Meet PRi Account Executive: Andrea Casali

Andrea Casali, Illinois State University sophomore, takes charge as the PRogressive Image account executive for the Humane Society of Central Illinois. Casali is currently the youngest member holding a leadership position in the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She has a soft spot for animals and has put in a lot of work helping HSCI grow stronger this year.

Tell us about yourself.

 I am a sophomore, native to Bloomington-Normal, Ill., so I am a “townie.” This fact has made my college experience different from most. I live right down the street from ISU, so it just made sense to stay home and save money. Plus, I get to skip the dorms and cuddle with my cat. When I am not on campus, I enjoy painting, “Netflixing,” and reading. I am a huge “Game of Thrones” fan. I also love fashion and hope that I will one day have a career that is fashion-focused.

What attracted you to the HSCI account?

I was attracted to the account because I have a big place in my heart for animals. I have volunteered for the HCSI since high school, so I genuinely care about the organization. It was the perfect opportunity for me to become more involved in ISU PRSSA while doing something that I love.

What are your responsibilities as an account executive?

I act as a liaison between PRi and the client. My responsibilities are mainly to establish a positive relationship with the client and determine ways PRi can assist HCSI.

Are you involved in anything else on campus?

Yes, I joined a social sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, in fall 2014. It was a step outside of my comfort zone, but through putting myself out there, I feel like I have really grown as an individual. I found an amazing sisterhood, which is exactly what I was hoping to find.

What advice do you have for future account executives?

Ask the organization what it would like to see done and how it would like to utilize PRi. I spent a lot of time last semester pitching ideas that did not end up working for HSCI. The ideas were not bad; they weren’t used. I would say it is important to ask the client how you can help them so that you can spend time creating project ideas in-line with their goals.

Tell us about your current internship.

This semester I have my first internship as a student ambassador for ISU’s School of Communication recruitment team. It has been great to work with a team who is just as passionate as I am about public relations and ISU’s communication program.

Do you have any plans to study abroad?

I plan to study abroad in Paris through the Novancia Business School study abroad program in summer 2016. I studied French all four years of high school, and it has been my dream to visit the country and immerse myself in the culture. I also hope to take weekend trips all around Europe.

Questions composed by Kelly Larson

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