Internship Leads to Full-Time Job at Blender, Inc. for Alumna Katy Albert Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Meet Katy Albert
Job title and employer: Social Media Manager, Blender, Inc.
Degree earned: B.A. in public relations and advertising, December 2014
Hometown: Butler, Pa.
High school: Butler Area Senior High
Now living in: Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood
Scholarships: Presidential Scholarship
College activities: I transferred to Point Park from Butler County Community College, but during my two years at Point Park I was involved in promotional activities for the Point Park University-produced feature film, "The Umbrella Man," including a flashmob in Market Square, helped develop a communications plan for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, in addition to planning and managing the Point Park University 2014 Senior Literary Showcase.
Hobbies/interests: Writing, traveling, bettering my community, helping the vulnerable among us (including animals and underserved populations) and drinking as much coffee as possible.
LinkedIn: Katy Albert
Twitter: @KatyAlbertPgh
Favorite quote: "Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." - Sam Levenson
How did you land your job at Blender?
I had the pleasure of taking classes from Chris Hays, vice president and director of strategy at Blender. When Blender was looking for interns in the summer of 2014, Chris remembered me from class and I landed an internship. When the summer was over, Blender offered me a part-time position while I finished my last semester. Upon graduation, I became a full-time member of the Blender team in December 2014. Currently, I'm expanding my skills into digital advertising, which requires strategic thinking and planning - it's a lot of fun.
What are your key responsibilities as a social media manager?
As a social media manager, I am the connection between a brand or company and their digital audience. It's critical to spend time getting to know the online community for each client so you can tailor the messaging for them. Words are more powerful than anything and can be beautifully crafted to create an impact. My responsibilities include:
- Plan and implement social media strategies for integrated marketing campaigns (in conjunction with the Blender team)
- Develop, implement and measure social media campaigns for assigned clients/projects
- Serve as social community manager for designated clients
- Develop and maintain social trends information
- Manage projects, budgets, and timelines for assigned accounts, acting as interface between agency and client
- Assist with production, estimate creation, budgeting, schedule development and management
- Prepare social audits and performance reporting as necessary
- Assist with research for new clients and projects
What factors influenced your decision to attend Point Park for your major?
I knew the city was where I needed to be. Point Park is a dynamic and creative place that is bursting with opportunity and excitement. Considering the city environment, industry-seasoned professors and dedication to hands-on learning, Point Park was the ideal fit for me.
How did your Point Park experience prepare you for your career?
While at Point Park, I honed my ability to work effectively as a member of a team, to build stronger ideas from collaboration. Learning how to defend an idea, or how to accept criticism - these are vital skills that will be useful throughout my career.
What are your career goals?
My favorite aspect of working at Blender is that the agency is devoted to doing good work for the people who are making our community stronger. Wherever I am in my career, if I'm still helping to make the world a better place for those around me, I'm on the right track.
What advice do you have for a prospective student?
Follow your passion. If what you're doing in school doesn't make you happy every day, don't be afraid to change your course. You will never regret a choice that makes you happy.