Member Monday: Jessica Backer

Sophomore Jessica Backer’s love for people has been her compass pointing her in the direction of her future career. This passionate public relations major is gaining valuable event planning and fundraising experience as a member of the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America’s development committee.

Tell us about yourself.

I am 19 years old from Benson, Ill., which is a small town of about 430 people. I chose to major in public relations because I like working with people and using my own skills and ideas to benefit a company. The more I learn about public relations, the more I fall in love with how many different aspects and opportunities this field has to offer.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about connecting with people and pursuing happy, positive relationships. I chose public relations as my major because I really do care about meeting the needs of different publics. In my first job as a cashier, going to work and talking to customers for just a few minutes made me happy. I would love to work for a nonprofit or in an agency setting, where I could utilize my people skills.

How has ISU PRSSA benefitted you, and what is your favorite part about being a member?

This organization has benefited me in more ways than one. Industry tours show me future employer possibilities and being involved in the Chapter helps me connect with other public relations majors. I look forward to attending the weekly Tuesday meetings because they offer great advice about the professional world, and I also enjoy working in the development committee.

What is your dream job?

I would love to work at an event planning agency, specifically in wedding public relations. Being able to put on an event that makes my clients happy is my inspiration to keep working harder. To be honest, my inspiration for wedding public relations came from the movie “27 Dresses.” Although Katherine Heigl’s character is not an event planner, she still makes sure everything falls into place for her friends’ special day.

What is something most people do not know about you?

In high school, when other girls played volleyball and basketball, I played golf. I practiced with the boys because there was not enough interest in the school to make a girls team. When it comes to recreational activities, I love skiing, snowmobiling, and boating. However, if you put in “The O.C.,” I am bound to never leave the couch again because I love Seth Cohen.

Questions composed by Kimi Sanden

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