UW-W PR Alumni Interview: Jennifer Dooley

UW-Whitewater prepared me for the real world by giving me the basic principles that have to do with public relations that I use in every day life. I learned the basics of how to research and create plans for my clients that they utilize to grow their business.

I was a member of PRSSA while at UW-Whitewater and it did have a big impact on helping me network with real professionals already in the PR industry as well as teaching me a lot of professional etiquette things that I still utilize today.

My greatest achievement since graduating from UW-Whitewater is starting Dooley and Associates three years ago in a down economy. We've grown the company to five employees and we currently serve over eight states with our services in public relations, marketing and graphic design. We've also won many awards since we've started the company. Our most memorable award would have to be our economic impact award for Kenosha County. Our marketing that we assisted our client with during a down economy helped them grow their business and stay a business.

My most memorable moment in public relations since we started Dooley and Associates would definitely be working with Gordon Food Service to open their distribution center in Wisconsin. It was the first location for Gordon Foods in the state of Wisconsin and it brought over 300 jobs to the state. That was definitely one of my most memorable moments.

I definitely enjoy the diversity in my career, every day is different. Every single client I talk to is in a different situation and has me work with them on different needs and different strategies. PR is diverse field, you never know what will happen next. It could be a crisis it could be a award that a client receives, but its always changing every single day and that's what I love the most.

The best piece of advice I would give to any UW-Whitewater student in PR would be to network. It truly is in PR a who you know world. And the fact that the more people you know whether it's in the media or government or through orgs and professionals in the community, it definitely helps you get your job done in an efficient and better manner, and really be great at your job.

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• Public
• Relations
• PR
• Alumni
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• Wisconsin-Whitewater
• UW-W
• Mara
• Pagel
• Jennifer
• Dooley
• Rachel
• Appner
• UWW

[kayysad23]

I commend her for starting her own company! That is truly amazing! Her advice on networking was extremely helpful as well.

Kayhla S.

[murphyae21]

I think it is awesome that she started her own company, and was able to grow it even with a down economy.  Great advice on networking—a skill I need to continue to develop.

Ali M.

[jessicadesirae]

I really like the idea of her company. It's really great that it isn't only PR and that they offer a variety of things. I think that's the easiest way to bring in a lot of business.

Jessica M

[laurengruennert10]

What she says about networking is extremely helpful. I've realized this semseter how importing networking is to PR professionals.

Lauren G

[mlyssajhoops]

I like her honesty that PR is a "who you know world." It's discouraging and uplifting at the same time. While in an ideal world, it would be great to be known for your skill set, it brings home the fact that you have to be friendly, sociable, and likable to be successful.

MLyssa H.

[lucassende211]

I agree with Ms. Dooley that networking is the most important thing a PR student needs to do. I work in the Wisconsin Sate Senate and was able to network with lobbyists, one of whom represents a company in which I'm in the final stages of hiring for. This has been a tremendous tool in advancing my career while still in college. Thanks for your insight!

Dale L.

[blondelocks24]

Its great see her company has seen great success in the down economy. It really shows how well UWW prepares their students for the real world. Networking is definitely a big part of finding a career. It is important to get your name out there and market yourself. It never hurts to try!

Kristin H

[Stephigg1521]

Before UWW I had no idea how important networking was. After this video I love hearing that Jennifer uses tactics that she learned at UWW today. Who you know matters is always really huge and I thought it was really interesting that she mentioned that in this video. PRSSA is also something I hope to look into in my future at UWW.

Stephanie H

[iceman112089]

Networking is SO important. I've learned that with my future career. If I make a connection on facebook, twitter, or linkedIn I make it a priority to make the connection in person. When I do this I usually make about 3 connections off of that person.

Heather B.

[Whitesl03]

I always knew networking was important in many different careers and going into PR, I now know that networking is a must to succeed.