Read our Q&A with Hirons’ account coordinator Samantha Sandala.
Former Hirons intern Samantha Sandala re-joined the agency earlier this year as an account coordinator. Get to know her:
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE INDUSTRY?
I spent my entire freshman year of college without a major, taking countless career aptitude and personality tests in an attempt to narrow down my interests. I genuinely love to learn, so every degree path sounded fascinating to me. It wasn’t until I enrolled in an Intro to Journalism course that I first heard about my university’s public relations degree. I was instantly hooked when my professor, an adjunct and PR practitioner himself, described PR professionals as dedicated lifetime learners. I love that every day I can expect to learn something new and pass that knowledge on to those who want and need to hear it.
HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR FIRST JOB?
This is my first full-time position in the PR industry! Job searching during the COVID-19 pandemic was not easy, but I’m so thankful and excited to start my professional career at Hirons.
OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR PASSIONS?
When I’m not working, I enjoy burying my nose in a good book, going on hikes or bike rides and listening to true crime podcasts.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY?
I’m a morning person – I love the peace and quiet before the world wakes up.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL PART OF YOUR JOB?
What I find most meaningful about PR is the ability to act as an advocate not only for a client but also for their stakeholders and community. I love being able to give a voice to those who need one.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL JOBS BEFORE WORKING AT HIRONS?
I recently worked as a “Picker” at an Amazon warehouse. I applied for the job just in case I wasn’t able to quickly secure a full-time gig after graduation due to COVID-19. I ended up only working at the warehouse for a week before starting at Hirons!
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE PROUD OF, PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?
I’m a proud Swammer, an alumna of IUPUI’s swim team. My four years as a student-athlete taught me so much and helped shape me into the person I am today.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN TOWN?
Condado Tacos – I have my order down to a science.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU USE EVERY DAY AND CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I LOVE my planner. I’d be lost without my colored pens and daily to-do list!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT HIRONS?
I get to work with a passionate group of communicators who know how to hustle and produce amazing results for our clients.