MSU PR Alumna Shares Career Journey and Advice
FINN Partners vice president, Julie Joupperi’s hunger for learning gave her a professional edge
By: Allison Stiffler
Julie Joupperi graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication, specializing in public relations and health promotion. During her time at MSU, she pursued various internships, including one at the Michigan Fitness Foundation. She says these internships were crucial in helping her gain real-world experience while she was still pursuing her degree.
Post-graduation, Joupperi landed a highly competitive internship with Weber Shandwick in Chicago. Although she wasn’t hired permanently after the internship, she took the setback as a learning opportunity and applied for more jobs.
“It felt like a huge professional setback, but it led me to apply at FINN Partners, where I’ve now been for nine years,” Joupperi said.
Her persistence paid off when she secured another postgraduate internship at FINN, eventually receiving multiple promotions leading her to her current role as vice president of the Detroit office.
She credits much of her success to staying curious and having strong communication.
“Show your team that you’re eager to learn and willing to take on more. That’s key to progress,” Joupperi said.
She emphasized the importance of adaptability, especially in today’s remote work environment, stating how critical communication becomes when you do not see your co-workers daily.
Joupperi advises students aspiring to pursue PR to get involved in as many activities as possible – from internships to networking opportunities.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni, attend speaker events and join student organizations like PRSSA,” she said.
Joupperi also highly recommends attending agency visits through MSU, an experience she believes was pivotal in securing her positions at Weber Shandwick and FINN Partners — she toured both through College of Communication Arts and Sciences’ agency visits.
Joupperi’s journey proves that the road to success in public relations may not always be linear. Perseverance and learning from setbacks can lead to rewarding opportunities and growth in your career.