Exploring a New Field

Taking a quick break from all things IR to take a look at some other career opportunities, specifically within the communications field...

Graphic from SUPRSSA.

Thinking about life after college can be super stressful, but looking to professionals for guidance makes the situation feel less overwhelming. Yesterday I attended an awesome guest speaker event sponsored by Syracuse University's chapter of PRSSA with a public relations alumni from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Allison Rube. Rube is the senior manager of brand partnerships at MTV-VIACOM and has been working in the industry for six years. She offered some valuable career advice for students, leaving me feeling inspired and optimistic about my future endeavors!

Rube began her presentation with a quote by Sheryl Sandberg stating, "Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder." She uses this as a motto in her career because she is constantly looking for new opportunities to grow her skills and develop her network instead of only looking to move up in a straight line. Rube graduated with a degree in public relations, but she has taken jobs in different fields such as ad sales to explore her interests and try new things. Working in ad sales and brand partnerships has taught her how to balance money and creativity, be a neutral liaison between channels and sales and constantly keep up with a changing media landscape. The overarching lesson from Rube's career choices is that it is totally okay to change your mind, try new things and take chances.

In terms of public relations, although her current job at MTV-VIACOM is not the typical job of a practitioner, there is definitely some overlap. Rube manages brand partnerships, works with social media and expands the reach of her company. These tasks all involve basic public relations tactics like following the media and consumer habits, paying close attention to key publics and audiences and thinking critically and creatively. This proves that there is no single mold or model that you have to follow in your career based on your major in college or your prior interests. Changing your mind is okay! The people who are truly successful in life are the ones who can use the skills and knowledge that they have and apply it in all different areas.

Rube concluded the event with some more advice that I hope will resonate with you as you continue with school or begin a new career. She urged the audience to take chances, network, be open-minded, stay educated and follow industry trends, be confident, challenge yourself, take risks and be patient. All of this can essentially be applied to any career in any field. As a student, I often feel unsure of what I want to do with my future. I've dabbled with pursuing a career in international relations, public relations, getting a master's degree and even attending law school. It is certainly confusing, but from talking to people who already went through this and have more experience than I do, I've learned that feeling this way is normal and your path can always change. I'd rather play on a fun jungle gym than climb a plain, boring ladder anyway!