Kayla, Client Services Director at MarketSharePR: Advize Career Interview
An interview with MarketSharePR's Client Services Director, Kayla, reveals a dynamic career path fueled by a passion for public relations and making a difference.
From humble beginnings at Sacramento State's newspaper, a clear passion for building connections and crafting compelling narratives took root, leading to hands-on experience and a full-time role post-graduation.
The role now involves overseeing diverse client portfolios, managing projects from inception to implementation, and building meaningful relationships within the industry.
Soft skills, especially curiosity and the ability to translate data into compelling stories, are paramount.
The most rewarding aspect is empowering clients to succeed, particularly those making a positive societal impact, and witnessing tangible results.
Challenges include educating clients on effective content strategies, ultimately fostering a shared understanding that streamlines the process.
A natural interest in pop culture, combined with a willingness to volunteer ideas and engage in conversation, fuels thriving in this industry.
The supportive nature of the industry, born from a love of writing, media, and current events, emphasizes inclusivity and ongoing development.
Aspiring PR professionals should target entry-level roles like account or social media coordinator to gain practical experience.
Overcoming initial fears as a first-generation college student to now providing for future generations is what has created a successful career.
Sacramento State's ongoing support through internships and alumni networks highlights a commitment to student success, offering a platform for aspiring PR professionals to launch impactful careers.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kayla Scott
Client Services Director
MarketSharePR
Sacramento State
N/A
Communications
Professional Services
Communication and Marketing
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of A Client Services Director At MarketSharePR
Kayla began in journalism at Sacramento State's newspaper, the State Hornet, which provided hands-on experience and taught Kayla "how to look for that needle in the haystack of what makes a story truly newsworthy," before realizing the industry was changing; this led to a major change to intercultural communications with a focus on public relations to foster relationships between audiences and organizations. That career path choice then resulted in an internship in senior year which transitioned to a full-time role at the same company.
Main Responsibilities Of A Client Services Director At MarketSharePR
As Client Services Director at MarketSharePR, Kayla's main responsibilities encompass overseeing all client services, including "media relations, website development, social media, content development, um, pr, community engagement," and project managing these for client portfolios. This role allows engagement in "every facet of a campaign phase from beginning to implementation," which aligns with a desire to ensure client success.
A Day In The Life Of A Client Services Director At MarketSharePR
A Client Services Director at MarketSharePR finds that "it never looks the same," which is ideal, as the role allows for a dynamic mix of activities ranging from government relations meetings to on-location client interactions and brainstorming sessions, providing both field engagement and office productivity. The most appealing aspect of the job is the ability to see deliverables in action and cultivate relationships in the field, avoiding a monotonous "Groundhog's Day experience."
Most Important Skills For A Client Services Director At MarketSharePR
For a Client Services Director at MarketSharePR, the most important skills are soft skills such as "the ability to be warm, friendly, to be curious" in order to build relationships, and the ability to provide valuable insights beyond just data reporting, interpreting data to "tell them a story" and offer strong recommendations, as these qualities are harder to teach than technical skills. Developing a tone and voice in writing is another critical skill.
Favorite Parts of Being a Client Services Director at MarketSharePR
Kayla, as Client Services Director at MarketSharePR, most enjoys providing clients with "the tools that make them successful," particularly because the firm focuses on clients making a positive impact, like their food banking client; ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of the job is "getting to see that we actually helped to make a difference" by contributing to fundraising and enhancing programs that feed more people.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Client Services Director At MarketSharePR
Kayla's biggest challenge as a Client Services Director at MarketSharePR is getting clients to understand what content is needed for marketing materials, especially when clients "have no idea what is social media worthy," which requires a lot of education and guidance from Kayla. Though challenging initially, Kayla finds it rewarding when clients "get it" because it makes the job much easier.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Public Relations As A Client Services Director
Kayla enjoys being in the PR industry because they are naturally interested in pop culture and current events, but now views them through the lens of PR campaigns, readily spotting the PR strategies at play in seemingly ordinary situations. For Kayla, it is "extra fun to be somebody who notices" the pervasive and often unnoticed influence of PR and writing in everyday life.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Public Relations Industry, According To A Client Services Director At MarketSharePR
Kayla believes people who thrive in PR are extroverted individuals "unafraid of their big ideas" and willing to volunteer and voice their opinions; in fact, successful PR professionals are those who aren't afraid to put themselves out there, prompting conversation and inspiring others to think creatively, much like her personal experience of being the friend who was always eager to "make stuff, do stuff, make it bigger, create a theme around something."
What a Client Services Director at MarketSharePR Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Public Relations Industry
Kayla learned that being an extrovert is crucial in the Client Services Director role, as one needs to "be able to talk to anyone about anything" and master small talk even when not feeling at one's best; however, the supportive environment in the industry and community allows for understanding and flexibility on days when one isn't at 100%, and it's "okay" to realize one isn't always as extroverted as one thought.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Public Relations Professionals
Kayla from MarketSharePR suggests that aspiring PR professionals should target "account coordinator" or "social media coordinator" roles, as "coordinator is typically gonna be your entry level position," where the focus is on learning the ropes and gaining practical experience not taught in classrooms. Kayla emphasizes that these roles are about education within the PR industry, learning as much as possible, volunteering, and showing that you've "got that fire in the belly" to begin climbing the career ladder.
Significant Career Lesson From a Client Services Director at MarketSharePR
Kayla learned the importance of "being confident" in one's abilities to avoid imposter syndrome, which has been particularly significant as a female in professional services where it sometimes "feels like you do have to earn your place," even when one rightfully deserves to be there. This experience has taught them to stand firm in one's worth, even when facing challenges related to gender or age.
College Experiences That Helped A Client Services Director At MarketSharePR Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Kayla recommends actively participating in college media and seeking out internships; "writing for the State Hornet" honed skills in media writing and AP style which directly translate to professional communication, while an internship with their current employer provided invaluable real-world experience and a sense of purpose, making them feel prepared to "apply this education somewhere".
How Identity Influenced a Client Services Director at MarketSharePR's Career
As a first-generation college student, Kayla's career path was initially driven by "survival and fear" of remaining in poverty, aiming to uplift not only themselves but also future generations; however, that motivation has evolved into a passion for making a difference, proving that education can be "the door to the American dream" and a catalyst for breaking generational cycles and creating a lasting family legacy. Even though it took 11 years to graduate from college, perseverance was maintained because achieving that goal meant anything was possible.
Advizer Personal Links
Marketsharepr.com, @marketsharepr on FB/IG, https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkayla/