Join Bobcat Promotions

How do you join Bobcat Promotions?

You may contact our faculty adviser, Charles “Chuck” Kaufman, directly at ck17@txstate.edu. Any Texas State student interested in public relations is welcome to join regardless of their major or how many credit hours they have earned. We meet every Monday in room 102 of Old Main.

What are the benefits of joining Bobcat Promotions?

Bobcat Promotions gives students the opportunity to learn and/or hone their public relations, advertising, electronic media and digital skills. Staffers produce work that will become part of their portfolios. They also learn how to work in teams, with managers, and clients. They learn about entrepreneurship, pitching to client prospects, branding, and so much more.

Can students receive course credit?

Absolutely. Students will have to complete the Media Practicum (MC2111) course document and get it signed by Mr. Kaufman. You will take the completed and signed paperwork to an academic adviser to be cleared to register online. Typically, but not always, students who work for Bobcat Promotions as Media Practicum often work on client services without pay.

Students log all the work they have done by completing a weekly time sheet that will be submitted the end of the semester. The time sheets are used to determine credit or payment similar to billable time sheets used in a PR agency.

If I haven’t taken many skills classes, may I still get involved?

Yes. In fact, many of our AEs and executive team started without much course work or experience. Our seniors and Mr. Kaufman work closely with students who are eager to learn. This mentoring serves students not only in their work with Bobcat Promotions, but as they begin to take skills courses. The best way to learn and advance in the organization is to start early.

Is Bobcat Promotions work limited only for Mass Communication students?

No, Bobcat Promotions is open to all majors from any college on campus. The program includes Mass Communication majors, of course, but we’ve had students work for us who majored in English, Finance, Graphic Design and Marketing. As long as students are interested in learning about strategic communications, finding clients and promoting clients, they are welcome to join a meeting and learn more about our job opportunities.

How do we get clients?

Bobcat Promotions student account executives (AEs) are responsible for recruiting new clients and retaining current ones. Students research that client and create a well-thought out pitch to win business.

Is Bobcat Promotions open for business every semester?

Yes, most of the client contracts run from the beginning of the fall semester through the spring. For clients who require service during the summer months, we diligently work to serve them. We pride ourselves in building teams that offer enough depth to cover clients year-round.

Is social media used the most for helping clients reach their target audiences?

As our business is market-driven, we are finding that most clients seek a presence on social platforms. Many of them are targeting Texas State students, so one of the best and most cost-effective ways of reaching them is through Facebook, Twitter and possibly other social platforms such as Instagram. In evaluating a client’s needs, we may determine that other platforms may be more useful to them.

Do you have to work for a specific client or can you just work for Bobcat Promotions?

No, you do not have to work for one specific client. You can work internally for Bobcat Promotions. We also work to promote ourselves. However, we believe getting experience, especially as an account executive, can be priceless experience to receive while in college.