Meet the 2013-2014 Editor in Chief of PRemier: Stephanie Robertson

What is your favorite part about overseeing the newsletters in the relations committee?

Taking on a chair position in a committee in PRSSA has allowed me to be more involved in the Chapter. As a chair, I have met more members than I did as a regular dues-paying member last year. I’ve also gained an incredible amount of experience to put toward my future career and to include in my portfolio.

What have you learned from your leadership role overseeing the publications of the newsletters?

This year as the newsletter chair has been a great learning experience. I have learned a lot about management and leadership, and the difference between the two, when it comes to motivating members to write.

Why are you interested in public relations?

I have always loved writing and public speaking. I started researching public relations as a major and a career when I decided that an English major wasn’t for me. I still wanted to write and interact with people, but I didn’t want to teach. I was accepted into the public relations program at Illinois State University. I was still unsure of what it was and if it was for me, but every class I have taken since joining the major has assured me that public relations is the field I want to be in.

If you could have any job, public relations related or not, what would it be and why?

I would love to found my own nationwide – or even global – nonprofit organization. I have a passion for helping others, and I’d love to put everything I have learned with public relations and apply it to my own nonprofit business. Another dream job of mine is to be a famous country rock star living in Nashville, Tennessee. That would be pretty cool too.

As a senior about to graduate, what advice would you give to younger members of our Chapter or in the public relations major?

Take on a leadership role. I have learned so much this year from my leadership role in PRSSA. I learned a lot about my own management and leadership skills, as well as improved my own writing and editing skills. It is not always easy to have a position in any organization, but the benefits far outweigh the sleepless nights!

On a Sunday afternoon we can usually find you…

Working on a group project…or taking a nap in between group projects!

List three things on your bucket list.

1.     Travel outside of the country
2.      Have my own animal sanctuary
3.      Swim with dolphins
(Bonus item: Land an awesome public relations job)


Questions composed by Lisa Crocco

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