Press Release: The Home Depot Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UGA PRSSA Welcomes Representatives from The Home Depot

ATHENS, Ga. – Nov. 5, 2018 – On Tuesday, Nov. 5 in Studio 100, three communications professionals from The Home Depot spoke to UGA PRSSA members about paving the way to a Fortune 500 Company. PRSSA welcomed Jasmine Gurley, senior specialist of product innovation; Yanique Griffin-Woodall, senior director of brand communications; and Allie Vlk, paid media operations analyst. 

Gurley spoke about the importance of establishing both hard and soft skillsets. She stated, “These skills are going to be the ones that set you apart from other candidates.” Each guest shared their own experience with honing these valuable skills to hook employers. They emphasized the importance of using specific skills during a pitch and encouraged members to exhibit success through data and numbers.

“Editors love data. They don’t want to hear your opinion; they want to hear what the facts are,” said Gurley. 

To sharpen each member’s business acumen, The Home Depot representatives offered several key pieces of advice. Griffin-Woodall stressed the importance of staying up-to-date on the trends within one’s respective industry. She suggested doing this by regularly reading credible news sources and plugging into professional organizations such as PRSA. The guests also emphasized the importance of time management and attention to detail. These skills are crucial for practitioners in the communications field. “No one is going to complain about you being too organized,” said Gurley. 

To conclude the meeting, each guest offered a piece of key advice. Gurley stated her mantra: “Do what you have to do now, so you can do what you want to do later.” Similarly, Griffin-Woodall left members with the advice she had repeated several times throughout the meeting, “The devil is in the details.” Small details can make or break something, both in your professional and personal life. Lastly, Vlk offered encouraging advice as a recent college graduate herself. She assured members not to fear finding a job, because it is just about making meaningful connections and putting oneself out there.  

PRSSA’s next meeting with Moxie and Delta will take place on Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Studio 100.