Scripps PRSSA was excited to welcome Courtney Hessenauer, Manager of Internal Communications at NetJets to speak to the Chapter.
Courtney is a 2011 graduate of the Scripps School of Journalism, with a focus in broadcast journalism. While at OHIO, she was heavily involved in WOUB and Athens MidDay.
Heading into her senior year, she interned with WBNS-10TV in Columbus, OH. She kept in close contact with many of the producers at the station, and they offered her a job a few months later as an Associate Producer.
About six months into the role, she quit her job. Thanks to the help of a recruiting agency, she found a job as a Communications Specialist with The Limited. This is where she was introduced to internal communications.
She stayed at The Limited for three years before finding a management role with Express. After three years, she came across an opportunity with NetJets, and thanks to networking, was able to connect with former peers and got the job as the Manager of Internal Communications.
She’s been with NetJets for approximately 8 months, handling all internal communications – basically, she is the liaison between the business and the team members. She manages an internal website, executive emails, pilot communications and internal events. Anything that NetJets employees need to know is typically routed through her.
Here are some takeaways:
- “As long as you have that communications experience, you can learn any field and apply it!” – Courtney Hessenauer
- You can truly work in any field as a journalism, PR and strategic communications professional, because it’s all about applying skills to the world you want to be in.
- “Communication is 360-degrees. Always think of it as a full circle.”- Courtney Hessenauer on how to get more value out of your communication strategy.
- Networking is so important at every stage of life. You are much more likely to get an internship or job by connecting with peers and other Bobcats rather than throwing your resume out there and seeing what sticks.
- Remove the objective from your resume, hiring managers already know you are looking and want the job. Use that resume real estate to showcase what makes you qualified for the job. You’ve done so much, so show that off more.
- By being proactive and planning early, you will be more effective than being reactive and rushed.
- Stick to your values, because if something, someone or somewhere makes you uncomfortable, you shouldn’t be doing it. You don’t have to. Find the right fit for you, because there is so much opportunity out there.
- Always remain curious, because this will keep you eager to learn, optimistic, excited each day and also make you smarter.
Cade Fleming is a senior Journalism Strategic Communication major and current Scripps PRSSA VP of PR. Keep up with him on Twitter @cade_fleming