How did you choose communications and content marketing as a career path?
I started my studies in mathematics and intended to become an actuary. But I always loved writing, and halfway through my first semester, I made the (probably unwise) decision to switch to English literature. I wanted to see if my literary passions could become a career. And that was the beginning of my journey into communications and content marketing. The firm I work most closely with, Elland Road Partners, does all kinds of communications work.
What skills and strengths do people need to excel in this field?
Some are obvious (writing, research, interviewing, project management) and others less obvious: empathy, so you can truly understand your target audience, and adaptability, because you often need to learn quickly from new topics and then write about them convincingly.
Can you describe your professional journey, from internship to first job and your current position?
It was unusually linear: When I was at Touro, Career Services put me in touch with Elland Road Partners for an informational interview. They hired me as an intern and since then I have worked for them in positions of increasing responsibility! I am technically an independent contractor, which gives me flexibility in where, when, and how I work, but the firm is committed to my professional development, which I would encourage anyone of any age to seek in any modality of work: employers, bosses. and colleagues who will invest in you.
How did your Touro training propel your career?
Studying literature helped me develop skills that I use regularly: critical thinking, communication, and appreciating the nuances of language.
My literature classes also taught me to ask deliberate, thoughtful questions. It’s a skill I call on often, as my job regularly requires me to become an “expert” in new topics: from automation engineering and mobile health to portfolio tracking software, to the making of headstones and the innovative use of technology in insurance.
What is a day in the life of a Senior Content Producer at Elland Road Partners like?
In a typical day, I might interview a subject matter expert, brainstorm with my team, and write content: web copy, white papers, ads, social media posts, case studies, emails, or chapter d ‘a detailed guide.
You do freelance writing in addition to your main role. How and why did you start this? How did you connect with magazines/news media?
I write a lot for work, but I became interested in journalistic writing which would allow me to write more creatively about topics that are close to my heart. My boss, who is also my mentor and veteran journalist, graciously guided me through the process, from pitching to getting interviews to self-publishing. It was very fun.
As a working mother, how do you balance your many roles: wife, mother, communications professional, writer?
I’m definitely still figuring this one out! Setting priorities and being organized helps. It is even more important to find a workplace that supports family life and to maintain open communication with management.
I also realized that there are many things you might want to do – and I hope you do in your lifetime – but as Ruth Bader Ginsberg said, “You can’t have it all in one go.” one shot. »
What advice would you give to other students wanting to get into this field?
Foster your sense of humility. If you work in a communications agency, you will regularly have to learn a lot about things you never thought about (for example, debt collection disputes). You can’t be afraid to say you don’t understand.
And if you want to be a writer in general, you have to be willing to hear “no.” Rejection will happen. But if your idea is good and you believe in it enough, you just need to find the right place for it.
