Master’s Alumni Profile: Alex Hosilyk G’24
Newhouse Master’s Program: Public Relations
Current Position: Assistant Account Executive, Corporate Technology, Edelman Smithfield
How did you land your current position and what positions did you hold before it?
I attended the public relations graduate program benchmark trip and networked with some of the speakers at the Edelman New York office. It was through those connections that I was able to have my resume considered.
Before that, I was a human resources communications and development intern at Intel Corporation. During my time at Newhouse, I served as the graduate assistant to the senior associate dean in the Office of Research and Creative Activity, where I produced the Newhouse Impact Podcast and ran social media. I was also a member of Hill Communications.
What is an average day like for you on the job?
No day is ever the same as an assistant account executive, or in public relations! Some of my daily tasks include monitoring the news for client or competitor coverage, drafting pitches, performing competitor audits, preparing briefing documents for C-Suite executives or reporting on large announcements including product launches and quarterly earnings.
How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your current position?
There’s one thing Newhouse students take for granted: research! Believe it or not, half the job in public relations is research. Your clients expect you to understand not just their business, but the industry as a whole! A huge part of my job is researching media targets and competitor media strategies.
Did Newhouse open your eyes to new professions or aspects of your field you may have not considered when applying?
Newhouse helped me understand the foundation of public relations that I needed to enter the field, including how to write professionally and persuasively.
What are the moments of your career so far that have been the most important?
My role at Edelman has helped me understand the broader field of PR and the importance of relationship-building.
What unique features encouraged you to apply to your graduate program?
The networking opportunities and academic experiences that the PR program offers are what brought me to Newhouse, and ultimately how I landed my job at Edelman. My advice to students is to take advantage of all the different events, trips, classes and opportunities Newhouse has to offer.
What are some of the obstacles and misconceptions that students should be aware of when it comes to navigating Newhouse and post-grad?
Public relations is a fast-moving industry and there are many different paths. It is important to consider what you’re interested in when applying for a job. Are you interested in media relations? Social media? Influencer? Crisis? Something I did not realize before entering my field was how much your client’s industry can impact the work you do, which is something else to consider. Do you want to write about technology? Brands? Sports? Whatever you decide, make sure it is something you want to learn and write about!
What advice do you have for current or incoming students?
Do not be afraid to try something new. Anything is possible at Newhouse! Take advantage of all the opportunities the school has to offer, because you never know what you might learn or who you’ll meet, and where that may lead you.