Alum Puts Problems Solving Skills into Practice as PR Specialist
“I’m a problem solver, so I enjoy seeing a potential issue or crisis that I can address, or having an exciting piece of news and determining the best way to get the word out,” says Stephanie Ellis ’08.
Graduating from Messiah with a B.A. in Communication (PR/Advertising concentration) and a minor in Church Music (Piano concentration), Ellis has always enjoyed the various aspects of communication, particularly strategy. She currently works as the Public Relations Specialist for Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, a private, health-sciences-focused institution in Lancaster, Pa.
“I manage all external PR efforts including media relations, media buying and copywriting, event planning, creating digital content our website, social media planning and monitoring, writing and producing all print materials for the College such as our admissions materials and alumni magazine,” she explains. She adds that she loves her job because no two days are the same.
Ellis admits that it is sometimes challenging to leave her work at the office. “It’s easy to take it home with you when you love what you do, but it’s important to recognize that you need time to recharge.”
After graduating, Ellis landed a job selling advertising for a local newspaper in Pittsburgh and was later recruited for a similar position in Central Pa. She adds, “Fortunately, my current employer was one of my clients who was already familiar with my work. This just goes to show that networking and maintaining good connections is important because you never know where it might lead you.”
At Messiah, she interned in the Enrollment Management Office and worked as the Publications Manager for The Swinging Bridge, while serving as the Kairos Worship Leader. Ellis says her college experience prepared her for her current role.
“Besides the education and encouragement I received from the professors, I believe that as a result of having to work multiple jobs through college, I learned to multitask and prioritize,” she notes. “I also really enjoyed the PR Campaign class because it provided me with real-world experience with an existing organization, not just a case study.”
She advises students, “Be sure to network (whether through internships or other opportunities) and maintain good connections – you never know when they will come in handy!”
Ellis currently lives in Red Lion with her husband and dog, Waldo. When not at the office, she spends time at a local yoga studio, where she has recently started freelance blogging.
-Emily Carter ('16)