Jeanine L'Ecuyer visited the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications Tuesday, offering an insiders perspective into the public relations career field to journalism students.
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| Jeanine L'Ecuyer talks to future jouranlism professionals at the University of Oklahoma Tuesday. PHOTO: AJ Graffeo |
Before entering into the public relations field, L'Ecuyer had an extensive career in the broadcast media industry beginning in 1978 at KOOL-FM in Arizona. Next, she worked for eleven years at KPNX-TV in Arizona in various positions including reporter, investigative reporter, assistant news director, and news director.
L'Ecuyer began her work in the public relations field in 1999 once she created her own company, L'Ecuyer & Associates, for public relations and communications.
In describing the work of a public relations practitioner, she stressed the importance of writing and communication skills.
"Know how to write," L'Ecuyer said, "If you can't write a clear concise idea...you got a problem."
The main focus of the public relations field is to preserve the image of a company to the public.
While working as press secretary for the office of Gov. Janet Napolitano for the State of Arizona, L'Ecuyer had the opportunity to cover the longest hostage situation in U.S. history and the only one to end without the loss of life.
"...the only time in my career I dealt with a life and death situation," L'Ecuyer said. She worked to preserve the states image and the governors political image.
Lastly, she offered her personal advice to the steps of the public relations process. The three steps to the process include: What are you trying to say?, Who are you trying to say it to?, and how are you going to say it?.
"You are not going to find this in any textbook," L'Ecuyer said.
She stressed if the students were to take nothing else away from the lecture that they should remember that verbal and writing skills are extremely important.
"I've said it once, I'll say it again...clarity," L'Ecuyer said.
Beyond the public relations insight, L'Ecuyer offered advice to the future journalism professionals.
Despite her extensive resume in the journalism and public relations fields, L'Ecuyer never completed her bachelors degree even after attending Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and the University of Kansas, according to Linkedin.com.
In revealing this personal information, she discussed how tempting it is to quit college near the end as jobs become more available and seem more promising.
She also stressed the importance of acquiring as many internships in as many disciplines as possible.
"Pick what you want and stick with it," L'Ecuyer said.
