The Importance of Being Yourself in Corporate Communication [National Assembly Recap]
Session: Farewell Meeting and Keynote Address
Presenters: Emma Finkbeiner, PRSSA 2016–2017 National President; Ty Rogers, Director of Corporate Communications, Amazon
Recap: Delegates and non-delegates of PRSSA waited all weekend to hear from Ty Rogers, director of corporate communications at Amazon. Students wanted to know Rogers’ path, why he went the corporate route within public relations and how he got to where he is today. Emma Finkbeiner, PRSSA National President, sat down with Rogers for an informal Q&A.
Rogers began in public relations but after a few years decided to pursue law school. He loved law school but did not necessarily believe practicing law was right for him. There was an immediate connection between public relations and law for him, so he decided to pursue corporate communications.
A friend of his was at Amazon and gave him information that led him to the next step in his career. Rogers said Amazon is not the right culture for everyone and encouraged new professionals to shop around for the right job after graduation.
“We hire non-traditionals a lot of the time,” said Rogers. “You need to find what you are passionate about, pour your experience into that and the rest should fall into place.”
The presentation gave student insight into the world of Amazon, and Rogers gave students advice on how to create their own successful career path. Once Finkbeiner asked all her questions, the floor was opened up to students to do the same.
Key takeaways:
- Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it; under promise and over deliver.
- Projection, rejection and order is how leadership is structured in the workplace.
- As a leader you should motivate people to do their best and shouldn’t be afraid to take risks.
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Holly Disch is a junior public relations major at Kent State University. She is vice president of public relations for the PRSSA Kent Chapter. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @hollydisch.
