Senior to Watch: Maggie Ziemann

Maggie Ziemann is a senior at Illinois State University and a public relations junkie that is ready to dive into her future career. Before she began at ISU in 2011, Ziemann already knew about the Public Relations Student Society of America. Ziemann believes joining this organization was one of the greatest decisions she has made during her time at ISU.

Since becoming a member of ISU PRSSA, Ziemann has worn almost every hat offered.  As a two-year member of PRogressive Image, Ziemann has had firsthand experience working on a client account. She also held the relations manager (formerly director of relations) leadership position, which taught her how to manage a team, be a communicator between channels, and enhance her writing and editing skills. Ziemann has also been able to attend two PRSSA National Conferences.

On top of her experience in PRSSA, Ziemann has built her professional portfolio with internships.  She started as a public relations intern at Allied Health Group, where she created content for a specific demographic as well as learned how to apply certain tactics and strategies to help reach her audience. Her first internship experience was a challenge but one that aided her next position at a startup company called WaterDrop Shop. She helped build the company brand and created awareness while managing social media accounts. During her time at WaterDrop Shop, the business was named, “America’s Coolest College Startup,” and she also coordinated her first event. Ziemann is currently the alumni relations intern at Heartland Community College.  She has coded websites, used marketing tools, and been the voice of alumni relations throughout the college’s social media. 

Just when you think she has done it all, Ziemann has done more. Ziemann is also an avid blogger and involved in the sorority Delta Zeta.  She could not keep her busy life in order if it was not for her calendar and planner- the busier the better for Ziemann. After graduation, she plans to move home to Chicago and find a job or internship at a public relations agency. Her advice for current students is to network with professionals by creating relationships on social media outlets as well as doing outside research on the industry.

By Cindy Kirchner

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