study skills › Public Relations Matters

As the start of the semester approaches, you might feel a mix of emotions—excited, nervous or even overwhelmed. That’s perfectly normal. After all, each semester feels like stepping into a whole new world (or maybe a whole new Oz). The good news? (See what I did there? Heh.) The songs from Wicked: Part One are full of lessons to help you navigate the challenges ahead. Whether you’re a G(a)linda or an Elphaba at heart, there’s something here to help you start strong.

“No One Mourns the Wicked”

“Good news! She’s dead!”

This song sets the tone for a clean slate. Sure, it’s a little dramatic, but the message is clear: leave the past behind. Whether you’re coming off a tough semester or just didn’t quite hit your goals, let it go (cue Elsa) and focus on what’s next.

Takeaway: A new semester is a fresh start. Use lessons from the past to shape your path forward, not hold you back.

Listen on Spotify: No One Mourns the Wicked

“The Wizard and I”

“When I meet the Wizard…all my dreams will come true.”

This is all about ambition and the belief that great things are possible. Think about what you want to accomplish this semester—academically, personally or even professionally. Then, create a plan to work toward those goals. Dreams are wonderful, but action turns them into reality.

Takeaway: Define your goals early and revisit them often. Big or small, they’ll keep you motivated.

Listen on Spotify: The Wizard and I

“What Is This Feeling?”

“Loathing…unadulterated loathing.”

Let’s be honest. There will be moments when you feel this—whether it’s aimed at group projects, overly packed schedules or that one classmate who always shows up unprepared. Instead of letting those moments derail you, use them as opportunities to grow your patience (and maybe your sense of humor).

Takeaway: Frustration is inevitable. How you handle it is what matters most.

Listen on Spotify: What Is This Feeling?

“Dancing Through Life”

“Dancing through life, skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth.”

This song reminds us to find balance. Sure, school is important, but so is self-care. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with friends or binge-watching your favorite show, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Life’s not only about deadlines and grades.

Takeaway: Balance is the key to thriving this semester. Plan your time and leave space for fun.

Listen on Spotify: Dancing Through Life

“Popular”

“I’ll help you be popular!”

Networking might not involve a makeover montage, but it’s still one of the most important skills you can develop. Building relationships with classmates, professors and mentors can open doors you haven’t even thought of yet.

Takeaway: Take time to connect—whether it’s saying “hi” after class, sending an email to a professor or participating in group discussions.

Listen on Spotify: Popular

“I’m Not That Girl”

“Don’t dream too far; don’t lose sight of who you are.”

This one is a reality check for those of us prone to overcommitting. (This is one of my major struggles.) Yes, it’s great to aim high, but be realistic about what you can achieve. Perfection isn’t required, and burnout isn’t worth it.

Takeaway: Be kind to yourself. Success looks different for everyone, so focus on what works for you.

Listen on Spotify: I’m Not That Girl

“Defying Gravity”

“It’s time to try defying gravity.”

Is this the ultimate empowerment anthem, or what? This song is your reminder that you’re capable of more than you think. Take the leap, whether that means applying for an internship, volunteering to lead a project or simply stepping out of your comfort zone.

Takeaway: Don’t let fear hold you back. Your biggest growth happens when you take risks.

Listen on Spotify: Defying Gravity

Wrapping Up

Starting a new semester can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, learn and create connections. Like the characters in Wicked, you’ll face challenges, but you’ll also have moments of triumph that make the effort worthwhile.

And here’s a question for you

What’s one thing you’re hoping to achieve this semester? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your goals and cheer you on.

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT.

Taking a mini-mester course, especially one that compresses a semester’s worth of learning into just six weeks, can be a daunting but rewarding experience. These courses are intensive and require a different approach compared to traditional semester-long classes. If you’re gearing up for your first six-week mini-mester this summer, particularly in a field like public relations where adapting to changing circumstances and managing tight deadlines are part of the daily workflow, here are ten tips to help you make the most out of this accelerated learning experience.

1. Understand the Pace

Expect Intensity: The first thing to understand about mini-mesters is the pace. You will cover the same material that’s usually spread over several months in just a few weeks. This means there will be a lot of information to digest in a short period, mirroring the fast-paced nature of the public relations industry.
Daily Preparation: Prepare to engage with your course material daily. Unlike traditional courses, where you might have days between classes to review and study, mini-mester courses often require constant attention, much like a PR campaign that requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments.

2. Stay Organized

Use a Planner: With the fast pace, keeping track of assignments, tests, and other deadlines is crucial. Use a planner or digital calendar to mark important dates. (TIP: The Syllabus tab in Canvas will show you ALL your deadlines for this course in one view.) In public relations, missing a deadline can have significant implications, and this practice helps instill good habits.
Break Down Tasks: Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks that you can tackle daily. This approach is especially beneficial in PR, where campaigns and projects are often complex and multifaceted.

3. Manage Your Time Effectively

Prioritize Wisely: Identify which tasks are most important and which can wait. Prioritize coursework that is due sooner or requires more of your attention. This skill is invaluable in public relations, where practitioners often juggle multiple clients and projects.
Avoid Procrastination: In a 6-week course, there isn’t time to procrastinate. Try to start on assignments early, giving yourself plenty of time to ask questions or seek help if needed. In PR, early engagement can mean the difference between a successful campaign and a missed opportunity.

4. Stay Engaged with the Material

Active Learning: Engage actively with the material through summarizing, questioning, and applying the information. This helps deepen your understanding and retention. For PR students, this means not just learning theories but also applying them to real-world scenarios.
Regular Review: Set aside time each day to review your notes and key concepts to keep them fresh in your mind, much like how a PR professional would stay current with the latest industry trends and media landscapes.

5. Seek Help Early

Use Office Hours: Don’t hesitate to use the instructor’s office hours or seek help from teaching assistants. In a mini-mester, it’s crucial to address misunderstandings as soon as possible. Similarly, in public relations, early feedback can help refine strategies and improve outcomes.
Study Groups: Consider forming or joining a study group. Discussing the material with peers can provide new insights and reinforce your learning, akin to brainstorming sessions in a PR agency.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Balance Your Load: Be realistic about what you can handle. Taking a mini-mester course might mean needing to lighten your workload elsewhere or adjust your work commitments, similar to how PR professionals manage their workloads to avoid burnout.
Rest and Recharge: Ensure you get enough rest; sleep is crucial for memory and learning. Also, give yourself short breaks during study sessions to recharge, much like the strategic pauses in PR to assess campaign effectiveness.

7. Use Technology Wisely

Educational Tools: Utilize educational tools and apps that can help you organize your notes, manage your time, and review course material effectively. For PR students, this mirrors the industry’s use of tools for media monitoring and campaign analysis.
Digital Communication: Stay in touch with your classmates and instructor through digital platforms. Quick communication can be vital for clarifying assignments and coordinating with study groups, just as it is essential in maintaining client and team communications in PR.

8. Adapt Your Learning Style

Find What Works: Some find that visual aids like charts and graphs help, while others prefer reading and summarizing. Find what works best for you in this condensed format. In PR, professionals often have to adapt their communication styles to different audiences and media platforms.
Be Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your learning style to meet the demands of the course. Flexibility can help you absorb more information more quickly, a necessary skill in public relations where strategies often need to be pivoted with little notice.

9. Engage with the Course Material Before Classes Start

Prep Work: If possible, try to get a copy of the syllabus and start reviewing the first few chapters of the textbook before the course begins. This proactive approach is much like how a PR professional prepares for a campaign launch.
Familiarize Yourself: Understanding the course layout and expectations beforehand can give you a significant head start, similar to how PR professionals research and plan before initiating contact with the media or the public.

10. Reflect on Your Progress

Keep a Learning Journal: Regularly write down what you’ve learned, questions you have, and key takeaways. (TIP: Handwriting your notes can help you retain the information better and for a longer period than typing your notes.) This can enhance your learning and provide a valuable resource for review, similar to reflective practices in PR that help professionals learn from each campaign.
Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on what is and isn’t working. Regular reflection can help you optimize your approach to the course, just as continual evaluation and adjustment are critical in successful public relations campaigns.

Conclusion

Mini-mester courses are challenging, and they offer a unique opportunity to accelerate your learning. By staying organized, managing your time effectively and staying engaged with the material, you can not only survive but thrive in this accelerated learning environment. Remember, it’s a sprint, not a marathon, and with the right strategies, you’ll cross the finish line successfully, much like how a well-executed PR campaign leads to success.

What other tips do you have for success in a mini-mester course?