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Nicole, Public Relations Consultant at A Global Medical Transportation Company : Advize Career Interview
A career in public relations within the global medical transportation industry offers a dynamic and rewarding path, as evidenced by this interview.
A public relations degree and strategic internships built a foundation, leading to roles at various agencies and ultimately a Public Relations Director position.
Daily responsibilities range from managing media inquiries and proactive campaigns to navigating high-pressure crisis communications, requiring strong writing, editing, and sound judgment.
The work is emotionally demanding but deeply fulfilling, allowing contribution to the often-overlooked work of first responders and offering opportunities to highlight amazing stories of survival.
Success in this field requires dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace challenges, while building strong professional relationships.
Entry-level positions like account or project coordinator roles offer a springboard for aspiring professionals, and valuable lessons learned emphasize the importance of self-care and networking.
Mentorship and confidence are particularly vital for women navigating this male-dominated industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nicole Michel
Public Relations Consultant
A Global Medical Transportation Company
California State University Chico
N/A
Creative Writing, Journalism
Healthcare
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Public Relations Consultant at A Global Medical Transportation Company
Nicole's career path began with a public relations degree and an in-house internship at Tima Communications, providing "assignments as if working in a real PR agency". Following graduation, experience with UC Davis Medical Center's trauma prevention program and other public safety organizations, including Impact Team Drivers, solidified a focus on this sector, eventually leading to agency roles at KA and Associates and Crocker and Crocker before reaching their current position.
Main Responsibilities of a Public Relations Consultant at a Global Medical Transportation Company
Nicole's main responsibilities as a Public Relations Director at a large global medical transportation company encompassed "media relations," including "fielding inquiries from reporters," and proactive PR campaigns —"market softening campaigns"— to address competitive pressures or reputational challenges. A significant portion of the role also involved "crisis communications," given the company's scale and the inherent risks associated with its operations.
A Day In The Life Of A Public Relations Consultant At A Global Medical Transportation Company
A public relations manager at a global medical transportation company faces a dynamic work environment where "your life can quickly go from...a standard to-do list...to complete chaos by midday," often due to unexpected crises like mass casualty incidents. Daily responsibilities include compiling a media report, managing a shared media inbox to direct inquiries and support team members, and ensuring timely, effective responses, all while coordinating with thousands of employees across the nation.
Most Important Skills for a Public Relations Consultant at a Global Medical Transportation
Nicole, a Public Relations Consultant, emphasizes strong writing skills as "probably the most important skill" for the role, followed by meticulous proofreading and editing. Beyond technical skills, the ability to maintain "sound judgment" and remain calm under pressure, particularly during crises, is crucial for success in this field.
Favorite Parts of Being a Public Relations Consultant at a Medical Transportation Company
Nicole, a Public Relations Consultant, most enjoys highlighting the often-overlooked work of first responders, stating that "the feeling that you get when you are able to bring attention to people that don't get a lot of recognition for their work is pretty amazing". The emotional impact of interacting with grateful patients and their families, hearing "amazing stories of survivals," is a deeply rewarding aspect of the role.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Public Relations Consultant at Global Medical Transportation
Nicole's biggest challenge as a PR consultant for a global medical transportation company involves "crisis incidents that involve loss of life," requiring extensive and demanding work with little personal time. The emotional toll of these crises, where the work's purpose is to support families facing the loss of a loved one, presents the most significant career challenge.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Medical Transportation Industry As A Public Relations Consultant
Nicole, a Public Relations Consultant, thrives on the "wonderful pace" of the EMS industry, finding purpose in protecting and elevating the brands of first responders through media relations and statement writing. This work, although seemingly indirect, provides a meaningful reflection of the important work of first responders.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Medical Transportation Industry, According To A Public Relations Consultant At A Global Medical Transportation Company
Nicole, a public relations consultant in the global medical transportation industry, emphasizes the crucial role of dedication, stating that success requires a willingness to "jump in with both feet" and sacrifice personal time due to the demanding nature of the work, including responding to emergencies at any hour. This highlights the demanding yet rewarding aspects of a career in emergency medical services and healthcare communications.
What A Public Relations Consultant At A Medical Transport Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Healthcare Industry
Nicole, a public relations consultant in medical transportation, wishes someone had emphasized the emotional toll of the job, stating that "it's okay to not be okay." The high-pressure environment, often involving "very emotionally charged and heavy incidents," necessitates prioritizing self-care through resources like employee assistance programs or therapy to maintain well-being and effectively manage the demanding nature of the work.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Public Relations Consultants
For entry-level PR positions at agencies, Nicole suggests considering "an account coordinator or a project coordinator type position," while in-house roles might offer "a PR specialist role." These options provide undergraduates with initial experience in the field.
Significant Career Lesson from a Public Relations Consultant at Global Medical Transportation Company
Nicole's most significant career lesson is the importance of maintaining positive relationships, describing the PR industry as "very small, but still at the same time, very large," emphasizing the benefit of networking and exchanging contacts and ideas throughout the career journey. This strategy, from Sacramento to their current role, has facilitated seamless transitions and provided valuable support and feedback.
College Experiences That Helped a Public Relations Consultant at a Medical Transportation Company Succeed
Nicole, a Public Relations Consultant, credits internships with providing a "foundation of what to expect" in the field. Further contributing to their success was studying abroad, which fostered "independence, problem-solving, adaptability," and appreciation for diverse perspectives—skills highly valuable in a collaborative professional setting.
How Identity Has Influenced a Public Relations Consultant at a Medical Transport Company's Career
Navigating a male-dominated EMS industry, the public relations consultant found mentorship from "strong female leaders" crucial for career advancement. Confidence in one's skillset, conveying that "you have something of value to say," proved essential to earning trust and reliance from colleagues.
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