Julie Sallee Partin
2007 Biola University Graduate
When asked why Julie chose Public Relations Journalism as her major she replies, “I could not decide between writing and working with people. Plus, it is the closest you can get to having a career in socializing!” As soon as she started her first internship it was evident that it was an excellent fit.
While at Biola, Julie tried out every student media organization offered in the journalism department and many in the cinema and media arts department. She found her niche doing publicity and entertainment journalism.
In her last semester at Biola Julie’s favorite course was Media Career Readiness. During the class students prepare resumes, cover letters, watch footage of themselves in practice job interviews, and generally prepare to enter the competitive media fields.
Armed with abilities and preparation she learned from the course, Julie was hired for the first job she applied for at a public relations firm in Santa Monica, CA. The owner of the company said she submitted the best cover letter out of 200+ applicants.
In early 2009 Julie moved into non-profit public relations. She started as Marketing Assistant at Orange County Healthy Marriages Coalition, a federally funded non-profit. Within six months she was promoted to California Healthy Marriages Coalition doing social networking and staff writing. After a few months Julie advanced to media relations. The organization operates from a virtual office and provides Marriage and Relationship Education across the state. Julie manages press coverage and public opinion on everything from national political policies to local events.
Julie’s favorite part of her job is the variety of experiences and skills she uses on a day-to-day basis. “One day I am writing in my pajamas and the next I am lobbying in Sacramento,” she said. She feels that Biola’s Public Relations program’s emphasis on convergent media adequately prepared her for the spontaneous and evolving nature of the field. “Even the mandatory courses I took that I did not think I would need have been useful in my career. Job descriptions are much broader than they used to be and the more skills that a candidate has the better,” she says. Since graduating Julie has been able to dabble in hosting, radio, copyediting, web design, and freelance writing.
In the future Julie plans to continue to work for causes and industries she is passionate about. She says, “It is important for me to play to my strengths, believe in what I do, and feel that my contribution matters.”