What are your job responsibilities/duties?
I manage all aspects of media and public relations for the professional athlete fields at New York Road Runners races, including our premier event, the New York City Marathon. This includes media activities for Olympic and Paralympic athletes such as press conferences and in-studio TV segments, as well as PR campaigns to raise awareness for our events.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day varies based on the season, as we spin a lot of plates with 50+ events each year. It could include brainstorm meetings for initiatives such as Global Running Day, could include a lot of time writing and editing press releases and website stories, or it could include on-site work at one of our races managing the media there.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I get the chance to use the transformative power of running to change lives. Whether it's sharing the story of an every day New Yorker who used running to overcome alcoholism or a Paralympic athlete inspiring the next generation of wheelchair racers, you really feel like you are making a difference.
What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
There are so many sports happening in the world and so much going on in the news, that it can often be a challenge to get the attention of media outlets you'd like your races and programs to be featured in.
What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
Spent all four years working on The Daily Illini's sports staff, and that's where I gained the majority of experience I use today.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
In the College of Media I gained a great understanding of what's newsworthy and what and how stories should be shared with the greater public.
What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
Pursue your passion, no matter how many people tell you otherwise. The subject matter you're covering and working for is just as important as the media skills themselves, so don't forget to ensure the subject you're working for is something you'd care for in your personal life.
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?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions early on. Mistakes are just a form of experience.