Government affairs, corporate public relations, nonprofit community relations… the list of public relations career tracks goes on and on…and on. Ever wonder what someone else does in their PR role? This new series will spotlight our members’ roles to give you a better idea what their “9 to 5” looks like. Interested in sharing about your job? Email us!
Name: Rebecca Paul – Martin
Job Title: Director of Public Relations & Marketing
Company/Organization: Florida Southern College
City: Lakeland
Industry: Higher Education/Tourism
Age: 33
Before we jump into your current role, tell us a little about your PR background. I always enjoyed reading the paper growing up — it was something my Dad always encouraged me to do and it has stuck with me ever since. When I started college, I had every intention of going into broadcasting (I loved the Today show!), but due to a chance scheduling conflict I ended up taking my first public relations class – and I was hooked! After graduating from Southeastern University, I became the Internal Communications Supervisor for J.Crew in Lynchburg, Virginia. I returned to Lakeland in 2015 as the Brand & Marketing Manager for Peace River Center and now, the Director of Public Relations & Marketing for Florida Southern College.
What’s your morning routine? I enjoy structure, so I try to wake up at the same time every morning and stick to a very similar routine which includes checking my emails for anything pressing and a big cup of coffee.
At 9:00 a.m. I am… reading the paper and finalizing my schedule for the day. I also use this time for team meetings and reviewing what needs to be accomplished for the day.
At 11:00 a.m. I am… reviewing website articles, press releases, and marketing artwork for Florida Southern College, as well as our Frank Lloyd Wright tourism.
For lunch I… usually eat something I’ve brought from home and then take a walk around campus. You can’t beat the incredible views we have here!
At 3:00 p.m. I am… in meetings with different staff and faculty members developing media/marketing strategies for incredible events like our Festival of Fine Arts series or a major college announcement.
I wrap up my day with… clearing my inbox and cleaning off my desk. I always try to reset so the next day can start fresh and uncluttered.
What do you think other PR Pros would find most surprising or interesting about your PR role? That I oversee the PR and marketing needs of the College, as well as our Frank Lloyd Wright tourism. I love that one day I could be pitching a story to a lifestyle magazine like Southern Living and the next day working on stories for our next alumni magazine, SouthernNews. It’s exciting to have my hands in both arenas!
My evening routine is… I normally work out a few times a week and then go straight into making dinner. After that, you’ll find me wrapping up my evening with a good book – I’ve recently finished Becoming by Michelle Obama and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.