Jill Hinxman and Hannah Reizenstein
According to Glassdoor, 2024 will see Generation Z outnumber Baby Boomers in the workforce, bringing a new set of values, ideas, and priorities. We check in with our resident “Zoomers,” Public Affairs Manager Jill Hinxman and Public Relations Specialist Hannah Reizenstein, for their unique take on working in the PA and PR industries, respectively.
1. In general, what are some challenges you think Gen Z professionals face when entering and trying to succeed in the workforce?
JH: I think the negative stereotypes about the poor work ethic and often immature behavior of Gen Z puts a sour taste in the mouths of employers. I can’t say I blame them, seeing what some in my age group do on social media. To me, the biggest issue Gen Z professionals face is breaking free of the stereotypes to provide beneficial ideas and experiences to the workplace and for these efforts to be heard.
2. What attracted you to public relations?
HR: As someone who has always been outgoing, I naturally gravitated towards a career that consisted of building strong relationships and connections. Public Relations allows me to leverage the skills I have been developing throughout my life and use them professionally, creating and nurturing connections that are vital to my success as well as my clients’ success. Additionally, I was drawn to the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the industry – no two days are ever the same. This dynamic keeps me engaged and excited on a day-to-day work basis.
3. What attracted you to public affairs?
JH: I became interested in public affairs and public policy in 2016 during the presidential election. I find it fascinating that every aspect of our state and country is run, in some form, by politics. Education, healthcare, natural resources, gaming, they are all regulated by the people we elect to office and the legislation they create. Interning at the Legislature in 2023 only heightened my fascination, seeing the inner workings of Nevada politics and its impact on industries and communities. Though I was only an intern, I was given opportunities to grow in my professional career and learn from the experts. Public Affairs allows me to understand and influence every facet of the state, which makes the job incredibly exciting.
4. What role do you see social media playing in the future of public affairs/public relations?
JH: Social media has both positive and negative effects on the business. It is such a great tool when used to obtain information quickly, especially during the Legislature where news is constantly changing. As with any industry utilizing social media, though, we must use social media carefully and be aware of the disparities between its projections and reality.
HR: A standout quality that I think Gen Z brings to the industry is our ability to utilize social media to grow connections in the industry, help generate new ideas and stay ahead of trends. For example, I follow several PR firms nationwide and gather new ideas for campaigns, outreach, PR trends and business development for my clients.
5. How do you think your generation will change the dynamics of the workplace?
HR: I think my generation brings a refreshing and positive outlook to the workplace. While we have so much to learn from our superiors in the industry, I think the younger generation of workers at The Ferraro Group are good at bridging the divide between traditional PR methods and offering new strategies that evolve with the ever-changing industry.
6. What advice would you give to other Gen Z individuals considering a career in PA or PR?
JH: Entering a field of work like PA, which is so widely dominated by seasoned experts, is incredibly intimidating. I’ve learned in this business to only expect the unexpected and prioritize progress over perfection. Taking my experience into consideration, my advice for young professionals is to show up on time, give your best effort, and demonstrate dedication to learning the business. This is the best way to prove your value.
HR: My advice to a fellow Gen Z PR professional would be to prioritize building genuine and meaningful connections. In PR, strong relationships are very important to your success and your client’s success – whether these connections are clients, colleagues or media contacts.
