PR Passion! A Q&A with Caitlin Lore, Senior PR major.

Caitlin Lore is a senior Public Relations major with a minor in Political Science. Public relations and pop culture fuel her to move from Rowan and into the real world. Since meeting her my freshmen year in the fall 2004, I have noticed her drive and determination to now only gain knowledge and experience from her classes but to also step into them as through she was working the real world. She represents one of many bright Public Relations students graduating on May 16 are really are the future of Public Relations. Always ready and willing to help out a friend, she will carry our her many lessons learned at Rowan and translate them as she climbs the corporate ladder of Public Relations.

I hope you enjoy this Q&A!

Gavin Farber (GF): What made you get into Public Relations?

Caitlin Lore (CL): Honestly, I came to Rowan interested in pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. But after learning about what public relations was, I quickly changed my major. I really enjoy writing and thinking creatively. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the news and popular culture.

GF: Who assisted you in getting involved at Rowan?

CL: Professor Litwin, got me involved. He suggested I join PRSSA and helped me choose electives which catered to my particular career interests.

GF: What motivated you to join PRSSA? What is PRSSA?

CL: PRSSA is the Public Relations Student Society of America. It’s a student organization, which provides career development and networking opportunities. We have guest speakers and attend professional PR events across the country. Rowan has the most successful PRSSA chapter in the entire United States.

GF: What made you join PRaction? What is PRaction?

CL: PRaction which literally stands for Putting PR into Action (get it?), is our student-run PR firm. We have real clients and do real public relations work. Students have the chance to experience what a real PR agency is like, which gaining valuable experience. Most PRSSA members joined PRaction, so I got involved through PRSSA.

GF: Who are the most influential people who assisted in your education?

CL: Probably the most influential professors I’ve had included Professor Litwin, Dr. Fitzgerald, and Professor Fulginiti. They’ve really helped me prepare for success in PR. Other professors I’ve enjoyed include Dr. Basso, Professor Holtzman, and Professor Hackney. My favorite classes at Rowan have been my PR classes.

GF: Did you have any internship experiences? Where and what did you gain from them?

CL: I’ve had two internships. One was for WMSH Marketing Communications and one was for Kennedy Health System. I really enjoyed both for different reasons . I liked the agency because it gave me a real understanding of what marketing communications entailed and I had to work on several important projects. I like Kennedy because I got to write several articles and stories for publications that reached both medical professionals and patients. I not only improved as a writer, but as thinker and multi-tasker.

GF: What are your post-graduation plans?

CL: I am looking for a full-time job right now in PR. In the future, I’d like to do PR for a professional sports team or for a health system like Kennedy. However, I am open to anything and willing to explore many options. That’s what’s so greats about PR, every single industry needs effective public relations!

GF: What is your opinion of the future of Public Relations?

CL: I firmly believe that while many companies and professionals are beginning to recognize the importance of PR, and that this field will continue to grow. However, I also think that many people who do PR don’t really understand what it really means. I feel that with a Rowan degree, I have a distant advantage over my colleagues. I also feel that PR will change as the media continues to change. Every day, a new media comes out and PR professionals must adapt quickly.

GF: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?

CL: In five years, I will be continuing to make a name for myself in PR. In 10 years, I hope to be a well-respected PR professional with a well-paying job. In 20 years, I want to be a PR director for a professional sports team or health system. I also hope to start a family and live in either the Philadelphia or New York City metro areas.

Caitlin Lore is sharply going where most Rowan graduates are going, into their futures. I have no doubt Caitlin will have the ability to accomplish all of her goals and use her involvement and experiences from Rowan as part of the reason why she finds future success.