Member Spotlight: Q&A with Carly Murphy
Posted on May. 15, 2024 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
This month, our OCPRSA spotlight shines on industry standout Carly Murphy, PR Coordinator at Chapman University!
Carly's path is captivating, from her undergraduate days at Chapman to her work as a Hollywood publicist and promoting OC's vibrant performing arts community. Now experiencing a full-circle moment, Carly has returned to her alma mater to delve into the higher education PR realm. What has Carly discovered from her professional journey so far that can help you excel in yours? Read on to uncover her enlightening perspective and expert tips for successfully growing in the fast-paced PR landscape.
What inspired you to pursue PR, and where has your career path taken you?
After earning my BFA in Television and Broadcast Journalism from Chapman University, I realized the overlap between journalism and PR, both demanding relentless research and storytelling skills. My first job was at Warner Bros., managing campaigns for major films and television series. Transitioning to Rogers & Cowan PR, I led press campaigns for TV shows and handled red-carpet events. After serving as a publicist at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, I felt a strong pull calling me back to Chapman University. Now a PR Coordinator in Chapman's Strategic Marketing and Communications division, I showcase faculty and programs across all 11 colleges, from cutting-edge research to faculty experts' national media coverage.
What motivated you to join OCPRSA/PRSA, and what membership experiences or benefits have you found to be the most valuable so far?
I was drawn to OCPRSA/PRSA by the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the tight-knit Orange County PR community. Networking and learning from others were my primary motivations, and I've been fortunate to engage in valuable conversations and attend well-crafted events organized by OCPRSA. My supervisor, Rachel Morrison, who sits on the OCPRSA Board, encouraged my involvement. I found the crisis communications workshop and PR trends event fascinating, providing great experiences to hear from fellow experts right in my own backyard.
What are your top tips for maintaining relationships with clients, media contacts, and other stakeholders in the ever-changing PR field?
Use all the tools, including LinkedIn, social media, and news updates. Start the morning by discovering the conversation and what's trending in the news to see if you can amplify or contribute organically. Personalize outreach to demonstrate genuine interest, maintain consistent communication, and follow up diligently to build trust and strengthen partnerships.
Reflecting on your career, can you share a PR campaign or project you've worked on that you're particularly proud of and what made it stand out?
Chapman University's Holocaust Art and Writing contest just marked its 25th anniversary. The campaign's goal surrounding this event was to share the story of the Holocaust beyond the one-day event and show why these narratives matter year-round. By crafting moving, data-driven media pitches featuring the voices of teachers, students, winners, faculty, program experts, and Holocaust survivors, the campaign garnered widespread coverage and engagement across local, print, and broadcast. Not only did this serve as a reminder of storytelling's powerful ability to raise awareness, foster empathy, and drive social change, but it also emphasized the significance of meaningful communication in shaping collective understanding.
As a seasoned PR professional, what's your go-to productivity hack or time-saving tip that you swear by when things get hectic?
My productivity hack is to align tasks with energy levels and mental focus. I dedicate specific time slots for writing and pitching activities, allowing me to immerse myself fully in each task without distraction. Capitalizing on peak creative periods for writing and strategic moments for pitching enables me to ensure optimal output quality and effectiveness. Also, remember to check in with yourself and prioritize deadlines to maintain focus and meet project goals efficiently.
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