On April 2, PRSSA hosted Katie Ilaria, an esteemed alumni of Roger Williams University's class of 2011, for an insightful discussion on her experiences at Google and her role as Head of Industry focusing on Retail for luxury and Off-Price Brands. Katie, a communication expert with a strong foothold in the Manhattan area, shared invaluable insights into her journey from General Electric to her current leadership position at Google.
She had in-depth conversations with students about how they use Google to shop, how they use YouTube and questions about aspects of her industry related to them. She answered questions about internships and that doing as many as possible is important to learn what you like and don't like. She reflected on her internships during college at FM Global, agency work, and having those kinds of experiences help you at your first interviews after graduation.
In addition to sharing leadership insights and coaching methodologies, Katie shed light on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the industry. She emphasized AI's transformative potential beyond writing and discussed its applications in photo editing, data analysis, and campaign optimization. Encouraging students to embrace AI as a resource, she predicted its growing prominence in the coming years and urged them to stay abreast of its advancements.
Katie's discussion on research methodologies, particularly using NARC (Novel, Actionable, Reliable, Credible) criteria, provided students with practical tools for assessing data validity. Her insights into Google's AI-driven initiatives, such as the Gemini program and Google Ads, offered a glimpse into the future of digital marketing and campaign management.
Katie Ilaria's visit was a part of the Public Relations program's dedication to the integration of academia and industry. As our students navigate the complexities of the modern workforce, her guidance will help serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging them to continue to embrace learning opportunities and adapt to the evolving landscape of public relations and technology.
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