deborahocasio

[deborahocasio]

Market and Consumer Research Analysis /Full Sail University

This course really got to the meat of public relations. Throughout this course, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the value of comprehensive industry overview reports, situational analyses, and well-structured research plans. These tools have shifted from being academic exercises to becoming essential instruments in how I understand markets, assess challenges, and support strategic communication efforts. I’ve come to see that these components are not just foundational, they are transformative when done with excellence.

Though I’ve been unofficially working in the capacity of a public relations specialist for quite some time, crafting communications, advising on messaging, and building trust with diverse audiences, this class has sharpened and stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It has elevated my goals, refined my thought process, and added a deeper layer of intentionality to my work.

I am committed to holding onto and perfecting these skills, knowing they are vital to my growth as a public relations specialist. I want to be the kind of professional who doesn’t just meet expectations, but exceeds them by offering thoughtful, data-driven insights that elevate my clients' position in their industry. Whether it’s analyzing internal strengths and weaknesses, identifying external threats and opportunities, or designing a research strategy that uncovers the truth beneath the trends, I want to do it with precision, clarity, and excellence.

My goal is to continue refining these competencies, so they become a defining strength of my professional identity, enabling me to be an invaluable asset to every client I serve and to fulfill my role with confidence, credibility, and strategic foresight. This course has truly laid a foundation for me to achieve excellence in the public relations sector and take my unofficial experience into a formal, empowered direction.

[deborahocasio]

Legal Aspects of Media 

Mastery Journal:

One of my favorite assignments this month was Week Three’s social media assignment. This stood out to me for two key reasons. First, the process of researching, preparing, and compiling the lesson taught me a great deal, not just about the subject matter, but also about how to present it in a compelling and relevant way. Second, I felt exceptionally comfortable sharing what I had learned, as it aligned with my strengths. I’ve realized that I often communicate best through verbal expression, and this assignment gave me the opportunity to do just that with confidence and clarity.

As a communications professional, the most valuable topic covered this month was our exploration of copyright laws. This subject was particularly impactful for several reasons:

It emphasized the critical importance of recognizing intellectual property rights, something communications professionals frequently encounter when creating and distributing content.

I gained a deeper understanding of the elements that constitute copyright infringement, which is essential for avoiding costly legal missteps.

I also learned the limitations and scope of the fair use doctrine, which helped me see how to responsibly repurpose content while remaining within legal boundaries.

The knowledge I’ve gained this month will undoubtedly strengthen my ability to execute communication strategies with greater intentionality, precision, and professional excellence. Understanding the legal and ethical dimensions of media usage, particularly regarding copyright law, adds a critical layer of responsibility to how I plan, produce, and publish content. This insight empowers me to make more informed decisions that not only enhance the quality and credibility of the messages I craft but also serve as a safeguard against legal complications.

Whether I’m working on behalf of a client, an employer, or managing my own brand, I now feel equipped to identify and avoid common pitfalls related to copyright infringement, misappropriation, or the misuse of intellectual property. This legal literacy allows me to approach communication not just creatively, but also strategically and defensibly, ensuring the integrity of my work and the protection of all involved parties.

[deborahocasio]

Deborah's Full Sail Mastery Journal

Class: Writing for Interactive Media

I have gained several valuable insights throughout this course which will prove to be directly applicable to my work in the media marketing and public relations industry. First, I learned how to effectively appeal to a target audience that resonate and drive engagement. Understanding the distinctions of a target audience allows me to create messaging that speaks directly to their needs and interests, ultimately increasing engagement.

Second, I learned the importance of developing and adhering to a content schedule for websites and social media platforms, as consistency and strategic content distribution not only helps maintain visibility but also builds trust with an audience. A well-planned content calendar ensures alignment with broader marketing goals and sustains audience engagement.

Third, I learned how the proper story angle can shape, strengthen and provide clarity. In public relations and marketing, identifying the most compelling angle is key to gaining media coverage and capturing attention.

Lastly, the post for Week 3 Story 2 was my favorite post as all the previous lesson regarding developing a story, resources and interview came to life. This assignment taught me the value of thoroughly detailing sources, which builds credibility and integrity in storytelling. It also reinforced the importance of remaining committed to a chosen story angle throughout the narrative.

Overall, this class sharpened my skills and deepened my understanding of how to create strategic, credible, and engaging content that supports both marketing objectives and public relations efforts.

I have a better grasp on how a strategic approach to creating a story comes from understanding how to plan and distribute content in ways that maximize reach and engagement across platforms. This class also shed light on the fact that the engaging element concerning a story is in knowing how to present information in a way that resonates emotionally while still serving a clear purpose.