EmployeeFeatureFriday: Carrie VanBuskirk

Carrie VanBuskirk on PR as a career: “Expect the unexpected and always be prepared to think on your feet.”
Carrie VanBuskirk on PR as a career: “Expect the unexpected and always be prepared to think on your feet.”

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Since joining our high-tech PR firm as an Account Coordinator in December 2015, Carrie has overseen results-generating media relations, managed social media, coordinated events and played a key role in the development of successful PR campaigns. She has worked with technology organizations of all sizes and industries. At the office, Carrie is known for her personable and driven personality, contributing greatly to the positive and motivated environment here at W2 Communications.

Prior to joining our agency, Carrie graduated from Lynchburg College with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with an emphasis in public relations. While attending college, Carrie served as the copy editor and managing editor for the school newspaper, was named vice president of the National Communication Association’s official honor society, Lambda Pi Eta, and was a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Through hands-on learning in PR, event planning and editorial positions, Carrie has gained experience and skills in professionally promoting a favorable public image for many companies and organizations.

A native of Northern Virginia, Carrie is a dedicated Nationals fan, avid traveler, concert goer and proud “cat mom.”

What makes the world go round?

That sounds very scientific. But what makes my world go round is cheese, concerts, baseball, traveling, my cat and the color yellow.

Would you rather visit the world 100 years into the past or 100 years into the future?

I’d pick 100 years in the future because no one knows what it is like. We can study history, watch documentaries and create reenactments of what it was like to live 100 years ago. But the future is based on predictions and imagination. No one can say exactly where we will be in 2116, and I think it would be cool to be the first person to take a sneak peek.

Who is your role model?

I have two: The first one is someone I am lucky enough to talk to everyday – my mom. My mom loves her job, works hard each and every day and makes the most of the life she is given. Then, there is Leonardo DiCaprio. I have always been infatuated with his work and determination to be successful at any character. He started acting at a young age and remains humble. His environmental activism and the amount he gives back to philanthropies has always inspired me.

What drives you in your personal life?

Going out of my way to make someone’s day and lending a helping hand when needed. Seeing a smile on someone’s face and knowing that I helped put it there makes me feel like a good person.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

To make each day count. To go to bed at night knowing you lived that day as fully as you could.

What has been your proudest moment at W2 Communications?

Within my first couple weeks here, one of my clients had a huge launch. Despite being a bit nervous, I gave it my all and jumped right in to schedule media briefings, facilitate interviews and monitor coverage. The launch was a success!

If you could be an Olympic athlete, what would be your sport?

Swimming. Not just because I was a competitive swimmer for 14 years, but I also love the excitement that comes along with watching the race. You can never predict how it will end; a hundredth of a second can make the difference between gold and silver. Less than a second can make the difference between gold and not placing at all.

How would you advise someone who is just starting a career in public relations?

Expect the unexpected and always be prepared to think on your feet.