Name: Rachel Grace Kolias
Major: Professional Communication and Emerging Media
Year: Junior
Hometown: Saint Paul
HC Position: Social Media Director
Member Since: March 2014
HC: Why did you choose to attend UW-Stout?
Rachel Grace Kolias: I was interested in the Professional Communication and Emerging Media major because it was so specific and unique. When I sat down with Matt Livesey, the program director, I knew it was the right fit. I also really like the creative and innovative students that Stout seems to attract and the focus on professional experience.
HC: What’s your favorite part of being the social media director?
RK: I love seeing our organization grow through social media. It’s so much fun seeing page views and likes increase and seeing a positive response. I also read every article when I post it to social media and really enjoy that.
HC: How did you hear about HC UW-Stout?
RK: I heard about Her Campus in high school and when I found out (probably through social media!) that Lo was starting a chapter at Stout I jumped on it.
HC: What made you want to get involved?
RK: I wanted to gain experience with social media because it is primarily what I would like to do upon graduating. I also thought Her Campus was a great addition to Stout and love the types of articles that are written and wanted to support the organization.
HC: What kind of advice would you give someone in a social media director position to connect content and current events in a relevant way?
RK: It is important to think about what will catch your audience’s attention and I do this by being conscious about what I personally view on social media and by tracking what posts do well and have a good response. Timing your posts right and at relevant times is also really important.
HC: What’s your favorite social media site to post on-as the HC UW-Stout’s social media director?
RK: Twitter. I like coming up with short and clever posts that are also engaging.
HC: How do you manage your time with school and a social life along with posting?
RK: I have to incorporate it into my schedule. I usually post in between classes and again after dinner and now it is just a habit!
HC: How are you going to use this experience in your future career?
RK: I now have actual experience with social media that I can apply to my future career. I have learned a lot about written communication and how to engage with an audience creatively. Also, working for a national magazine looks really good on a resume!
SPEED ROUND:
Celeb Crush: Ian Somerhalder
Favorite Ice Cream: Salted Caramel
Favorite App: Spotify
Favorite HC Section: Blog