December 12—Northwestern communication students recently took part in an assignment requiring them to work with a real-life non-profit or government agency to develop two 30-second radio public service announcements (PSA). Given the opportunity to identify and contact a client themselves, students were able to grow professionally and gain career experience that will help them be successful in a real working community.

Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Communication, Kent Kaiser, Ph.D., students in the public relations program had the task of writing and directing the PSA, while students in the Electronic Media Communication program served as producers and provided technical recording expertise. All students were able to put their voices to work by providing the narrations to the PSAs.

The PSAs were created for an assignment, however some students had the opportunity for their PSAs to appear on air or on the organizations’ websites, which not only earned them extra credit for the class, but presented them with an achievement for their résumés to be recognized by potential employers.

Students: Drew Worthing (PR, writer/voice), Deanna Olson (EMC, voice/producer), Chris Bell (EMC, voice)
Organization: To Write Love on Her Arms

Students: Hannah Rivard (Interdisciplinary Studies/Entrepreneurial Business from PR class, writer/voice), Brooke Tilstra (EMC, voice/producer), Jasmine Burns (EMC, producer)
Organization: Camp Shamineau Ranch

Students: Taylor Filzen (PR, writer/voice), Alicia Vang (EMC, producer), Gary Zilavy (Marketing, voice)
Organization: Free Bikes 4 Kidz

This PSA assignment stemmed from two courses; Public Relations Writing & Tactics combined with Introduction to Audio Production. The Department of Communication strives to create learning opportunities that translate to life after college including hosting an annual student film festival, a crisis communication assignment involving Twitter, and many more. Learn more about the Department of Communication.