Name: Suki Mulberg Altamirano
Job Title and Description: Founder & CEO of Lexington Public Relations
College Name/Major: New York University, Communication and Media Studies
Website: https://lexingtonpr.com/
Twitter Handle: @lexingtonpr
Instagram Handle: @lexingtonpr
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Suki Mulberg Altamirano: Our agency specializes in brand management, engagement and analytics through activities like media relations, special events, social strategy, content marketing, digital communications, influencer relations and media monitoring. This breadth of activities means there isn’t really any typical day! This week has consisted of meeting with a new client at her design studio in Brooklyn to kick off an upcoming campaign, weekly calls with our ongoing client base to discuss media activities in progress, a lot of writing and press outreach to connect with different editors and business planning for growth of our agency’s client base this year. You’ll usually find me on email or on the telephone! When I have spare time I try to get some reading in to keep up with the news and industry happenings in the sectors we currently work most in (beauty, fashion, home décor, education and healthcare).
What is the best part of your job?
SMA: All of the different people I come into contact with. It’s really cool to get to work with so many varied brands and meet the individuals behind them who are creating exciting content and goods. Our clients are all over the country, from different backgrounds and perspectives. I never tire of hearing someone’s story. It’s also really rewarding to be a part of helping businesses grow, seeing the positive results of our efforts and getting those stories told to wide audiences.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
SMA: I broke into the industry as a Public Relations Assistant for Kenzo Parfums, LVMH. I happened upon the job listing through NYU’s career website, applied, interviewed and started a few days later! It was fast and I didn’t even have an apartment in New York at the time but I just went with the flow! I think the biggest thing that helped me land this position was all of my internships while studying at NYU. These included time with L’Oreal Paris and Marie Claire, which gave me practical knowledge of the media field and also a good understanding of the beauty industry.
What words of wisdom (well-known quotes, an anecdote from your boss) do you find most valuable?
SMA: I love this quote by Robert Frost in his poem, The Road Not Taken, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” I interpret it to be about never fearing the unknown and always feeling confident to head down a new path, try something different or make a change.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
SMA: If you don’t ask, you won’t receive. This was a lesson I learned early on that proved of great value later. Be realistic but always be vocal when you think something is well deserved whether that’s a raise or promotion – you are your own best advocate.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?
SMA: This year marks our agency’s seventh year in business, something I reflected on recently. When I first went independent I had no idea how long it would last or that my work would grow into the larger business it is today. There are still days where I look back at those early days working on my own and feel so grateful for the wonderful team members I’ve now had the opportunity to bring on board. It’s inspiring to see them add new life, perspectives and energy to Lexington PR and continue to grow what I began!
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
SMA: I look for someone that’s going to be fun to work with, driven, not hesitant to do the mundane things that work sometimes requires and inspired to continually learn, improve and grow.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
SMA: Get as much experience as you can through internships and don’t be shy about networking. Be open to new experiences and remember that it’s frequently not the person you thought that might just end up connecting you with your next job (so don’t close any doors). Stay positive, keep learning, be persistent and great things will come your way.
What’s the one thing that’s stood out to you the most in a resume?
SMA: I’m really not a resume person. I honestly think they just do a poor job of conveying someone’s full profile. While they’re necessary sometimes I far prefer to talk with someone in person and get a read of their goals, work style and experience conversationally in order to see if they’ll be a good fit. This is where it comes back to persistence and networking as I’m far likelier to meet a potential candidate if they arrive through a contact that has recommended them. For the resume itself, I say keep it concise, clear, visually simple and with great descriptive verbs that show action.