# @elon-prssa on LinkedIn

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elon-prssa_last-week-elon-prssa-partnered-with-live-activity-7396945695171117056-u4sl
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/64695669-companyelon-prssa-linkedin
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/833a316578.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-19T16:21:22.281+00:00
- **Account Owner:** company/elon-prssa (@company/elon-prssa) — https://gondola.cc/company/elon-prssa

## Caption

Last week, Elon PRSSA partnered with Live Oak Communications to host Insight Night, where we welcomed three incredible Elon alumni who shared their experiences navigating the communications and advertising industry:

Dominique Rousseau (Elon '22), Manager of Business Development at McKinney
Julia Penchuk (Elon '25), Marketing Coordinator at McKinney
Hayley Loftus (Elon '23), Communications and Business Support Specialist at The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro

We are so grateful to our panelists for sharing valuable insights and stories from their professional journeys. Here are 3 takeways that stood out:

1. Be strategic and persistent with networking: Familiarity can get you hired.

Dominique shared crucial advice about the agency hiring process. Unlike business school recruiting, agencies hire on a need-basis, which means timing is everything. Her strategy: "Find agencies you're interested in, turn on post notifications, and connect with recruiters. Bug that company! They'll want to hire you because they know you." She also emphasized making your outreach memorable and meaningful, as she did, by bringing back souvenirs from studying abroad to connect with people. Most importantly, Dominique advised to never leave a networking conversation empty-handed. always ask them to introduce you to someone else.

2. Stay open to unexpected opportunities.

Julia emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind during your job search. She advised, "Apply for everything! Every interview is practice." By staying flexible and treating each interview as a valuable experience, you'll better position yourself to find the right fit for your career. Julia also cautioned against being too specific or narrow in your search early on, as this can cause you to miss out on opportunities that could lead to unexpected and rewarding paths. Remember that you can always work your way toward your ideal role over time. The key is getting started and building experience wherever you can.

3. Develop skills beyond your major and know your worth.

Hayley shared wisdom about professional growth and advocating for yourself. She reminded us that eventually, your work alone won't speak for itself… You will need to become your own advocate. When discussing professional development, Hayley emphasized, "You don't have to know enough to be the smartest person in the room, but you have to know enough to be able to talk to the smartest person in the room." She encouraged us to start learning new skills now and always to remember every element of your work has value. 

A huge thank you to Dominique, Julia, and Hayley for taking the time to share your experiences and advice with us. Your insights on navigating the communications industry, building confidence, and advocating for ourselves were ideas we will take with us through our careers!

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## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Elon PRSSA | @elonprssa | https://gondola.cc/elonprssa | Public Relations Organization |
| Elizabeth Levin | @ElizabethGLevin | https://gondola.cc/ElizabethGLevin | Social Media Manager |

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