Forging a Purposeful Path in PR
MSU Alum and Bellwether PR partner, Angela Minicuci, APR, shares her lessons and insights
By: Sierra Curtis
Navigating the world of public relations can be challenging. For Angela Minicuci, a Michigan State University alum, it has been an exciting journey that began during the 2008 economic recession.
Minicuci holds a degree in communications with a specialization in public relations. Her first role at the Michigan Association of Counties provided more than just a paycheck, it gave her hands-on experience in strategic communications and infrastructure. The early exposure to coordination laid the groundwork for her future success. She stressed the importance of internships and entry-level jobs as crucial steppingstones in building a strong career foundation.
Her career then took her to serve as the spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Community Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, she is a partner at Bellwether PR, a Lansing-based public relations firm.
Minicuci learned that teamwork isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential in the PR field. The fast-paced dynamic of public relations means that no day is the same. Unexpected news or crises can arise at any moment, potentially disrupting even the best laid plans. She emphasized the importance of forming strong relationships with coworkers and clients, noting that trust and reliability are key to success. Minicuci advised current AD+PR students to develop their teamwork skills and cultivate an ability to collaborate effectively, as these attributes will be invaluable as they navigate the competitive world of public relations.
Another important lesson Minicuci shares is the skill of balancing deadlines with personal well-being. Public relations are a fast-moving industry, where managing multiple projects simultaneously is part of the daily routine. Minicuci emphasized the importance of organizational skills but also stressed the need to prioritize mental health. She cautions students to be prepared for the unexpected while ensuring they don’t burn out. Having witnessed many colleagues experience burnout due to neglecting their mental health, Minicuci advocates for the importance of taking time to recharge. Her firm prioritizes employee well-being, believing that a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success.
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Minicuci’s career. She stressed the importance of building a personal network with trusted mentors, which has been crucial to her professional growth. Minicuci says her time and connections forged at MSU and the Public Relations Student Society of America helped set her up for career success.
“The relationships I built provided me with honest guidance and support when I needed it most. I encourage students to seek mentors who can offer advice and support as they navigate their career paths,” said Minicuci.
Minicuci’s journey highlights the significance of pursuing meaningful work. She says she finds fulfillment in aligning her career with her values, often working on projects focused on social justice and health access. For her, success is not just about financial gain but about making an impact. Her advice to AD+PR students is to follow their passion and find a job that resonates with their values – not only to build a successful career but also discover a deeper sense of purpose along the way.