Student Spotlight -- Jordan Langdon
Interviewed by Lauren Kahn
Before public relations senior Jordan Langdon joined Texas Tower PR in September 2008, the long-standing student-run PR agency had none of its current officer positions, only one account, no blog, no Twitter page, no Facebook profile, and no application process for new members.
They now have all those things, including three regular accounts, individual account managers, and five other officer positions.
Together with her predecessors Dorian Walker and Amber Walkowiak, Langdon has done a remarkable job of transforming Tower into the smooth-running, productive student-agency it is today.
What kinds of projects does Tower get involved with?
One of the greatest strengths of Tower as an organization is that it allows for a great variety of hands-on work. Our members don't just implement a part of a campaign or brainstorm about how to put on an event -- we create, plan and execute all of our activities. I was able to be very involved in all of my positions because of the nature of our organization.
Are there any improvements or new additions to Tower this year?
Tower recently received status as a PRSSA, nationally-recognized student-run firm, which means that we adhere to and uphold the standards of ethics, high-quality campaign work and professionalism set forth by Public Relations Student Society of America. This recognition is thanks to the efforts of my predecessor, Amber Walkowiak, who served as director last year.
As director, what are some goals you have for the organization?
My goals as director are to continue to ensure consistent and professional client work for our three nonprofit clients, Texas Exes, Theatre Action Project and Candlelight Ranch. From an internal point of view, my goal is to guarantee hands-on learning, fast-paced and interesting experience for each member. I hope that I can instill the same passion I have for Tower and everything we do in all of our members by allowing them to truly have a part in all of the aspects of their account work. In recent years we have also made an effort to bring our knowledge to the university community at large, specifically within the College of Communication and especially other public relations majors, through informational workshops open to the entire College. I hope to continue to bring these kinds of events to campus.
What are your duties as director?
I work to ensure smooth and efficient relationships between our clients and our accounts, our account executives and account associates, and Texas Tower PR and the greater Austin community. I also hope to create a positive and invaluable learning experience for each Tower member.
Do you have any other jobs/internships/commitments/involvements?
I currently serve as the internal director of communication council, the student governing body of the College of Communication, which means that I work on all of the internal and social aspects of the council. I work as a student associate at Communication Career Services, where I assist in on-campus recruiting efforts and planning the 2010 Job & Internship Fair. I also intern with Kimberly Strenk Public Relations, a local firm focused on consumer goods and design clients. Additionally, I am an active member of Public Relations Student Society of America, as all Tower members are, because they are our sister organization.
How has Tower benefited you in terms of your future in PR?
Tower has been invaluable for me because I joined at just the right time and was able to hit the ground running, so to speak, with public relations. I entered the university with virtually no idea what I wanted to do, what I wanted to major in or even which classes I wanted to take. After a brief stint as a sociology major, I switched into journalism, still unsure of what I really wanted to do. I felt at home in the College of Communication, but not in the journalism program specifically. I joined Tower before actually becoming a public relations major, figuring it would be the perfect way for me to explore what public relations was about before I took the classes. In many ways, the client work for Tower was literally my first foray into public relations. Tower has given me an incredible network of public relations professionals to learn from and call my friends, as well as tangible experience in my field and a very strong base of public relations work.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are all over the map. I'd like to travel. I've thought about pursuing my MBA in management. I'd like to participate in the Texas 4000 Race, biking to Alaska to benefit cancer. There are many companies I'd like to work for here in Austin, as it offers a great variety of agencies and boutique firms. One of my dream public relations jobs would be to work for the corporate offices of Williams-Sonoma, based in San Francisco. I worked as a sales associate there and feel passionately about their products and the quality of their company.