Many career paths are unplanned. As specialists in insurance communications, we hear from insurance professionals all the time who found their way to their professions through unplanned or unexpected means. The same can be true of public relations. Whether it’s journalism, marketing or human resources—the PR field is uniquely suited to diverse backgrounds. That is why we are sharing this blog series breaking down how our team members came to find their current PR roles. For any new grads trying to figure out what they want to do, or even established professionals looking to make a change, we hope this series can shed some light on the PR field. 

What did you go to school for?

I studied English and Public Relations in college. I initially planned to become an English teacher but soon made the pivot to PR after learning more about the way it employed storytelling. 

What did you envision your job would be? 

In college, I envisioned myself in an in-house PR role. I worked closely with my campus’ Relay for Life organization and wished to work with a nonprofit. During my internship at a PR agency my senior year, I learned a lot about the value of working at an agency early on in my career. The fast-paced client work provides a great crash course in all things connected to media relations, and I knew it would serve as a necessary push out of my comfort zone.

What was your first job out of college? 

My professional journey started with an account coordinator role at a public relations agency. Most of my clients were B2C focused, from wellness to tech and even a few nonprofits. 

How did you end up in your current role?

I was looking for a new agency position and happened to see an opening at Kimball Hughes Public Relations for a PR assistant position. Though I had some experience with B2B PR, I had limited experience in a niche like insurance, but I have learned so much while working here. 

What has surprised you most about your career or yourself given your current role?

The technical aspect has surprised me most. I’ve never been well-versed in more technical topics but working in the insurance space has helped me hone my skill in a way I didn’t anticipate. 

What have you learned from your career journey?

Staying still doesn’t get you anywhere. Sometimes it takes a push to get you where you need to be or better yet, jump in headfirst. 

What lesson or myth-busting idea would you want to share with someone thinking about a career in public relations?

PR is a great field for transferrable skills, but those skills can stagnate if you don’t continue to develop them. In order to write or pitch effectively, you have to consistently keep up to date with industry news and trending topics or risk being left behind.