Member Spotlight: Morgan Frideres
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up in northern Iowa and went to Simpson College, where I majored in PR. After graduating, I stuck around the Des Moines area and have been here ever since! Ever since I was a kid, I've always loved making new friends, being creative, and writing, so I truly feel like a communicator at heart.
2. What drew you to public relations in the first place?
Like I said, I've always loved writing, and I initially thought that would lead me to be an English major. But after one U.S. Lit class in college, I realized that was not my vibe. While I enjoy writing, I'm also a people person and feel really passionate about connecting with others. Public relations combines my favorite things — creating and connecting!
3. What has your career path looked like? What is your current role?
Right after college, I started at Webspec, a web design and digital marketing agency, on their sales team as a proposal writer. I later transitioned to their digital marketing team, first writing and optimizing content for website projects, then moving into an internal marketing and communications role, and finally leading client accounts as a digital marketing account lead.
I made the move from agency life and started at SHAZAM in June as a communications specialist. My current role focuses on external communications to clients and helping with PR projects.
4. How did you get involved with PRSA Iowa?
I joined PRSSA in college, so I was already very familiar with the organization. However, I went down more of a marketing path for a little bit there! I knew I wanted to transition to a communications/PR focus, and as part of that initiative, I joined PRSA. It also helped that Baillee, whom I went to college with, was president. But I'm so glad I did because it has definitely re-energized my love for PR and has been a wonderful group to be part of as I started my new role this past summer!
5. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
'When something is right for you, it will give you energy. That's how you know.' Especially as a young professional, sometimes it's hard to know if you're going down the right path. I think this phrase is a great way to look at your career! Even if something is hard work or makes you nervous, I believe the right path for you will still give you energy. (I believe this for things outside of work, too.)
6. What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy running and typically train for at least one half-marathon every year. I love hanging out and traveling with my best friends, and I'm also fortunate to have a bunch of family in the area. You can always catch me spending time outside (whether I'm hiking or sipping a drink on a patio). I'm also in two book clubs, and I love to bake a sweet treat!
