Read our Q&A with Hirons’ account coordinator Emma Clare Morris.

How did you become interested in design/advertising/PR/media/public affairs/marketing? How did you break into the industry and land your first job?
I became interested in PR/media when I saw how my dad morphed his journalism degree into a career in PR/Development. I saw what he did growing up, and decided I had my own ideas about how I could combine my love of all things media with a career in public relations.
Out of college I convinced the daycare I was working for to let me create their social media/website. After working there for money, I decided to move to New York and took an unpaid internship. The agency I worked for hired me on full-time and my career began as an account coordinator in the art/fashion/lifestyle industry.
What would you consider the specializations/most important tools of the trade?
The most important tool of the trade is the ability to see large picture and plan. This means balancing a creative vision, written copy and a budget.
What characteristics do you need to be successful in the industry?
To be successful, you need to be able to communicate with an array of different people. This means being able to communicate what you want, but also listen to the ideas and thoughts of others.
Do you have any interesting hobbies/second jobs/bits of information that make you pop as an individual?
My favorite things to do are going on long runs and reading classical literature.
I’ve lived in Indianapolis, Bloomington, Chicago and New York.
When and where do you have your best ideas?
I have my best ideas when I am on a long run or reading the news while drinking coffee in the morning.
What has been the most exciting project/campaign that you’ve worked on at Hirons?
The most exciting project I’ve worked on at Hirons is the First Merchants acquisition campaign. As they expand into different markets, it’s exciting to see them grow as a brand and take on new projects.
Why is effective advertising/PR so important for the growth and success of organizations?
PR is important to the growth and success of an organization because it is about building relationships and trust. In order to grow, a business must have people that believe in its mission and goals.
What’s one important tip you would share with anyone looking to go into the agency world?
I would advise people to be open to every opportunity that comes their way. The agency world is made up of many components, and you never know what will be helpful to your career development in the future.
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
The most meaningful part of my job is making connections between people, whether that be a larger company and its customers or a client and the media.
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