Degree in Public Relations and Advertising Equips Alumna Maggie Stasko with Skills to Succeed at Kite Hill PR Alumni Profile
Photo by Ethan Stoner
Meet Maggie Stasko
- Job Title & Employer
- Senior Account Manager, Kite Hill Public Relations
- Major/Program
- Public Relations & Advertising
- Minor
- Graphic Design
- Hometown
- North Huntingdon, Pa.
- High School
- Norwin High School
- Now Living In
- Forest Hills, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Cooking, baking, watching live sports and music, movies, traveling, biking, quality time with family and friends
"I’ve always felt so prepared for what I do professionally because of what I was taught at Point Park. Having professors who are still in the field makes all the difference because they’re able to teach from experience. It’s more real world and less textbook."
What steps did you take to secure a position as a senior account manager at Kite Hill PR?
After working at two in-person advertising and public relations agency jobs post-graduation, I began to wonder if #agencylife was a sustainable option for me in the long run. This — coupled with the shift to remote work during the COVID 19 pandemic — made me want to explore my options.
I updated my LinkedIn status to open to work and began searching for remote work opportunities in the communications industry. I engaged with recruiters and had several interviews for different in-house communications roles, as well as PR agencies that were open to hiring fully-remote employees.
After connecting with some members of the Kite Hill team through phone calls and Zoom interviews, I realized that the culture of this agency aligned with my values and personality.
In what ways did your college experience prepare you for your career?
I’ve always felt so prepared for what I do professionally because of what I was taught at Point Park. Having professors who are still in the field makes all the difference because they’re able to teach from experience. It’s more real world and less textbook. Opportunities such as PRSSA and student-run outlets like WPPJ and The Globe, as well as facilities like the Center for Media Innovation, showed me what a career in the field could look like. And spoiler alert — it very much does!
Second from left: Maggie Stasko and the Kite Hill PR team
Tell us about the work you do at Kite Hill PR.
Kite Hill PR is an award-winning Agile Tech PR agency working with leading companies across B2B tech industries. Most recently, Kite Hill PR was featured in Observer Media's 2024 list of the Top PR Firms in Tech & A.I.
As a senior account manager, my daily tasks include managing several client account teams and contributing to the agency's new business efforts. I guide a direct report and a mentee while collaborating with diverse clients in industries such as advertising, entertainment, media, martech, A.I., health tech and climate tech. My role encompasses both strategic planning and execution, including creating announcements, fostering media relationships and establishing thought leadership, all while ensuring alignment with clients' business goals. I also support our team's A.I. initiatives and contribute to our editor's desk.
What advice do you have for prospective School of Communication students?
First off, having Downtown Pittsburgh as the backdrop of your college campus adds so much culture and depth to your experience. Being seamlessly integrated into the heart of Pittsburgh is something I will always value about Point Park.
I also recommend creating relationships with your professors — ask to get a coffee or meet during their office hours. Share what you want to do and where you’d like to be post-grad. Your professors are often well-connected and respected in their field and want to help you reach your goals.
And lastly – get involved. It’s such generic advice but will definitely benefit you in the long run. Between unique classes and lots of clubs, there is so much to be a part of. Don’t miss out on the community aspect of college.