1. Name (First and Last)
Chelsea Insprucker
2. Twitter
@cNews_iWitness
3. LinkedIn
Chelsea Insprucker (just search name)
Employment Info
4. Employer
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
5. Title/Occupation
Social Media & Internal Communications Specialist
Academic Info
6. Graduation Year (list as "Month Year")
December 2011
7. Major
Broadcast Journalism
8. Minor and/or Certificates
Spanish
Other Stuff
9. Hometown
Living right now in Mundelein, IL
10. Hobbies
Health/Fitness, Triathlons, Tap Dancing
11. What are your job responsibilities/duties?
I serve a variety of functions under the public affairs and communications umbrella. My main focus is on creating, implementing, and executing the social media strategy for Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. We are one hospital of five in the U.S. and I specifically work to bring our region's stories to light in the social realm. I also work closely with public affairs to share earned media pieces as well as internal communications to keep our employees informed.
12. What does a typical day look like?
There truly is no typical day working in public affairs and communications. There's always a new story or new pitch or new post to create. I typically spend time working with a variety of audiences throughout the day to learn and work on numerous initiatives we have as a marketing function -- including working with many of our clinicians.
13. What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love that I have found a passion I did not know I had or expected to have coming out of college. I love I have found an environment that keeps me on my toes and is always changing... yet isn't a newsroom. However, day in and day out I know I get to live our mission, vision, and values at CTCA to impact the lives of cancer patients. It is always, and only, about our patients.
14. What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
It can be challenging to convey the importance of social media to varying audiences, especially older generations. However, it is more of a welcomed challenge in my current role vs. difficulty. I'm lucky to work for an organization with such an accepting culture to bold ideas. I believe challenges and difficulties are merely masked opportunities.
15. What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
I was extremely involved on campus throughout my college years. One of my proudest accomplishments was creating J.A.M.S. within the College of Media. I learned a lot about organizational management and logistics when going through the RSO process and implementing a new group into the college. I was also involved with the Daily Illini through a multimedia internship program. I served as the NPR Sunday morning news anchor/producer/board operator at WILL. I worked a few years at Bromley Hall as well as with The University of Illinois Foundation. I was and am a member of Alpha Omicron Pi.
16. How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
Truly, my time in my core classes and with the phenomenal professors within the College of Media is what meant the most to me. I was so fortunate to have an intimate college setting instead of being lost as a number. The staff within the college is second to none from professors to advisors to office staff and everyone in between. Everyone knew me by name and wanted me to succeed just as much as I did. It was a supportive environment I can still rely on even today. I'm even Facebook friends with old professors and advisors :o)
17. What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
Be open to opportunities and change. I was set on reporting the rest of my life. For many, that's just what you'll do. However, after working in a few newsrooms I decided I wanted to change course. Our society in general makes it seem like we have to fit into one major or field of study. The College of Media and U of I as a whole does a fantastic job of preparing students for a wide range of positions and skill development. My biggest advice beyond being open is also to never give up. I, as so many of us do and will always, faced so many naysayers who said I "couldn't" do this or would "never" do that. Don't listen to 'em! Focus on your goal and if you're determined enough and want it badly enough... it will come.
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?
While it feels expected and planned to have your entire life together by 22... it isn't reality. Trust in yourself, your passions, your skills and it will take you where you are meant to be.
