Fighting with a VIM: The Importance of Good PR in the Magazine Industry

A photograph of a presentation with lights down. The screen shows the letters VIM in shiny silver lettering

VIM’s public relations directors give an insight into the day-to-day responsibilities as a leader of the team and the crucial role that PR plays in the publication industry

By: Brooke Swanson

Michigan State University’s student-run fashion magazine, VIM has been publishing bi-annual print and digital issues through the collaboration of several teams for over a decade. However, VIM’s 2023-2024 PR directors, Gabriella Lopez, Kaitlyn Keele and Olivia Thaler say no publication is successful without superior public relations.

“While we aren’t the ones producing the physical magazine, the PR team works behind-the-scenes to promote the magazine and its events. We are the voice of the publication,” said Keele.

Three students celebrate — VIM Magazine PR directors, Olivia Thaler, Gabriella Lopez and Kaitlyn Keele, celebrating VIM’s annual fashion show.

As leaders of VIM’s PR team, Lopez, Keele and Thaler are responsible for maintaining all external communication with companies nationwide, Michigan-based influencers, and alumni. Building these relationships is important for giveaways, hosting panels, networking opportunities and promoting the VIM brand.

“Unlike other teams in VIM, a lot of our job is focused on the external side of communication. Not only do we do outreach around campus, but also on a larger scale, we stay connected to alumni and companies to get the word out there,” said Lopez.

Each semester, VIM hosts two major events for members: launch parties, to celebrate the release of their latest issue; and fashion shows, which showcase dozens of MSU students in creative, fashion-forward styles. Thanks to the PR team’s external relationships, extra goodies can always be found at these events, making the guest experience exceptional.

“For our fashion shows, we do a raffle for a big giveaway basket. The PR team is responsible for reaching out to all the companies to get these products for the giveaway. Our guests always love entering to win,” said Thaler.

As MSU PR Majors, student directors often take the skills they’ve learned in their classes and apply it to their work with the magazine.

“The professional writing skills I learned in PR 225 really helped prepare me for writing pitch emails, which is a huge part of my job as a director,” said Thaler.

Finding Career Connections Through MSU Elite Dance Team

As future professionals, PR students must be aware of the impact their work has on a company’s external image. Good PR practices are crucial to properly create and maintain those external relations with a company’s publics.

“As a PR professional you are constantly communicating with the public in a variety of ways to maintain relationships and keep your business in the spotlight,” said Lopez.

To learn more about VIM and how to join the public relations team, check out their website, https://www.vimmagazinemsu.com/join-our-staff.