Augusta University alumna shares her post-graduation journey in the field of public relations

Alumna Kayla Hogan recommends students take part in networking opportunities. (photo provided courtesy of Kayla Hogan)

By Mikaela Graf | Staff writer

Kayla Hogan graduated from Augusta University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2018. She expected to have a career in marketing, but in the first five years of her professional career, she has instead been surprised to find more success in the field of public relations.

Her journey started during her senior year, when she found an internship through a newsletter sent out by the business college that played a vital role in getting her to where she is today.

“I took on an internship in data entry Meybohm Realty with a few other students,” Hogan said. “They kind of got busy and faded away until I was the only intern left.”

Like any other internship, Hogan’s came to an end eventually, but the professional connections she formed during that time brought her back to Meybohm two years ago.

“After my internship, they offered me a job as a graphic designer, which I know nothing about, so I turned it down,” said Hogan. “They eventually reached out saying ‘Obviously, you turned down our last offer, so what would you like to do?’ So, I started out in kind of a customer service role on the marketing team in 2020.”

Over time, Hogan’s role at Meybohm started to change, and now her responsibilities are closer to those of a public relations professional.

In 2021, the Augusta branch was not doing much in terms of strategic press, so Hogan decided to step into that role herself.

“I started challenging myself to do one press release a week and I have stuck with that since,” she said. “Pretty much anything that goes public with our logo on it gets approved by me.”

While public relations may not have been the job Hogan expected herself to be in when she graduated, it might have been the role she was born for. According to her, a sociable, charming personality is necessary for her line of work and that is exactly what she has.

“I have always been outgoing and assertive,” said Hogan. “At orientation for AU, someone mentioned an accounting scholarship, so I cornered her right after the class, and I ended up getting the scholarship.”

Many students may not have public relations on their list of potential careers, as was the case for Hogan. She encourages anyone who finds her story to be appealing or relatable to look more into the public relations profession and consider a future in the field.

If one is interested in a career like Hogan’s, she says that personality is the main thing that employers are looking for when hiring for her position.

“Your personality is really what people are shopping for,” said Hogan. “If the people looking to hire you don’t find you interesting or polite, neither will the people that you are sent out to network with.”

Aside from the ability to speak to strangers with ease and charm, Hogan insists that proficient writing skills are essential.

“Grammar and eloquence are huge,” she said. “Going into an interview, if you can provide writing samples, they need to sound good and use well-rounded vocabulary – they need to be robust and easily readable but not like a child’s book.”

As some final words of advice, Hogan suggests students become aware of and take part in the networking organizations and events that Augusta University has to offer.

“Take advantage of the networking opportunities that are available to you,” advised Hogan. “Even making a small connection puts you ahead of someone who has never met that person.”

Contact Mikaela Graf at mgraf@augusta.edu.