What is your current role at Yale University?
I am the Director of Strategic Communications for Yale Public Safety.
What are your main responsibilities?
I provide internal and external strategic communication and marketing direction for Yale Public Safety, which includes developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans, writing articles and content for the web and social media, and crafting media statements and other strategic messaging for Public Safety leaders.
What do you like most about your work?
My work is deeply gratifying as the first person to serve in this position. Developing and distributing communications that generate greater safety awareness to help nurture a safer campus community and sharing the accomplishments of the Public Safety team is a privilege. I’m fascinated by how integral public safety is to campus life and Yale’s mission.
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
I try to stay abreast of what’s happening in the news. An added benefit is that my personal and public safety knowledge has grown. I am more aware of my environment and more confident in my ability to respond in an emergency.
How did you begin your career?
My career in communications began working for a weekly newspaper and later for television stations in several U.S. markets. I have leveraged my print and broadcast journalism skills into a rewarding marketing and communications career. I was a successful consultant for several years and enjoyed working in the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors.
What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field?
To prepare for a communications career, pursue a degree in journalism or communications and take courses in complementary areas of study like marketing and public relations. The key is to develop excellent written and oral skills. Join a professional public relations, communications, or marketing organization to network with fellow practitioners. The relationships you create can help you find a mentor and take advantage of career opportunities.
What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?
Skills essential for success in the communications industry include writing clear, concise messaging on deadline; juggling multiple projects and competing priorities; and working collaboratively with clients to achieve goals and outcomes. Being a good listener is also important.
If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?
I would definitely choose the same path. I love what I do! My career path was not linear, but all the skills I developed and the experience I gained along the way informed my decisions and paved the way to a rewarding career.
What does YAAA mean to you and how have you contributed as a member?
As a relatively new employee at Yale, having a built-in group of colleagues was helpful in my onboarding. I enjoyed every speakers’ presentation. The topics were relevant and varied and have contributed to my professional development.