Citibank was founded in New York City in 1812. As of June 2009, Citigroup is the third largest bank in the United States. Citibank operates in more than 100 countries, and was one of the first banks in the United States to introduce an automatic teller machine (ATM) to their customers. Citibank has been serving communities around the globe for more than 30 years.

Citibank’s customer service responsibility division, Citi-Foundation is comprised of five areas of focus: Microfinance and microenterprise, small and growing businesses, education, financial education and asset building, and community development. “Philanthropy and community involvement are not only important aspects of our role in society, but they also say something about who we are. We will continue to look for new and better ways to serve our communities." Explains Citi-FoundationPresident, Pamela P. Flaherty. Each area of focus is unique and targets a different global issue.

In 1996, I participated in a program sponsored by Citi-Foundation and The Future Business Leaders of America. I was offered an internship at their Wall Street corporate office in in New York, NY. For two summers I worked as a fraud detection specialist. This opportunity gave me the experience to move directly into corporate America at the age of 18. Before writing this paper, I never made the connection that Citi-Foundation set me up for success.

Citigroup’s Foundation program gave $88.9 Million dollars in 2008 alone, in contributions targeted toward customer service responsibility. 43% of Foundations grants in 2008 were targeted to programs outside of the United States. Citigroup strives to effect change in the united states. “By working with Citi Country Officers, country Public Affairs Officers, and our local businesses, they work to strengthen our involvement in our strategic focus areas in the communities in which we do business.”

To learn more visit Citi-Foundation's Website: www.citibank.com/citi/foundation/

The article "Job Market Turns Must Worse", shares a dismal decline in the salaries and positions available in the communications field. The statistics show that only 17% of public relations graduates actually took a job in the traditional public relations field. I’m forced to ask myself the question, did I chose a degree in a field that is being phased out? The conclusion that I decided on is no. Being a Communication major with a minor in public relations has without a doubt strengthened my writing, research and time management skills. I honestly can not think of an industry where these traits are not valuable. 17% of PR Grads working in PR should worry other industries, as that leaves 83% qualified competitors in another field.

Most graduates dream of their future and the career path. However through experience I have found that with or without a degree and in or out of a recession, the market will dictate your future career. My favorite doctor has a BA in English and At PR Day this year, I met a history major that worked in IT. I said that to say, I’m staying positive despite what statistics say. My passion is HR and ideally that would be the best position, ideally. But when this graduate leaves college, I will know that I received a degree that changed my work ethic, professional stance and gave me a good running start in the market, even if that start doesn’t lump me with the 17%. Without communication commerce is impossible, which leaves a diverse list of options out there for us pr pros. Besides if its one thing I've learned as an undergrad in PR, it's to always have a plan A and B.

Learning to apply PR in familiar setting is somewhat of a craft. Learning to apply PR in international waters can be compared to learning a new language. In the International Public Relations study presented in the textbook, “Cases in Public Relations Management” tips, essentials and guidelines are highlighted and we will discuss those shortly.
NatureWorks LLC., produces “improved plastics made of corn-based PLA by making them easier to manufacture and more heat resistant.” In laymen’s terms they make green biodegradable packaging. This case study was important and relates to international public relations because of their beginnings. Thought to be a passing trend or fade in eastern Europe NatureWorks LLC had to tailor their appeal to fit international markets. To become the global provider that NatureWorks, LLC is today, they had to learn different cultures, markets and learn how communicate their products appeal and benefits.
This leads me to those tips refer to earlier:
1. Level of media development and professionalism
2. Level of economic development
3. Political ideology
4. Societal tolerance for activism
5. Strength of labor unions
6. Level of development of the legal system
7. State to state relations
8. Relationship between gov’t and business
These components are different in every country. Learning how they affect public relations and commerce was beneficial to NatureWorks LLC., as you can’t market to a consumer that you don’t understand.

Balancing school, work and play.
Buy a planner and use it. In the PR World things happen fast, keeping tracks of dates and deadlines will pay off in the end.

Network, Network, Network!
This term is tossed around so much that it may be the “cliché” that many overlook. However its importance is invaluable. Maintaining strong connects have helped me consistently with references to space reservations. Keep you friends close and your business associates closer.

Social Media is no longer a trend it sets the bar.
Your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flicker, Blog and every other online subscription is now your professional or unprofessional connection to endless possibilities. Social media outlets are used by businesses, potential employers and cyber networkers. Using them wisely can open doors, but ignoring their global presence can leave you in the 20th century.

Proof Reading
Definitely not my strong suit, but in the land of publication and especially print creditability is earned not given. If people can not trust what you write it’s not worth the LCD screen its viewed on.

Plan to Fail
Most plans do not go as planned. It is your job as public relations professionals to foresee these mini crises. If you have backup plan it will save you time and stress WHEN things go differently than plan. Super efficient PR practitioners will typically have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C.

Save your biggest accomplishments and achievements.
A portfolio is a nice collection of your best work. Don’t ever throw anything away because one day it will come in handy.

To become the cream of the crop you must execute.
If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “you’re only as good as your last sale” it’s probably because the world plays by this unwritten rule. You need to produce, every time period. Every client is different and last weeks accomplishments will not carry you into the next week.

If you make a commitment stick to it.
This is one lesson learned the hard way. It is such a let down to yourself and others, when you make commitments and do not follow through. No one will be mad if you say no. Actually you leave the door open for someone who will come through in the long run.

Last but not least be yourself!
This is more from a personal stance, than a professional one. This was something I struggled with; trying to fit round molds that sometimes we’re impossible to squeeze into as a square peg. Be yourself and find your own style. Personal happiness effects professional growth.

“Blog action day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance.” The topic this year is climate change. Find out more at www.blogactionday.org


As a single female balancing work, school, fashion, hair and just life in general it’s difficult to factor in things like the world’s climate change, but when I stop to think about maybe we should. Every human on this planet will leave an imprint so if you’re going to make one, why not let it be a positive one.

Suggestions involving manual labor or gross things like recycling compost just don't fit in my life style so we’ll leave them to professionals ;-). Here are a few things that I’m incorporating into my daily routine that will hopefully make a difference.

Washing clothes in cold water conserves electricity. If I’m feeling ambitious I’ll hang them out to dry instead of using the dryer…. Who doesn’t love that sun kissed feel anyway.



My dream car is a Range Rover, but this gas guzzling beauty isn't an eco-friendly choice, instead I’m settling for the Cayenne Porsche, the hybrid of course.



Lastly, I’m trying websites like Swapstyle.com and thrift stores to get fresh looks, instead of department store buys.



Overall, I'm realizing that it's the small things that count. Who knows one day I may eventually progress to recycling at home.

Happy Blog Action Day Everyone!!!

The comeback of prime time TV drama series’ “90210”and “Melrose Place”, paired with the Public Relation Student Society of America (PRSSA) gave way to the idea that allowed our Senior PR Campaigns class a unique opportunity. Design a campaign using your Public Relation skills to promote the comeback of two of TVs nationally recognized shows “90210”and “Melrose Place”.

With a unique group we went to work looking for an idea that would tie the two shows together, as well as the campaign to the campus. “What’s your Scandal?” a murder mystery dinner was our angle, to which each group member’s contribution was essential.

The script for the mystery was written to mirror the shows we promoted and the main characters were derived from the actual shows characters. On the day of the event, every guest was given a confidential packet that included their characters profile and a personality description among other essentials. Between dinner courses the guest were given clues to help the audience unveil the plot. By the end of the night everyone was completely involved in the story line, while connecting and learning about the “90210”and “Melrose Place” characters. As an incentive the person to correctly identify the killer, the weapon, and the motive won a gift card to a popular coffee house in town.

Over all, the campaign by our measure of success went off without a hitch. This opportunity was unique and gave me a direct look at the budgeting, crisis management and organization skills associated with executing such a campaign.

… And now we wait to see what the CW thinks of our results!!

Generally I like to consider myself a person of high moral standing. I have a strong conscience that prevents me from making a ton of mistakes. My family never discussed ethics, but morals were a common topic. I’m sure one can wiki or Google the definitions of both ethics and morals and would feel generally that they walk hand and hand; I however do not believe they do. Personally I believe ethics is a practice beginning with good morals, I say that not to imply that someone corrupt morally could never grasp the concept of ethics, but I do believe having good morals makes that transition and decision making process easier.

Now throw in the term Business and you have three concepts circling, which vary from institution to institution, as well as from person to person. I argue that business and ethics are not friendly concepts, so how do I tie these vague concepts together; by being responsible for my own actions. I would love to save every corporation from the corrupt practices that produced The Enron’s of the world, but I can only be responsible for my own wrong doings. Change starts from within, not just in business but in life I hold myself to higher standard. In the broad scheme of things, Yasmiene will auction the next slot on my resume to the highest bidder, just as long as I can look at myself in the mirror everyday…. And that’s how I find the balance, by only choosing decision that I can live with later.