At the 41st annual Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Classics Awards, Katie Huggins of Best Buy received the Rising Star Award (formerly known as the Young Professional Award).
1. Tell us a bit about your public relations experience so far.
I joined the Best Buy PR team three years ago after graduating from the University of Minnesota (go Gophers!). I support PR for the company’s product categories, working closely with our merchants and vendors to plan campaigns. I also work directly with the media proactively and reactively to support our stores in the Southeast from Tennessee to Puerto Rico.
Before my time at Best Buy, I worked on the media relations team at the University of Minnesota, where I helped represent various health departments around campus. Some of that work included translating the research and many studies that came out of the U of M.
2. What role has PRSA had in your career success?
PRSA has allowed me to meet a ton of PR professionals and create a network of people that are always willing to sit down for coffee and offer advice. I’ve had the opportunity to try new things that I wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to do, whether that’s through sharing experiences with students at the PR North event or assisting with Classics planning.
3. What campaign have you worked on that you are most proud of and why?
Our holiday campaign is one the most rewarding campaigns we get to do every year – especially for someone like me that loves the holiday season! The work kicks off around the beginning of October and the sprint continues through January. During that time, our team coordinates thousands of media requests to interview our employee tech experts and visit stores on Black Friday. We have a lot of fun and are fueled by the fast pace.
4. What is your desired career path?
I plan on continuing to work in PR, specifically in media relations. I love having the opportunity to share stories and represent a brand in new ways. Every day brings new challenges and that pushes me to think quickly when representing the company. I love that some days allow you to finish a well-planned to-do list, while most require you to change direction at any given point.
5. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
The people in this PR community make it so much fun to be in. I love having the chance to learn from my team of seasoned pros while still getting to meet so many new people and build relationships in the field.