Kristen Dunleavy JMS’07, a Senior Content Marketing Editor at Muck Rack, has applied her SC&I degree in Journalism and Media Studies to her successful work in the fields of magazine writing, publishing, and currently, content marketing.

Growing up with a passion for storytelling, Dunleavy began as a writer and editor, landing an internship at Dennis Publishing (now defunct) and later becoming an editorial assistant. After working as a senior editor, she shifted into the marketing field, working as a content marketing manager for companies such as AWeber, Movable Ink, and now Muck Rack.

Read our Q&A with Dunleavy and learn more about why she chose SC&I, her experiences as a Rutgers student, and how these experiences influence her work at Muck Rack.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers and major in journalism and media studies?
KD: I’ve always been interested in reading, writing and storytelling, even from a young age. As a kid, I had a journal where I would write short stories, recaps of family gatherings and book reviews (I had some hot takes on the Velveteen Rabbit) —for fun! In high school, it dawned on me that I could do this for a living and a journalism major felt like a natural fit.

I chose Rutgers because I’d heard great things about the journalism program, and the proximity of Rutgers-New Brunswick to NYC meant that I’d be in the right place for securing an internship.

"I chose Rutgers because I’d heard great things about the journalism program, and the proximity of Rutgers-New Brunswick to NYC meant that I’d be in the right place for securing an internship."

Did any classes and/or instructors have a profound and lasting impact on you, and if so, why?
KD: I will never forget my Magazine Writing class with Barbara Reed. It was my goal to work at a magazine after graduation and I really believe this class played a role in my success. I won’t lie, Professor Reed was tough. But thanks to her direct feedback, I learned a lot about the reality of the publishing world and her class helped me level-up my own writing skills.

Why did you shift from studying and working in journalism to working in marketing?
KD: Unfortunately, I was laid off from my first job in magazine editorial after about a year. After that, I worked in various digital editorial roles, but it was a tough time for publishing. Eventually I had an opportunity to work for a small, B2B-focused marketing agency as a content developer and I decided to give it a try.

I found that a lot of my skills as an editor were transferable (writing, interviewing, editing) to content marketing. So, I stuck with it. When I landed at Muck Rack, I found the best of both worlds: content marketing for an audience of PR pros and journalists.

Can you tell me more about working at Muck Rack and your current goals for content marketing?
KD: At Muck Rack, I oversee our content marketing strategy which includes the Muck Rack Blog, research, webinars, newsletters and more. A big goal of mine is making sure our content is always relevant and useful to our audience. On a day-to-day basis, that could mean experimenting with new types of content, identifying gaps in our strategy, reviewing and improving existing content and collaborating with the greater team.

"Learning how to effectively give and receive feedback is huge. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your work and learn how to give constructive criticism."

Did your studies at SC&I and/or other experiences, such as any internships you may have had, help prepare you for your career? If so, how?
KD: My publishing internship led to my first job as an editorial assistant! It was Dennis Publishing, which is now defunct. I was lucky that my internship was very hands-on and involved a fair amount of writing. Just as the internship was coming to an end, the editorial assistant announced they were leaving. I had the opportunity to interview for the role and got it!

What is some advice you received at SC&I, Rutgers, or elsewhere that has served you well and/or advice you'd like to share with current or prospective SC&I students about how to succeed at Rutgers and professionally?
KD: Learning how to effectively give and receive feedback is huge. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your work and learn how to give constructive criticism. Also, the real-world experience you get through internships is so important. Research opportunities and network whenever possible—you never know how it may help your career!

Learn more about the Journalism and Media Studies major on the Rutgers School of Communication and Information website.