For more than 10 years, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ¿ª½± alum Pola Henderson has been writing for clients on both sides of the Atlantic. She explored the Polish hometown of Pope John Paul II with , rounded up Labor Day weekend trips for , and explained worker collaboratives in .
During the pandemic, Pola’s career as content writer and communication specialist has been planted firmly at her home base in Paris. Pola spoke to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ¿ª½± about getting her start as a writer, building her business and studying in Chicago.
ON °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ¿ª½±
I enrolled at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ¿ª½± not long after moving to Chicago from Europe with an undergraduate degree in English. At that time, I wanted to work in business and knew that I needed to expand my skill set in order to build a successful career.
I wasn't sure what area to focus on, but I knew I was good at writing and had some experience in communication. The graduate program gave me a focal point while showing me options to pursue within the field.
At the end of the program, we had to come up with a comprehensive marketing communications plan for a client, a well-known organization in Chicago who was trying to attract new customers. The hands-on project prepared us for life after graduation, putting our skills into practice and building our confidence.
ON HER CAREER TRAJECTORY
After some trial and error, I now enjoy working as a communications manager and content writer with clients on both sides of the Atlantic. My writing career started in travel and has expanded into business and technology.
I have now been featured as a contributor or expert guest in international media outlets, including CNN, NPR, WBEZ Chicago, Daily Express, AmEx Essentials, TechCrunch and more. I have also ventured into public speaking, giving talks about writing and building a professional brand.
As a communications manager for a technology startup in Paris, I am responsible for all blog and social media content, as well as promoting our products in European and American media outlets (magazines, webinars, podcasts). I collaborate with the sales and business development team to plan and implement our growth strategy.
In my freelance work as a content writer, I produce promotional materials such as website copy, newsletters, press releases and product descriptions. As a big soccer fan, I also regularly contribute to an English-language blog about Paris Saint-Germain.
HER ADVICE FOR ROOSEVELT STUDENTS
Start applying your textbook knowledge to real-life situations as soon as you can. Maybe you can freelance or volunteer in your field. It's a resume builder and you'll gain practical skills needed in your future job.
I wasn't sure what area to focus on, but I knew I was good at writing and had some experience in communication. The graduate program gave me a focal point while showing me options to pursue.Pola HendersonMS Integrated Marketing Communications, ’06