Connect
http://www.twitter.com/DeannaUtroske
Education
Rutgers University - Bachelor's Degree in English
In the first line of this interview, Deanna Utroske voices what's likely an unspoken truth for many of us: We aspire "to be the sort of woman [we] like to know." For Deanna, that means a wise, socially astute and accomplished professional who encourages and animates the people around her.
She's well on her way.
As a social media and editorial consultant, Deanna engages with a variety of writers, readers and media consumers, making her days a mix of print, digital, social and in-person commitments. Then, Deanna uses her volunteer work with organizations like New York Women in Communications and other groups to collaborate with professional women in a variety of industries and at all levels. The result is a powerhouse combination of advocacy and experience, which means lots of well-heeled advice below.
Intentionally gather advisors and fans, cultivate your support network, and keep an invigorating circle of friends.
You mentioned that at the moment you have somewhat of a portfolio career – balancing both freelancing and volunteering. What inspired you to create a path that includes both?
I am inspired to be the sort of woman I like to know: a wise, socially astute and accomplished professional who encourages and animates the people around her.
Social media and editorial consulting shape my expertise and allow me to affect and engage with a variety of writers, readers and media consumers.
Through volunteer work, I collaborate with professional women in an array of industries and at all levels. My enthusiastic and assiduous contribution to New York Women in Communications and other groups is proving the adage "you get out of it what you put in to it."
This diversified professional commitment presents a superb opportunity for me to grow and inspire others.
How did your background in automotive technology lead to a career in communications?
My first degree, in automotive technology, keyed in on my instinctive attention to detail and knack for systems. While studying auto tech, I published an article in an industry magazine, tutored some classmates in English and worked as creativity editor of my university’s newspaper. You could say it was full-speed ahead toward a communications career!
What types of responsibilities fill your day?
Each day I manage my own content production, editorial and social media projects, and networking.
My consulting, volunteer and networking endeavors overlap quite neatly, so I'm often able to get multiple returns from a single project.
A mix of print, digital, social and in-person commitments, my days look something like this: I devote blocks of time to each consulting project on the schedule, secure expert comments for my next blog post, read industry news and note pertinent headlines, stay tuned in to social media, field emails and messages from clients and colleagues, write, read, edit,and attend to administrative tasks. During evenings I'll attend a professional development seminar or meet with a friend or colleague for some off-duty conversation, which often finds its way around to career issues and work projects.
Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I made it!” What was it?
Many stepping stones on my career path could be inscribed with "I made it!" -- being paid to write, earning each degree, learning new skills, acquiring new credentials, collaborating with successful people, etc. Do those stepping stones lead to a singular “I made it!" triumph? Rest assured, I keep aspiring to a more expansive sense of accomplishment.
What challenges keep you awake at night?
On occasion I'm distracted by the things that I don’t know. The corollary: I am glad to have learned that it's best to be well rested when facing the unknown.
What are some of the rules you live by?
Always be learning.
Treat everyone with the respect you expect.
Give attention to detail.
You’re a strong advocate for women in communications. What qualities does it take for a woman to be successful in this line of work?
By first being an advocate for myself -- and this is something I frequently reassess and reassert -- I've found the tools to be an advocate and ambassador for other women in communications.
To be a successful advocate for women in communications:
Listen Attentively
Observe Carefully
Act On Your Own Wisdom
What advice do you have for women who aspire to walk in your shoes?
Intentionally gather advisors and fans, cultivate your support network, and keep an invigorating circle of friends.
Contribute strategically: choose work that will benefit your team and you personally.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I anticipate being more fully immersed in the professional communications world, engaged with all things digital, social, editorial and emerging, and always with a passion for the success of women.