Awesome Alumni: featuring Sami Sauerman
This week's post features Sami Sauerman '13.
Hometown: Medford, Wis.
Graduation year: Spring 2013
Major/Minor:
Communication major – public relations emphasis – with a minor in French
Brief work/internship background:
I had three internships:
UW- Stevens Point University Relations and Communications office, Assistant Event Coordinator
Wriglesworth Consultancy in London, UK on the corporate finance team
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in the Consumer Brand Marketing Practice
Current job title/company:
Assistant Account Executive at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in Los Angeles, Calif.
What do you do in your current position?
Planning and execution of events and consumer activations; media monitoring, list building, pitching and vetting; account budget tracking and billing; drafting press releases, matte releases and original articles; research; and pretty much anything else my colleagues can think of!
When did you join PRSSA?
I joined the spring semester of my sophomore year mainly to meet people in my major and gain a broader understanding of PR.
Did you hold a leadership position in PRSSA?
Yes, I was the fundraising chair for one semester and served as the vice president for a year.
My experience was amazing! As a board we really bonded and became close friends. It was also a great experience for me to step up and take on more of a leadership role. Those leadership skills continue to evolve and benefit me to this day.
How has your PRSSA membership helped you in your professional career?
Through PRSSA activities, workshops, conferences and trips I gained valuable insight into what I could expect in an interview and the workplace. Though I can’t say for certain, I also firmly believe that my leadership positions set me apart from other applicants.
Why should students join and become involved in PRSSA?
Besides the obvious reasons of networking, gaining career advice and visiting various companies, it is a great way to make friends with people in your major and it gets you really excited about PR!
What was your favorite part of being a PRSSA member?
My favorite memory was the PRSSA National Conference in Orlando, Fla. We had such a fun group, and I learned so much at the conference. I also loved visiting Chicago for an agency visit to Red Frog Events.
What is one thing you would have done differently in college?
I honestly would have also joined The Pointer and SPTV in addition to PRSSA.
First, writing experience is so important. Believe me, I know your professors and every speaker has beaten you over the head with that statement, but it really is true. Good writers are held in high regard in this field, and I just wish I had gained some more experience prior to graduating.
Another huge part of my job is working with the media. I feel like if I had joined “The Pointer” and SPTV it would have given me a lot of insight into how print and broadcast outlets operate, and it would have helped me understand the journalist/reporter perspective on what is newsworthy.
What advice would you give to students just getting into their major?
Take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you. UW-Stevens Point’s communication department really has a lot to offer students. From the radio station, to “The Pointer,” to SPTV and PRSSA, if you are not taking advantage of any of those, you’re crazy!
What advice would you give to students preparing for graduation this academic year?
Be a “yes” person, don’t give up, and never take “no” for an answer!
Twitter: @SamiSauerman
LinkedIn: Samantha Sauerman
Email: [email protected]