Alumni Spotlight: Kathleen Rooney
Kathleen Rooney, Digital Lead Organizer at I AM ALS.
“I joined PRSSA as a freshman and it was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at AU. Some of my close friends today are people I met through PRSSA.”
What was your undergraduate experience like?
I loved my undergrad years at AU! I got to experience what it was like to work and live in an amazing city like DC while getting the college experience of connecting with like-minded people excited about changing the world for the better. I majored in public communication and minored in marketing and graphic design. I joined PRSSA as a freshman and it was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at AU. Some of my close friends today are people I met through PRSSA.
Where has your career path led you since graduating?
My career path has been unexpected since graduating but that is the wonderful thing about communications -- it can take you into any industry or type of organization! My first job out of college was at a large consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton, writing communications plans for the U.S. Marine Corps. I then went on to work for a large startup, WeWork, and now have found a great role managing the digital marketing strategy for I AM ALS, a small, patient-centric movement driving toward ALS cures.
What does your current role entail?
In my current job as digital lead organizer, I manage and execute on the organization's digital strategy. This includes running our social media channels, managing our website and analytics, launching paid media efforts, finding new and innovative ways to mobilize people online and building out awareness efforts to educate the general public about what ALS is and how close we are to curing it.
What’s one thing you love about your current job or working in public relations?
What I love most about what I do is working with those most impacted by ALS to help develop creative messaging that will get people the critical resources they need or convince someone who knows nothing about ALS to take some time out of their day to do one simple action that will help get much-needed treatments and cures into the hands of people living with ALS.
What’s your proudest accomplishment across your career so far?
I was the first employee to start working at I AM ALS and although it was a hectic time, helping to build the organization and all that we've been able to accomplish within the two short years we've existed is something I'm very proud of.
What’s in the future for you?
I'm not sure what's next in my career. I've found a love of working in healthcare and doing digital organizing within a patient-led movement so I am sure my work will continue to be related to that in some way.
How have your experiences with PRSSA supported you in your professional career?
PRSSA was one of the biggest reasons I got my first job out of college. It set me up with an incredible network and skills that were very applicable to each of the jobs I've had. Getting to hold a position on e-board and be president of the organization taught me how to manage a team and build initiatives from the ground up. Pairing that with your classwork and an internship or two will make you a great candidate when you are starting to look for a job.
What advice would you give to current AU PRSSA members to prepare for a career in public relations?
Make the most of your time in PRSSA! I was lucky enough to get to go to a few national conferences and each time was a great experience. I met many people who went on to do amazing things in public relations and still have them in my network. Also, as you start to understand what you might want to do in PR, start setting up informational interviews with people who hold a job you think you may want someday. Most people are responsive on LinkedIn and are open to you taking 30 minutes of their time. It's a low-stress way to grow your network and helps to have people who can keep you in mind as positions open up when you begin to look for jobs. The last piece of advice I'll share: don’t forget to enjoy your time in college! If AU PRSSA is anything like it used to be a few years ago, it is probably filled with amazing rockstar students who are holding a full course load, participating in multiple clubs all while having an internship. All of those experiences can be and were for me incredibly fulfilling but taking the time and hanging on the quad with friends can be just as valuable.
Fun fact!
I have turned into a much older version of myself and started cross-stitching and doing more yoga during quarantine! Keeps me saner than binging hours of Netflix, which I of course also do.
Kathleen Rooney is an experienced strategic communications professional providing support to the communications and engagement team at I AM ALS. Her previous experiences include leading social impact and public affairs initiatives alongside hospitality and operational efforts at WeWork and leading a communications portfolio for the Department of Defense in the Marine Corps Installations Command Office of Modernization and Development.
