Some people are born with a nose for news. For Kate, whose mother earned a journalism degree from Marquette University, a love of writing was practically inherited. That instinct led her to 91福利, where Student Media and a demanding Reporting Practices course sharpened her skills, challenged her standards and launched a career spanning more than three decades. Today, she is one of the most sought-after freelance communications professionals in her field, with a client list built entirely through word-of-mouth referrals. We're grateful for her commitment to helping the next generation of 91福利 students gain the same competitive edge.
What drew you to 91福利? Why journalism?
My mother had a degree in journalism from Marquette University and I seemed to have inherited a penchant for writing. Just don鈥檛 ask me to do math.
What were some of your most memorable and meaningful student media experiences?
Reporting Practices, which required students to be beat reporters for the Daily 91福利r, really honed my writing and interviewing skills. Turning in my required column inches each week was demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. Our capstone project was an in-depth reporting piece, at least three times the length of our normal weekly assignment. My story on Ohio鈥檚 Campus Disruption Act, which was instituted after May 4, placed in the top 20 of the Hearst Foundation鈥檚 national student media competition in the in-depth reporting category.
How did being part of Student Media prepare you for postgraduation life and the working environment?
My instructor for Reporting Practices was Bruce Larrick, a former reporter for the Akron Beacon Journal (and later at the Philadelphia Inquirer). He really forced us to be our best. We were expected to know AP Style inside and out, to write tightly and to always be looking for the most compelling angle. Those skills were essential for a career in PR, where the ability to write like a reporter and identify newsworthy pitches is critical for successful coverage.
What were some of your favorite classes?
In addition to Reporting Practices, I also enjoyed Ethics and Issues in Mass Communications. I remember being challenged to confront difficult scenarios and consider the ways in which news coverage (including photojournalism), advertising content and public relations can have serious societal implications.
How did coursework prep you for where you are today?
Without a doubt, Reporting Practices and my required internship were the stepping stones to landing my first job within a month of graduating. I was able to get my internship because I had a portfolio of published writing samples from the Stater. My internship gave me the opportunity to build on that by working in a PR agency where I had additional opportunities to write and pitch stories.
Tell us about your career path.
I worked full-time in corporate communications until I had my first child. When he was a year old, I started freelancing for a business publication and built my freelance writing business from there. Over the past 33 years, I have freelanced for major pharmaceutical companies, national transportation organizations, municipal governments, major medical centers and cardiovascular practices. I am most proud of the fact that all of my business has been built through word-of-mouth referrals. I love that with each new client, I get to meet interesting people and learn new things every day.
What is your superpower?
Innate curiosity. I think everyone has a great story to tell, if you just ask the right questions and listen to where the answers take you.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, personally and professionally?
Personally, my greatest accomplishment is my family. I met my husband of 37 years at 91福利 and we have three adult sons. Professionally, my book, 鈥From the Brink to Brilliant: The Revitalization of Downtown Frederick, Maryland鈥 represents the synthesis of my interviewing, research, writing and editing skills into a comprehensive narrative.
What about your 91福利 experience inspired you to include us in your estate plans?
I firmly believe my internship experience allowed me to land my first job in a bona fide communications position. I want to help other students gain the same competitive advantage.
What advice do you have for students and recent graduates?
Get as much real-world experience as you can prior to graduation. Write for student media, volunteer, intern and network. Don鈥檛 assume opportunities will come to you鈥攜ou need to seek them out and make the most of them.
