Member Spotlight: Q&A with Kathryn Kelly
Posted on Apr. 15, 2024 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
This month, we're thrilled to reconnect with PR maven Kathryn Kelly, Director of Client Services at Powerhouse+Co., a leading PR agency specializing in restaurant, consumer, and franchise industries. With an extensive background in both agency settings and working directly with restaurant clients, in her current role, Kathryn is focused on driving client retention and ensuring account teams have the necessary assets, strategies, and leadership to deliver impactful client wins. Additionally, Kathryn actively lends her expertise to OCPRSA's PRSSA Liaison Committee, guiding emerging PR talents in their transition from college life to the professional realm. Read on as we catch up with Kathryn and gain invaluable insights from her career journey and experiences.
How did you get started in PR & Communications, and who or what experiences have impacted the trajectory of your career path?
Before starting college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in communications because I've always loved interacting with people and enjoyed writing. At the same time, I wasn't fully aware of the many career paths you could pursue with a comm degree until I was in college. I stumbled across public relations and felt called to pursue it further via internships, and the rest is history!
My university, the University of San Diego, didn't have a PR emphasis or many PR classes, so nearly all my knowledge has come from 'trial by fire' and working in PR, but it's been a great path for me. I've always tried my best to soak up knowledge from every company, boss, and colleague I've had, allowing me to learn from their best practices and creative ways of thinking.
You're now involved in OCPRSA's outreach efforts to support PRSSA chapters and students in their career development and transition into the industry. Can you share more on the work OCPRSA is doing regarding this initiative?
As part of the PRSSA Liaison Committee, we've spoken at Chapman University, CSU Fullerton, and CSU Long Beach to share the benefits of PRSSA and PRSA membership. Most soon-to-be graduates are eager to get an edge in the hiring process. PRSSA and PRSA are great ways to network with potential employers, connect with professionals in industries of interest, and show commitment to the PR field. Our goal is to drive interest and membership for OCPRSA by creating an accessible pipeline from PRSSA to the professional-level organization.
From your perspective, what are some key benefits that PRSSA students gain from being connected with OCPRSA?
Being an active and involved member of PRSSA, and eventually, OCPRSA opens you up to a vast network of OC-based PR professionals. It can be as simple as attending an in-person event or referencing the member directory, or members can seek deeper involvement, such as signing up for the YoPro mentorship program or setting up an informational interview with an OCPRSA member at their dream company. Membership allows PRSSA students to build their professional network from day one, and if nurtured effectively, joining will pay dividends throughout their careers. Networking may appear daunting for recent graduates, but those who embrace boldness and dive head-first into the process will distinguish themselves from their peers.
What are three important lessons you've learned throughout your career that you believe would be beneficial for aspiring PR professionals to know?
Be a Sponge: Actively and intentionally listen during meetings and team brainstorms to understand how ideas get generated, the details of the decision-making process, and what to consider before finalizing a plan. I learned so much during my early career by simply being in the room and observing firsthand how big and small decisions were made.
Ask Questions: If you want to know the "why" be something, ask! If you receive feedback that you want to better understand for next time, ask! In the early stages of starting a new job or while advancing your career, it's natural to feel hesitant about asking questions. However, it's SO important to gain clarity to ensure you fully comprehend things because it will enable you to grow and apply this knowledge to your work in the long run.
Contribute: If you have an idea, share it. If you find an article relevant to a client, circulate it internally. Sharing this shows your employers, boss, etc., that you're actively engaged in this job and excited about learning more.
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