Career Confidential: Rachael Genson

Full name?: Rachael Genson

Position / Job title?: Account Executive at INK Public Relations AND Blogger Extraordinaire

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

For a good five years, I was convinced that I would grow up to become a princess (until my parents informed me that, despite telling me I could be whatever I wanted, I could not, in fact, grow up to be a princess). After that dream was shattered, my future career plans changed as often as my nail polish – I wanted to be everything from teacher to Broadway star to travel writer. But no matter what my career flavor of the day was, it never strayed too far from my true passion for writing.

2. Fast-forward several years/decades. How did you land (or create) your current position?

The first few years of my college career were very similar to my childhood, and I found myself jumping around a lot in regards to my major and future career path. After two major changes and very little idea of what I actually wanted to do, a guidance counselor suggested that my strengths might fit well in the public relations field, so I applied for the major and never looked back. Lucky for me, it worked out. I interned for several companies throughout my junior and senior years, and found myself at INK during my final semester in school. For me, the connection I had with the work and the people at INK was instantaneous, and I knew it was where I wanted to work once I graduated (I was so set on INK that I even applied for an open position after only interning with the company for 3 weeks). I think my experience is a perfect example of the importance of internships during college.

3. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to other career-minded women?

“You are responsible for your own career, so don’t be shy about selling you.”

Early in my career at INK, my boss told me that the most important thing a person (especially a woman) could do for their personal career growth was to market their own successes because no one else would do it for them. It took me awhile to truly learn the importance of this (and to be honest, it’s something I still have trouble doing because it can be awkward to talk up your own achievements), but it’s so, so important. You hold the key to your own career, and being modest about a killer media placement or successful client relationship isn’t going to bring you any benefit.

4. Let’s talk about work/life balance. What does that mean to you? Is it important?

In a field like public relations where you are “on call” 24/7, the idea of work/life balance can seem like something of a pipe dream, but it’s definitely possible and something that I firmly believe every company should strive to create. I’m fortunate in that my bosses at INK also believe in cultivating a healthy work/life balance, and encourage us to take time away from our computers each night and on the weekends. You should of course love what you do, but what you do should not be your life no matter how much you love it. Plus, being able to enjoy a life outside of work has made me a happier and more productive employee in the office. Call me picky, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to accept a job that doesn’t understand how important this balance is.

5. Do you have any career role models? Who are they?

Absolutely – two women that I really look up to professionally are blogger Camille Styles and J. Crew’s Creative Director and President Jenna Lyons. Both women have built wildly successful careers through hard work, dedication, and a true passion and desire to do what they love (and seem to do so while still enjoying a life outside of the office). As I begin to discover my own passions and the path I’d like to take in my career, it’s great to have strong, confident women that you can look up to, and both Jenna and Camille certainly fill that role for me.

6. Should you work for the money, or do what you love?

100% I would say that you need to do something you love regardless of how much it pays. When you spend 40+ hours each week in the same place, you need to feel some sort of positive connection to the place. Sure money is important (and love doesn’t pay the bills), but if you love what you do, you won’t be as hard-pressed to find that happiness in other ways. Plus, if you are really passionate about your job, you’re likely to become more successful and therefore get paid more money, so it’s really a win-win.

7. If you married a millionaire husband and didn’t have to work, would you? (Be honest.)

Probably. I’m one of those people who actually enjoy working, and I get antsy when I’m not busy with stuff, so I think I’d continue to work regardless of my financial position in life. I’m not completely crazy – I’d probably cut down the number of days I worked (hello, three day work weeks!), but the idea of never working again just doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t think I’d make a very good housewife…