1.Name (First and Last)
Kate Gleason
2.Twitter
katefelicity773
3.LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/kategleason
Employment Info
4.Employer
XA PR
5.Title/Occupation
Public Relations Account Director
Academic Info
6.Graduation Year (list as "Month Year")
May 2006
7.Major
Print Journalism
8.Minor and/or Certificates
Other Stuff
9.Hometown
Chicago (Beverly)
10.Hobbies
Photography, karaoke, exploring flea markets, discovering new restaurants and boutiques, roller skating
Career Information & Advice
11.What are your job responsibilities/duties?
I represent a number of restaurant and hospitality clients in Chicago and LA such as Japonais by Morimoto, Le Colonial Chicago, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and more. I pitch reporters, facilitate media interviews and coordinate photo shoots.
12.What does a typical day look like?
Depends on the day: I could be pitching all morning before facilitating a TV segment and then coordinating a photo shoot or staffing an event... That's what I love about PR!
13.What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love that every day is different. The job always challenges me. I also love fostering relationships with writers, editors and bloggers.
14.What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
Sometimes it is hard to prioritize commitments when you have multiple high-profile clients, but after a while, you figure it out.
15.What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
I was the Secretary and then the President of the Society of Professional Journalists. I also wrote for the Daily Illini.
16.How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
I learned to multi-task at U of I, as I was constantly juggling classes, schoolwork, writing for the paper and working my part-time job.
17.What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
Network, network, network! Meet as many people as you can, and never be afraid to reach out to someone you admire.
18.What is one thing that you know now that you wish you had known when you started in the field? When you graduated from the College?
Sometimes the worst thing someone can say is no, so why not take a chance and apply for your dream position, audition for your favorite musical or reach out to someone who looks interesting on LinkedIn and ask if you can buy them a cup of coffee.
Also, be nice. It's a very small world. Plus, being nice is just better for your peace of mind.
