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Dan O’Keeffe, Founder & CEO
December 19 2018

Meet Sarah M. Wagner

Hello! I am O’Keeffe’s new PR and Digital Marketing Intern. I am a 2018 graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, and excited to pursue a career in communications. Although a journalism major on paper, I was lured by the grandiose idea of writing with creativity into the world of public relations. This is my second internship after graduation, the first being social media focused. I aim to learn as much as possible about PR and digital marketing outside of school to prepare myself for a life-long career.

Why did you choose this industry?   

PR is where impartial, journalistic writing meets the creative world of storytelling. When choosing a career, I thought I had to pick between being a broke novelist striving to get published and a no-nonsense (also broke) journalist. I’ve never been happier to be wrong as I can now combine my passion for both forms of writing.

What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the industry?   

Don’t just build a portfolio, be passionate about the work you put into it. Whether you show your work to a potential client or an agency you hope to work for, they want to see your best work and drive to do more of it. If you aren’t passionate about what you’re doing, it isn’t worth it.

Tell me your favorite metric to track.

I am fascinated by strategic social media. I completed a social media certificate at my alma mater. When tracking social success as a marketer, I love finding the number of engagements a post receives – particularly shares. Shares mean people liked a client’s content so much they wished to show it to their friends and family. I believe there is no higher compliment to any brand online.

What’s the last book you read? 

I am currently reading Dan’s copy of This is Marketing by Seth Godin. The lovely Megan Smale suggested that the entire O’Keeffe tribe read it just before I joined the herd. I should probably get a move-on so Dan can read it too!

Favorite word? 

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Least favorite word? 

Cramped. Oof, my claustrophobia is kicking in, I feel trapped already. Help!

What profession other than PR would you like to attempt? 

A theatrical property and craft maker/manager. I know what you’re thinking, that was wildly specific, but doesn’t it sound awesome?

What’s the best thing about our line of work? 

Being able to make a difference. Bringing a client’s story to life can change everything for them. The joy of helping a client/brand you love grow is highly contagious.

Tell me two truths and a lie.

I’ve been hang-gliding. I held the same baseball bat as Joey Votto. I’ve been to Slovenia.

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