What does a career in PR and marketing actually look like after graduation? At a recent speaker event at Utah Asia Campus, students had the opportunity to hear from Romy Shin, a communications specialist with over 15 years of industry experience. Through her talk, students gained insight into what it takes to build a career in PR and marketing, along with advice on navigating the field.
Inside the Event
The event took place in U108 on April 29, 2026, and was hosted by the Career & Internship Development Center (CIDC). During the session, Romy Shin shared her personal career journey and spoke about working in PR, marketing, and branding across a variety of industries.
Key Takeaways
One of the biggest messages from the talk was that “opportunities don’t always look like opportunities.” Romy Shin explained how many career paths are not straightforward, and how small moments or unexpected experiences can ultimately shape your future.
She also shared that she originally majored in German Language and Literature and did not initially know what career path she wanted to pursue. Early in her career, many of the positions available to her were sales roles, which pushed her to reflect on what she actually enjoyed doing. Over time, this self-reflection led her into the PR and marketing industry, including working at Edelman, one of the largest PR agencies in the world.
Another important takeaway was the idea of “Start Small, Grow Big.” Romy Shin explained that sometimes the path no one wants can later become your greatest advantage. She encouraged students not to feel pressured to have a perfect or linear career path immediately after graduation..
She also emphasized the importance of building taste and experience outside of work. From exhibitions and pop-ups to hotel lounges and restaurants, she explained that experiencing different environments helps develop creativity and perspective. As she mentioned during the talk, “You can’t google your way to good taste. Experience the difference.”
Personal Reflection
One of the most interesting parts of the talk was hearing how her career path evolved over time. It was reassuring to hear that not everyone immediately knows what they want to do after graduation and that career paths can naturally develop through different experiences and opportunities.
I also found it interesting how much emphasis she placed on lifestyle and personal goals. One piece of advice that especially stood out was to “know the life you want first” and fit your job into your life, rather than your life into your job.
As someone interested in PR and marketing, it was meaningful to hear directly from someone working in the industry and to learn more about how careers can grow and change over time, particularly in Korea’s global work environment.
Conclusion
Events like this give students the opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from professionals and gain a better understanding of different career paths. For students exploring careers in PR, marketing, or communications, sessions like this can provide valuable insight, encouragement, and inspiration for the future.
– Written by Lillianna Martinescu, Spring 2026 Communications Intern at Marketing & Communications Center, University of Utah Asia Campus (Reviewed & edited by Yoonji Kim, Senior Communications Specialist, University of Utah Asia Campus)
