From Graduation to Industry Work: Q&A with Communication Alumna Laura Kruszewski

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences alumna Laura Kruszewski earned a bachelor’s in communication and a minor in journalism from the University of Arizona in 2005. She has utilized her degree in various roles and has showcased her skills in marketing, public relations and event planning. In this Q&A, Laura discusses her path after graduation, the different roles she has held, and how communication and journalism prepared her for the working world.

Tell us about your career path after graduation

Since graduating in 2005, I have been blessed with a 19-year career in marketing, public relations, and event planning, spanning multiple industries from retail to radio. I started at Park Place Mall, managing marketing, retailer relationships, and events. I later became the marketing manager at the Tucson Association of Realtors, where I had an array of roles from handling PR, graphic design, and social media to organizing large-scale events. At Whole Foods Market, I elevated store visibility through creative marketing initiatives, events, and community outreach. Since 2016, I’ve been with Intentional Life Media, now serving as senior marketing manager and overseeing the marketing services department.

As the senior marketing manager at Intentional Life Media what do you do?

I handle public relations and marketing for ILM’s national ministries, including Intentional Living and Family Life Radio (104.1 FM in Tucson), developing strategies, press releases, and media relationships. I also oversee a team that manages video, graphic design, social media, and editorial projects, often juggling up to 20 at once. I also work on branding, content creation, and manage the digital strategy for our three annual fundraisers. It’s truly rewarding to be part of impactful initiatives that inspire others.

How has your degree helped you succeed in your job?

My degree in communication and minor in journalism have been invaluable in my career. They helped me understand human behavior, allowing me to apply various theories and models in crafting my public relations and marketing plans. This knowledge has been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of my work.

How did the U of A communication and journalism prepare you for this role?

The Arizona Department of Communication and School of Journalism both equipped me with the knowledge and tools to launch my career. Although I lacked direct experience initially, I could also refer back to my studies. An internship at a local TV station helped me realize that reporting wasn’t my path, but my journalism minor taught me to think like a journalist. This perspective has been crucial in building relationships with media professionals, and I still rely on the connections I made during my internship. The exciting thing about communications and journalism is the skills you’re learning now can be applied to many different career fields. This versatility opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, making your education even more valuable.

What advice would you give to students who are about to graduate and are entering the job world?

My advice for students is to get involved with local PR and marketing groups. Don’t see yourself as just a student — take initiative to connect with professionals in the field. These groups offer invaluable networking opportunities and insights that can help make the transition even more smooth as you enter your career. Engaging with industry leaders will not only enhance your knowledge but also develop relationships that can lead to job opportunities and mentorship down the line. You may not have ‘on-the-job’ experience, but the knowledge you’ve gained in your classes is highly applicable. Pull out key nuggets from your studies to discuss in interviews,
showing how you would apply them in your role.

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