By: Jacquelyn Principe, Promotions Copywriting Coordinator
For many new graduates, transitioning from the classroom to the professional world can feel daunting. Transitioning into a first full-time job can be especially challenging, but for Olivia “Liv” Mraz, a recent graduate and proud Inigo Communications alum, her experience at Loyola’s student-run agency prepared her for the demands of agency life. Now a post-grad intern at Golin as a Digital Connector, connections and strategic steps during her undergraduate years helped pave the way and aid in her transition.
Golin, a global public relations agency known for creating meaningful change, provides a dynamic environment for young communication professionals like Liv. Her journey from Inigo to Golin highlights the opportunities that can emerge from a strong foundation in college organizations. Recently, Liv shared insights into her journey and experiences in the fast-paced world of agency life, offering valuable takeaways for current Inigo students and alumni alike!
As an intern at Golin, Liv plays an integral role in supporting her team’s work to meet client goals. Whether it’s sourcing influencers, identifying engagement opportunities or assisting in creative briefs, Liv’s day-to-day tasks are varied and ever-changing. “Every task, no matter how mundane, plays a vital role in the success of our work at Golin,” Mraz said. Her responsibilities range from monitoring crises and producing newsletters to staying on top of societal trends—a critical part of maintaining Golin’s relevance in the fast-paced world of communications.
Most importantly, when asked about the key factors in her career journey, Liv emphasizes the importance of building connections. "Connections, connections, and more connections!" she said. Leveraging her network played a significant role in securing her current role at Golin. She strongly believes in the power of informational interviews, which she began pursuing as early as her junior year. LinkedIn became her go-to platform for reaching out to industry professionals, allowing her to learn from their experiences and expand her network. “Never be nervous or even embarrassed to lean on those in your industry,” she advises. Liv encourages that every connection has the potential to open doors.
While many recent graduates find themselves daunted by the fast pace of agency life, Liv’s transition was smoother than most thanks to her active involvement in various college organizations. She felt prepared for the professional world after working at Inigo Communications, which taught her key skills like meeting deadlines and producing high-quality work. However, she admits that managing multiple clients and workstreams was an adjustment. "In the three short months of my post-grad internship, I have worked on 5+ clients and over 14+ workstreams" Mraz said. Liv remains focused on refining her time management skills to keep her workload manageable.
Liv’s advice for current students is to be present and stay curious. She encourages students to make the most of every opportunity during their undergrad years. “Be curious! You never know how the people you talk to, the projects you work on, and the places you see will impact your decisions down the line.” She reminds us that there is no need to rush into the next big thing; instead, focus on the present, knowing that these moments will shape your future career.
Staying in touch with trends is essential for anyone entering the communications field. At Golin, weekly meetings are dedicated to exploring what’s trending, and Liv recommends that students looking to enter the communications field should also immerse themselves in current culture. Her advice? “Social media is your best friend in this industry – use it to your advantage.” She suggests not just consuming content but digesting it and understanding the strategy behind trends. By honing this skill, students can position themselves as valuable assets to any agency they join.
Liv’s journey is a testament to the power of networking, curiosity and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry. For current students or recent grads hoping to follow in her footsteps, her advice is simple: connect, be curious and always keep an eye on what’s trending.
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