A Seton Hall '03 alum and public relations career woman has been appointed 2011 officer for the New Jersey Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA NJ).
Jill Kleiner, who is also accredited in public relations (APR), is an account supervisor at Coyne Public Relations in Parsippany, N.J. The PRSA NJ officer elections occurred on Dec. 15, 2010, according to a Coyne Public Relations press release.
Kleiner's role as PRSA NJ secretary is effective Jan. 1, according to the press release.
"In this position, I will help organize the group's activities and tactics throughout the year. I will also serve as co-chair for the PRSA NJ Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) committee," Kleiner said. "My personal experience with the accreditation process will be valuable as I work toward building awareness for this important professional certification program."
Kleiner was accredited by the PRSA Universal Accreditation Board in 2008, according to the press release.
At Coyne Public Relations, Kleiner said she is an account supervisor in the Beauty and Fashion Division. Part of her job includes managing accounts, such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, Safilo/Solstice sunglasses, Palmer's skin care, Casio timepieces and CURLS hair care.
Kleiner said she works closely with her clients to provide strategy, while supervising the team's execution of public relations tactics. Kleiner has also been involved in the planning and execution of "high successful national product launches" and major media events such as Mary Kay foundation and the grand opening celebration of New York's Hard Rock Café in Times Square, according to the press release.
According to Kleiner, her time at Seton Hall helped shape her passion for public relations. Her interest in the field was fueled by internships at Virgin Mobile U.S.A. and ConocoPhilips in their corporate communications departments.
"My favorite public relations professor, Dr. Kathleen Rennie, always raved about Coyne Public Relations," Kleiner said. "Upon graduation, she recommended that I contact the agency to set up an interview. I followed her advice, and I've been with Coyne for seven years."
According to Kleiner, internships are a valuable tool for ensuring post-graduation job placement.
"Today's job market is extremely competitive. I highly recommend that students have at least two internships during their college career," Kleiner said. "Internships are a great way to gain experience and build lasting professional connections."
Kleiner also said students should "take advantage" of their time at internships as they provide necessary preparation for entry-level positions.
"Ask to have a hands-on role with essential public relations activities, such as writing press materials and pitching media," Kleiner said.
According to Kleiner, the University's public relations program was a key component in preparing her for her desired career path.
"Public relations is an ever-evolving scope of work and Seton Hall's excellent PR program helped prepare me for my career," Kleiner said. "In fact, our agency has hired an impressive number of alumni over the years."
According to the Coyne Public Relations press release, the company received more than 50 industry honors in 2009 including Midsize Agency of the Year by PRWeek and PR News, two public relations trade publications. The Holmes Report also named the company Consumer Agency of the Year and Best Agency to Work for in America.
Kimberly Bolognini can be reached at kimberly.bolognini@student.shu.edu.
