Susan O'Neil, 24

Susan O'Neil

The job: PR/Web 2.0 account specialist
The employer: River City Studio specializes in graphic design, branding, Web development and optimization, strategic marketing, public relations and social media. It is located in Kansas City’s historic River Market area.
My role: This is a new position. I joined River City to kick off traditional public relations and social media efforts for the company’s growing client list. I work with companies to create an active presence in social media, establish dialogues and maintain relationships by participating in the public space. I also manage the studio’s internal social media and public relations efforts, driving the company’s online involvement, social network accounts and blogs as well as news, awards and information segments.
How long have you been in this position?
Since March 28.
How did you find your job?
A friend and former classmate at the University of Kansas introduced me to Kathryn Lorenzen, a recruiter and career coach at LandaJob, a Kansas City staffing and employment agency. Since I was out of town at the time, I had an interview with Kathryn on the phone and sent her my resume. She walked me through edits to my resume and personal bio to make me the best candidate I could be. She eventually presented me with the opportunity to interview with River City Studio.
First, I spoke by phone with the CEO and founder of River City Studio, Deb Turpin. I then had a phone interview — by speaker phone — with two individuals on the management team. Next, Deb set up a time for me to fly to Kansas City to do an in-person interview. I spent the next day getting to know the studio and how I might fit in. A few days later, Deb called to offer me the job.
What helped the most in the job search?
The smartest thing I did during my job search was that I made a full-time job out of finding a job. I stuck to a regular work schedule where I was up and on the computer from 8-5, and sometimes later due to time zones.
Additionally, I networked. I made sure to get the word out that I was job hunting. I think that you have to spare your pride when you are looking for a job during tough economic times. You must leave no rock unturned; tell everyone you know that you are job searching. You never know who is going to have that connection that sets you up with a position.
In my case, I had former colleagues and university professors, friends, family, former clients, etc., all on the lookout for me. Also, I made sure to put “Currently Job Seeking” on my LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages. I made the information available for anyone who saw me.
Did you reach a low point in this process?
I gave myself one day to be upset about my layoff from a job in San Francisco, and then I moved on.I remained positive during this time, trusting that the right opportunity would come around. You have to stay positive during the hard times. Besides, a negative attitude isn’t going to make you an exciting prospect to any hiring manager.
What is your advice for others in the job search?
Make the most out of your network. I was surprised to see how many former colleagues and college professors were eager to help me in my job search and pass my information onto their contacts in related fields.
What is your educational and work experience?
I have bachelor’s degrees in journalism and international studies from the University of Kansas (May 2007). Prior to joining River City Studio, I had the position of public relations account executive at Shift Communications, in San Francisco. Before joining Shift, I was in a public relations account executive position at The Hoffman Agency in San Jose, Calif.
How does this job fit into your long-term career plans?
I have the opportunity to broaden my experience and really enhance my abilities at River City Studio. I’m able to work with a great variety of clients from small companies to midlevel corporations and nonprofits. My position at River City Studio enables me to grow professionally, to try new things and venture into the social media arena, which is all very exciting to me. I am also supported by a very strong and talented team here.
| Sue Dye Babson, special to The Star