Name: Alle Fister
Age: 30
Job Title: Principal, Bollare Communications
College/Major: Pepperdine University, public relations and marketing
Website: www.bollare.com
Twitter Handle: @bollare and @allefister
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Her Campus: What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Alle Fister: My job is to manage a team of top-notch publicists that works with the beauty, fashion and lifestyle brands on our roster. A publicist’s job is to be a message manager and liaison between a brand and key media outlets, Hollywood personalities and bloggers. Our days are quite varied, keeping it fresh, fun and dynamic.
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HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
AF: I interned with Armani, Lizzie Grubman and Fingerprint Communication in college. Interning truly helped me understand what being a publicist was and meant. For my first job from college, I was one of the original team members of women’s online retailer, www.shopbop.com. Since the Shopbop team was smaller in size, my job allowed me to wear many hats — it allowed me to learn, explore and work hard. Some of my initial responsibilities were to run the photo shoots of the product and splash imagery you see on the site, pitch the site concept to media outlets and appear on air for broadcast segments to educate the public on our platform. My boss, and the owner of Shopbop, Bob Lamey, was such a great inspirational leader — I was very lucky!
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HC: What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
AF: How varied it could be. Working as a publicist for people, brands, restaurants, fashion, beauty, cities — the opportunities are endless! It is exciting to think of all the possibilities.
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HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
AF: My father Mike is a very successful businessman and egalitarian leader. His zest, business, respect for others and creative thought are inspiring; it’s something that I personally strive for.
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HC: Which words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
AF: My grandfather always says, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
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HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
AF: Acting too fast. Time brings clarity, so take an extra deep breath before reacting to a coworker, firing back an email or jumping to a decision or conclusion.
HC: What is the best part of your job?
AF: My co-workers and clients; I really enjoy learning from everyone around me.
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HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
AF: The “want.” If a candidate has the drive to succeed and the relentless spirit of “can do,” that is a Bollare gal or guy.
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HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
AF: Work hard—nothing happens overnight. Respect is earned, not demanded. The best things in life are always worth the wait; the effort it took to get there makes the enjoyment of being there all the more sweet.