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 started out as a psychology major. During my studies I discovered college radio, where I became a broadcaster and got totally hooked on communications. I later did an internship at a newspaper and changed my major to communications with an emphasis on public relations.  

What did you envision your job would be? 

There’s a great meme on social media about what my mom thinks I do versus what I actually do. It shows Mom thinks I’m behind a bank off microphones and cameras all day, but what I really do is sit behind a computer typing all day. It took me a while to realize that to be successful it takes long hours behind a computer doing research, cultivating relationships and writing really well to make one a good public relations practitioner.

What was your first job out of college? 

The Peace Corps. I served in Liberia West Africa, where I lived in a village with no power or water and ate lots of rice and jumping meat. One of my jobs was working at ELRV-Radio where I produced a weekly show about building fishponds in swamp rice farms for protein sources in rural villages.

How did you end up in your current role?

I spent 15 years in agency life, which I loved. It’s nimble and interesting and there is so much action. Then I spent 12 years as a vice president of one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world. That was a very moving and intense role—especially with all the traveling. Today, I combine the two worlds in my role as a consultant and it’s my favorite job of all. 

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

Even though I feel prepared and knowledgeable for this role, I still learn every day. Public relations is never boring and there is always something new to pick up.

What have you learned from your career journey?

Empathy. Listening. Flexibility. These are all keys to success in public relations. And, of course, the improv theory of yes, and… . Spend your time adding value and making your colleagues’ ideas, products and services better, rather than tearing them down. 

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

In the early years we fought for credibility among leadership. Now we are side-by-side with leadership working through problems and solutions. The C-Suite understands the value of strong communications and often relies on their public relations team in good times and bad.