There is a certain type of love for Her Campus that just can’t be shook. That’s why Katie, Her Campus Pitt’s President 2015-2016, took her love with her post-grad and is now working full-time at Her Campus Nationals in Boston. Read on to learn about her journey with Her Campus!
Her Campus: What is your role at HC Nationals?
Katie Piscopio: As the Community Development Associate for Her Campus Media, I am responsible for handling the day-to-day management, development and expansion of our chapter network to ensure that our on-campus presence is stronger than ever.
My role on the HCM team is to manage our existing 330+ chapters by troubleshooting and providing them support weekly. I also oversee our expansion program and singlehandedly conduct the application and launch process for new chapters. I am constantly targeting new schools as we look to expand HC’s presence both in the U.S. and abroad.
HC: What is your day-to-day like?
KP: My day-to-day schedule is never dull, that’s for sure! I create newsletters, email/speak on the phone with our chapter Campus Correspondents to troubleshoot and help them grow their chapters, review and accept chapter applications and conduct outreach to campuses where HC is not present. In between it all, I find time to manage my interns and breathe!
There’s also always something happening in the HC office, whether it’s a catered lunch, workout clothes day, a champagne toast or a surprise delivery from Georgetown Cupcakes. We always find time to have fun and gossip about The Bachelor (naturally) among the phone calls, meetings and fast-paced environment!
HC: What is your favorite part of your job?
KP: My favorite part of working for a relatively new startup (we just celebrated Her Campus’s 7th year birthday last semester!) is the amount of responsibility that I have in an entry-level job. I never thought that I would manage 330+ chapters, 20+ remote assistants and have 1-3 interns each semester, but it’s empowering to know that my co-workers trust me to manage and grow our chapter network.
On top of that, the feeling never gets old when I accept a new chapter and know that I just created the opportunity for even more college women to have the amazing experiences that I did with Her Campus Pitt. Whenever I feel stressed, I remind myself that we’re giving college women (and men!) the chance to have their voice heard and gain hands-on experience with writing, social media, marketing, PR/events, etc. that can ultimately help them land a job in such a competitive field.
HC: What is the most important thing you have learned so far?
KP: Time management and taking the initiative are so so important! I couldn’t survive without my weekly to-do lists. Writing out everything I need to do to support our current chapters, expansion and my interns helps me manage my time efficiently so that I give enough of my attention to each area of my responsibilities. Invest in a fancy notepad (like the one I have below) to help you stay on track!
I’ve also realized how important it is to self-reflect on your work and take the initiative to do even more in your career. I try to evaluate my work at the end of the week and brainstorm new strategies for what more Her Campus Media can do to better our chapters as our network grows. My co-workers give me the creative freedom to come up with new projects and pitch new ideas – the sky’s the limit!
HC: What advice do you have for people that are graduating and starting to apply for jobs?
KP: Don’t limit yourself to just the jobs that fit what you’ve studied, because chances are you don’t have a clue what you want to do – none of us do. Our 20s are a trial and error process; you’re not supposed to (or expected) to know what you want to do with your entire life. I always envisioned myself writing for a magazine and while I’m not currently writing, my position has helped me build a completely new skill set. Take risks and don’t ever think you’re underqualified for a position. Try something new – it might help you figure out what your calling really is!
HC: What do you miss the most about HC Pitt?
KP: The sense of community and the #girlbosses that I was proud to call my teammates and my friends. Since the day I joined freshman year, HC Pitt always empowered me to speak my mind and go out there and lead by example. I developed my work ethic, drive and voice through my involvement with the organization. There was no better feeling than having a team of 50+ women who constantly support you and raise you up. They also accepted me for my crazy donut obsession and for that I am always thankful.
HC: What is your favorite thing about Pitt?
KP: Peace, Love & Little Donuts and Hem’s, of course. Really and truly though I love the sense of community at Pitt and the endless opportunities to get involved. I can honestly say that I never had a boring day at Pitt because there is always something to do on campus. You can find a familiar face everywhere you go on campus and by senior year, the friendships and networks that I made during my four years somehow formed one large web of connections.
And of course, I will always have a special place in my heart for my girl Cathy. The Her Campus office building in Boston actually looks like a mini Cathedral – I can’t help but smile every time I walk into the building. It feels like a piece of Pitt is always with me.
HC: If you could eat one Pittsburgh meal right now, what would it be and why?
KP: How can I limit myself to just one meal? I would start the day with “The Frick” egg sandwich at Red Oak, move to Peace Love and Little Donuts for ALL of the donuts (the blueberry pie, chocolate chip cookie and Boston cream are must-haves), stop at The Yard for the Mac Attack and finish out the day at Tako for the delicious queso and tacos. I dream about that ideal day on a daily basis all the way from Boston, but my dreams will come to reality as I hit all locations when I visit Pittsburgh in a few weeks. Challenge accepted!
Photo Credits: All photos belong to Katie.