Alumni Spotlight

1. Name (First and Last)
Abby Fansler


2. Twitter


3. LinkedIn
Yes. Search "Abby Fansler, Caterpillar"

Employment Info



4. Employer
Caterpillar Inc.


5. Title/Occupation
Communications Consultant



Academic Info




6. Graduation Year (list as "Month Year")
2004 (BS) 2005 (MS)


7. Major
Communications - Broadcast Journalism


8. Minor and/or Certificates

Other Stuff



9. Hometown
Macomb , IL


10. Hobbies
Travel, Fitness, Learning



Career Information & Advice


11. What are your job responsibilities/duties?
As a communications consultant for Caterpillar Safety Services, I leverage change management methodologies to develop and execute strategic communications that support safety culture improvement initiatives in customer organizations. I produce, write and promote success stories and case studies to showcase customer achievements. I'm also responsible for managing and coordinating Caterpillar Safety Services' marketing materials, trade show exhibits, trade press relations, webinar production, advertising and newsletter creation and distribution.


12. What does a typical day look like?
My typical day is a mix of marketing development to promote Caterpillar safety solutions, communication consulting to customers who are using Caterpillar solutions and creative development of strategic communication tools, such as videos.


13. What do you most enjoy about your job?
Giving a voice to front-line employees of large organizations through candid interviews, then using that feedback to make recommendations to leaders on how to work hand-in-hand with their employees to improve safety culture.


14. What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
Heavy work travel is both a blessing and a burden. I enjoy seeing new places and meeting a diverse range of people doing interesting things, but being away from family is challenging.


15. What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
Society of Professional Journalists (President of UI chapter)


16. How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
The focus on quality writing and compelling presentation has served me in all facets of my jobs, in every position I've held.


17. What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
Aggressively seek practical experiences, such as internships, that allow you to apply your classroom education in real-world settings.


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?
I don't regret any naivete I had coming out of college. Every learning experience since then has been valuable. Wouldn't change anything!