Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Presented by Dr. Debra Miller APR, Fellow PRSA, vice president of public affairs, Bank of America by Heather Dewald

"Connections need to start here because you can't make it through this industry on your own," Debra Miller said of the conference, "What you are doing now will help you in the working world."

Miller's session at the PRSSA National Conference was full of advice. The audience was packed with female students who related to, and laughed at, her witty yet informative presentation.

"We in PR don't recruit; you must go make contacts and network. Do not go to PRSA meetings without coming home with 10 business cards," Miller advised. "Why go if you are not going to ask questions, meet people and make yourself known?" She added, "Identify a mentor; someone you feel comfort able with saying, Can you help me; I'm thinking of doing this."
Miller also suggested that we look at ourselves as campaigns and start by doing research. She also compared working to a big group project.

"If you have assumed the role of group leader, making sure everyone gets everything done; if you are up late editing and making sure everything is perfect because your name is on it, then you have leadership and management skills," Miller said. "Everything you do in school can be cleaned up and put in your portfolio. Don't do something if you can't walk away with something tangible whether it is something for your portfolio or not."

Another thought that Miller expressed is that if you come out of a strong school you don't need to go and get your masters right away because you need an understanding of how the business world works and how to save money.

At first Miller thought she wanted to take Barbara Walters' job, then she wanted to be the head of the FBI. She figured out that she wanted a position of power. She liked PR because, she said, you could do it all. Miller added that you must always have a plan B. Her plan B is to go back to school.

Miller advised making one, five, and 10-year goals adding, "Don't think just because you heard all the awards I have already won that I don't still have goals. I want an Anvil because it is the Oscar of this profession, and I want to break up Densel and his wife."

Women are hanging in long enough and are starting to become like men by working their way up into leadership positions.
Women also aren't as nice as we should be to one another, which is our downfall.
The diversity of who we are is becoming realized; we must represent all.
Finding that companies are more family focused than they used to be. Impacts workforce.
Better educated, solid education, with understanding of business.