Each month, on the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin blog, we will feature one of the members of our fine organization. Get to know a little bit about who they are, why they joined and what they are most looking forward to about being a part of the PRSA SEW Chapter. And maybe a few random facts here and there.
This month, we are featuring one of our newest members to the organization. Welcome to the club, Kate Clough!
Name – Kate Clough
Position/Company – Public Relations Assistant, Robert W. Baird & Co.
I see you graduated from Boston College! What brought you to Southeastern Wisconsin?
Follow Kate on Twitter: @kjmclough
As a native of Rhode Island and a graduate of BC, I grew up with Manhattan and Boston right around the corner. I wanted to challenge myself with a new city and a new experience. After graduating in May 2010, I first started interning with Edelman’s strategic research firm, StrategyOne, in Chicago. As my internship was nearing its end, I started to look at other marketing and PR opportunities in both Chicago and Milwaukee. The one presented by Baird in Milwaukee was a perfect fit and I couldn’t resist starting my business career at such a great company as a junior practitioner within the internal PR team. At Baird, I really enjoy working with highly seasoned PR vets, and in my first four months with the firm, I have learned an incredible amount.
With many professional organizations available, what drew you to PRSA?
I decided to join PRSA for a number of reasons. In addition to the encouragement from my co-workers, I wanted to join a community of practitioners to help in my professional enrichment and growth. I want to expand my network, push myself to stay on top of the cutting edge business practices and have a place where I can foster ideas. As a new PR professional, there is so much out there for me to learn, I think PRSA will definitely help me foster that professional growth.
As a new member of the organization, what aspects are you most looking forward to (luncheons, newsletters, networking, young pros, awards)?
As a new member of the Milwaukee community and to PRSA, I am most interested in networking and meeting other professionals in the Public Relations field through the monthly luncheons and the Young Pros Committee. I look forward to meeting professionals of all ages and expertise to gain insights about their industry trends, experiences and future opportunities.
What’s your favorite aspect of the Public Relations industry? (Media relations, special events, social media, crisis communication, community relations, ect.) And why?
My favorite aspect of the public relations industry is the use and growth of social media in the business setting. Now, more than ever, social media presents a whole new paradigm for connecting and communicating with your various audiences: clients, customers, employees, investors, among many others. My burgeoning interest in social media came after I read “Groundswell” by Josh Bernoff and Charlene Li.
My interest in media relations and community relations continues to grow in my current role at Baird. I really enjoy the opportunity to communicate with media outlets in both print and broadcast from all over the world.
What’s your favorite blog that you follow?
It’s a tough call between David Armano’s blog, “Logic & Emotion,” and “Groundswell” published by Forrester Research. I have learned so much about the world of Web 2.0 from both!
Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I spent a good part of my childhood traveling around the world with my family and even moved and lived in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia for a few years while I was in grade school.
Next time you see Kate at a luncheon or networking event, be sure to introduced yourself. Or you could connect with her on LinkedIn.
– Andrew Wiech (@AndrewWiech)
