Join University of Oregon PR Instructor Kelli Matthews & fellow PR students for a remarkable trip designed for networking with high-level PR pros, learning about PR in a major market and exploring the "Second City."
June 17 - 21, 2019
Networking
Meet with UO alumni and friends in Chicago: from interns to CEOs, account managers to communication directors, you'll get a sense of the PR pulse of the city.
You'll learn about what a career in PR looks like, get practice networking and make valuable professional connections.
There's no better way to learn to define the culture you want to work in than walking into 10 different offices and meeting 10 different teams. You'll be immersed the stories of alumni and friends and learn what it means to build a career in public relations.
Should I apply for Windy City Ducks 2019 if I'm a....
Sophomore. Yes! The summer before your junior year is a great time to get to know the PR industry. You may not want to start your career in Chicago, but you'll learn how PR and communications teams work, what the specific roles in an agency or an "in-house" team are called and what skills you need to develop before you graduate.
Junior. Yes! Networking is crucial to a successful start to your PR career. We'll meet global agency teams, high level corporate execs in sports, hospitality and finance. You will start to build your vocabulary around the kind of PR you want to do and where the opportunities lie.
Senior. Yes! Windy City Ducks can be your last hurrah! as a student. You'll build your network not just for your immediate future, but for your career.
Not a PR Major. Maybe. Let's talk! If you know PR is your thing, this may be a great trip for you, too. Advertising, Marketing and General Social Science majors have all participated in the past.
Exploring
There's more to life than work. We'll have some fun, too. Our activities include things like touring the Field Museum, taking a riverboat architecture tour and going to a Cubs game.
Ready to go?
Costs:
- Each participant pays a program fee ($2000), which covers hotel, transportation in Chicago, group dinners (with alumni) and activities. The program fee is paid through academic extension. Some scholarship support is available.
- The fee is charged by the University of Oregon and includes 1 credit (transferrable).
- Once accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is due by April 30 to cover tickets and reservations.
- You're responsible for your own airfare or travel arrangements. Estimated airfare from Portland to Chicago is $500.
How to Apply
Send a resume and cover letter to instructor Kelli Matthews. Your cover letter should include information about why you want to participate and whether you're a pre- or full-major.
Final Application Deadline: April 30, 2019
Email: kmatthew@uoregon.edu
“If you aspire to work in any metropolitan city, want to learn more about different positions in the communications industry, would like to build your public relations network, have no idea what you would like to do after graduation or know exactly what you want to do after graduation, then go on this trip!”
- Nikki Pirucki, 2015 Participant. Started her career at Edelman in Chicago.
Credits:
Created with images by Christian DeKnock - "Chicago Theatre During Snowfall" • Emmad Mazhari - "edge" • romanboed - "Pink Chicago"Big Stock Photo