UT alumna returns to former class to share public relations expertise
Many of us hope to be able to return to campus after we graduate and visit old professors with news of great career success. And for most of us, this vision probably takes place 10 to 15 years after graduation. Not so for this 2008 University of Texas at Austin public relations grad. Liz Burkhart has not only become a senior global media relations specialist at Whole Foods Market’s global headquarters, but has also been invited to her former professor John Murphy’s class four times in the last two years to give advice and share her experience in the public relations field to freshmen looking to follow a similar path of success.
Burkhart spoke to Dr. John Murphy’s class last week with her fellow UT alumnae and Whole Foods Market global media relations specialist, Emily Wright. Though not her first time speaking to the class, Burkhart remarked how funny it feels to be speaking to a class of students that she once sat in herself.
“Looking out at the class took me back several years to when I sat in their seat… when I didn’t have a clue that I’d end up with a career that I love in PR,” Burkhart said. “It’s exciting to look out at a room full of bright students with so much potential!”
Originally a journalism major, Burkhart had not planned to pursue a career in public relations until she realized her personality and writing style were better suited for the persuasive voice of public relations than the objective role of a journalist.
Luckily, she had a great teacher and mentor in Dr. Murphy, who was able to groom her for a successful public relations career.
“Dr. Murphy taught me to understand the value of never cheating yourself out of your best work, and helped me earn a very healthy respect for deadlines,” Burkhart said. “If a project was due at 8 a.m. and we turned it in at 8:01, it was late. Reporters are just as ruthless with deadlines, and learning that lesson has really helped me to excel at my job.”
Dr. Murphy saw promise in Burkhart early on.
“Beginning in her first semester at UT, Liz stood out,” Dr. Murphy said. “After class she asked questions about course content plus expressed an interest in finding internships. I immediately sensed a special energy and focus in Liz that marked her for success as a freshman from Pennsylvania in her first semester in that intro class.”
Among the list of advice Burkhart gave to students in the audience was to develop their writing skills and get involved. She said that employers want to see what experience you bring to the table, and the more writing and internship experience you can gain while in school, the better prepared you’ll be for a career after you graduate.
Burkhart heeds her own advice of staying involved through her position on the board of local nonprofit, I Live Here, I Give Here which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for more than 400 nonprofits in Central Texas.
“My involvement on the board has really helped me to learn more about Austin’s nonprofit community and uncover more ways to help our amazing city,” she said.
A final suggestion Burkhart has for those that hope to have a successful public relations career is to read the news every day and to proactively shadow some professionals.
“Most importantly, have fun! If you do what you love to do, you’ll never have to ‘work' a day in your life,” she said.