The following interview is part of my five day blogging effort to contribute to the “Help a PR Pro Out” (HAPPO) online initiative, which was started to help PR job seekers connect with employers. For more information on HAPPO: follow @helpaprproout and the hashtag conversation #HAPPO on Twitter; check out the blog; become a fan on Facebook; or connect with @ValerieSimon and @arikhanson, the two masterminds behind the campaign.
Meet Matt Hannaford, a sports information director in Washington, D.C., looking to break into the PR industry.
What sort of PR background do you have? Feel free to include any education, jobs, internships or freelancing experience.
I earned my B.S. in Business Administration in the fall of 2006 and immediately completed my masters degree, both from California University of Pennsylvania. I earned my M.S. in Sport Management Studies in the spring of 2008. During my time as an undergraduate and graduate student I was able to gain varying degrees of experience in the PR field. As an undergraduate I was the director of marketing and promotions for two under-21 night clubs in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area. With these positions it was my responsibility to communicate with a radio station representative about upcoming events. I was also the key contact person during events. After completing my undergraduate degree I became involved in the sports information department at California University of Pa., as a graduate assistant. I was responsible for taking care of media packs that included game notes and other pre-game information as well as updating media throughout contests to any changes in those notes or if an achievement / milestone was reached.
I’m currently working as a sports information director at The Catholic University of America in NE Washington, D.C., and it is my responsibility to act as the PR department, marketing department, statistician, publications department, and various other duties as they arise. My position is responsible for all press releases from the athletic department. This includes post-game stories, player of the week, all-american, and various other feature stories as well as being the contact person for all media. I am also responsible for marketing efforts, including halftime contests and pre-game giveaways. I also use Twitter and various other “traditional” marketing tools to encourage students to attend games. Additionally, I record all stats during games as the official record. In my office we also produce game programs, media guides, recruiting brochures, as well as various other marketing publications.
What are your PR passions and strengths? What drives you to pursue this career?
I have a passion for finding the positive. In any event there is some positive, sometimes you just have to adjust your focus. Even after the current disaster in Haiti, there are many positives. Consider the amount of help that was sent toward the island; or, if you want to take a completely different point of view, you could note that Twitter and other social media outlets broke the news of the disaster prior to the major TV networks. I recently read an article noting that a sports information director broke the news of Notre Dame’s former coach being fired a full ten minutes prior to ESPN breaking the news. That sports information director was not a member of the Fighting Irish staff, but overheard a conversation while awaiting a contest at Notre Dame.
I am driven to pursue a career in public relations because I enjoy the variety of work. While there are likely many times that things just remain status quo it is those “crisis” moments that I enjoy the most. When under pressure to perform I feel that I shine. As the interim sports information director at California University of Pennsylvania I was charged with running all media relations duties as well as statistics from the NCAA Div. II East Regional Men’s Basketball Tournament while also maintaining my media responsibilities for our women’s basketball team competing about an hour away. After that tournament concluded, both of the Vulcans teams earned a bid to the Elite Eight. With the women’s team traveling to Kearney, Neb., while the men’s team traveled to Springfield, Mass., I was put to the test, not only in my organizational skills, but also my ability to work under intense pressure. In the week leading up to the Elite Eight tournaments there were conference calls as well as other responsibilities to maintain. This was also the week leading into spring break, when all of the spring sports teams travel south to take on opponents in warmer climates.
In what sort of environment are you hoping to work? This can include everything from city/state location to corporate/non-profit/agency preferences.
I am not really specific about the environment but would like to stay either in the Washington, D.C. metro area or within two to three hours of Harrisburg, Pa. However, with that said my fiancee and I are willing to look at other locations depending on the opportunity.
Why should you be hired into a PR position? What makes you special?
I should be hired into a PR position because of my ability to find the positive and minimize the negative. My public speaking skills are solid and my ability to maintain professional relationships is exceptional. I am dedicated to my position and have no problem with taking work home with me. If something needs to be finished, I will see it through to the end no matter the circumstances.
What is the best way for employers to get a copy of your resume?
My resume is posted on Monster.com as well as on LinkedIn but the easiest way to get a copy of my resume is by email. If someone is interested they can DM me on Twitter (@AXP112) or at mhannaford@comcast.net.
Is there anything else you’d like the PR community to know about you?
While my experience may look odd, working as a sports information director has prepared me for whatever I do. I have experience in many facets of the business world and I am ready to take the PR world by storm. I will bring new and innovative ideas not only as a PR pro, but also with a marketing mind. A successful PR campaign will integrate marketing, publications, and press releases. With my experience in all three I can be a strong asset with any company.
Here is a link to my blog if anyone’s interested. My latest post is about #HAPPO: http://axp112.blogspot.com/2010/02/happoan-inspiration.html
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