UD PRSSA Visits One World Trade Center: Inside a Day at Stagwell

Written by Shannen Gotay

On Monday, November 10, members of the University of Delaware’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) traveled to New York City for an exclusive field trip to Stagwell, a global “modern marketing” network headquartered at One World Trade Center. Stagwell is known for its tech-forward approach to communications and its innovative network of agencies, which include creative, media, digital transformation, and data-driven strategies. The visit offered a firsthand look at how one of the industry’s most influential marketing groups is shaping the future, and what it takes for young PR professionals to succeed in it. To learn even more about their network, visit the following site, https://www.stagwellglobal.com/our-network/.

Inside Stagwell: A Tech-First Marketing Network

As students with PRSSA, we began the day with an overview of Stagwell’s structure and philosophy. As an integrated platform of over 80 agencies and around 500 corporate employees, Stagwell blends creative excellence with cutting-edge technology. Their Stagwell Marketing Cloud features SaaS and DaaS tools that are designed to support in-house makers, while their organization continues to push digital transformation forward through AI, emerging consumer experiences, and strategic innovation. With Mark Penn as Chairman and CEO, Stagwell has established a clear mission, to combine data, technology, and creativity to build the next generation of modern marketers.

Hearing From the Pros: Lessons & Insights from Stagwell’s Agency Professionals

One of the most impactful parts of the visit was having the opportunity to hear from industry

professionals across several Stagwell agencies, each offering unique advice, career insights, and a realistic look at a future working in PR, media, and integrated marketing.

Firstly, Courtney Camp, Account Manager at Allison Worldwide, emphasized the importance of networking early and often, noting that she landed her first role through relationship-building. She walked the students through her recent work with Booking.com and a Teddy Swims partnership, highlighting the responsibilities of an entry-level PR professional such as building media lists, drafting and sending pitches, brainstorming campaign ideas, developing press materials, and securing interviews. The biggest

theme she presented throughout the panel was the importance of building yourself up, no matter your skill set, as they are more transferable in this industry than you may think.

Along with Camp, we also had the privilege of hearing from Tyler Goldberg, Director of Political Strategy at Assembly Global. With over 2,000 employees and clients like Amazon, Adobe, and Uber, Assembly is heavily media-focused. Tyler shared how showing up, consistently and invested, set him apart early in his career. He encouraged students to maximize every role they take on, even ones outside of PR, because responsibility and initiative speak louder than any job title.

Director of Financial Reporting and Technical Accounting, Kristen Otis, Also shared her experience of working in the fast paced world that is Public Relations. Kristen stressed the importance of leaving a positive, lasting impression wherever you go. Doing proactive things such as attending meetings, participating, and staying involved are key tactics she described as being valuable in the industry. The biggest takeaway from her portion of the panel... entry-level employees who stay curious and proactive set themselves apart.

Lastly, Lauren Rossman, Senior Influencer Specialist at Hunter, was another insightful panelist for our universities chapter of PRSSA we had the opportunity to hear from. As a Senior Influencer Specialist, Lauren shared her experience managing client relationships, creator schedules, and community engagement. She encouraged students to stay open to unexpected opportunities, emphasizing that many of the most rewarding roles in PR begin that way and take on a life you can’t possibly predict.

Across all of these valuable panels, a consistent message emerged, to stand out early in your career, prioritize the client’s mission, support your team, volunteer for opportunities, and remain proactive without overstepping. They also encouraged us students to ask standout interview questions such as “What have you done today?,” which reveals realistic insight into agency life more than the typical, “Describe a typical day in your life.” prompt that interviewers are presented with constantly.

LinkedIn, Recruiting & Resume Workshop

Following the speaker panels, our chapter participated in a hands-on professional development workshop focusing on LinkedIn strategies, resume refinement, and interview preparation. This segment included the following tips and tricks for standing out in the competition industry of Public Relations:

LinkedIn Tips

● Reach out with purpose by asking engaging questions like, “I just learned ___. I’d love to hear more about your experience at ___.”

● Do your research before messaging recruiters.

● Post about professional milestones such as events and awards, not personal content.

● When connecting with alumni, mention shared affiliations and ask how they got their foot in the door.

Interview Advice

● Prepare an effective elevator pitch for the inevitable, “Tell me about yourself.” prompt.

● Use the STAR Method for behavioral questions.

● Research the agency and interviewers’ LinkedIn profiles.

● Come prepared with 4 to 5 thoughtful questions.

● Avoid one-word answers, showcasing your enthusiasm and preparedness.

● Always ask about next steps in the process.

Ways To Improve Your Resume

● Add clickable links for email and LinkedIn.

● Include metrics wherever possible.

● Add a portfolio link at the top.

● Keep 3 to 5 bullets per role.

● Remove unrelated roles that don’t represent the industry you’re in, if space is limited.

Reflecting on the Experience

Our visit to Stagwell offered an invaluable look into what it means to work in today’s evolving PR and marketing industry. From AI-driven innovation to the human skills that still matter most, proactivity, collaboration, and professional presence, we left feeling inspired and better equipped to soon enter the field with confidence. We greatly extend our gratitude to the teams at Stagwell, Allison, Assembly, Hunter, and Stagwell Corporate for welcoming us into their world and offering advice we’ll take with us throughout our careers.