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Member Spotlight: Josh Baer

In this member spotlight, we’re pleased to shine a light on Josh Baer, Director At-Large/Young Professionals on the PRSA Rochester Board of Directors. When not volunteering his time with PRSA Rochester, Josh also serves as the Corporate Communications Specialist at ESL Federal Credit Union. Let’s learn more about Josh, the Young Professionals committee, and more in the interview below.

Tell us more about your role and responsibilities at ESL Federal Credit Union.

Each day my work is geared towards helping educate our members and the Greater Rochester community about the ways ESL can assist in improving their finances. This takes on many forms, through content development for our website and social media channels, to creating talking points for speaking engagements and preparing thought leaders for media interviews.

You’ve been with ESL for 11 years now. What are some of your biggest takeaways from your career journey thus far?

I frequently say ‘the days may be long, but the years are short’ because I feel like I’ve blinked and had the time pass. As I reflect on my career journey to this point, I’m grateful to have had exposure and many learnings through a variety of communications areas: event planning, internal communications, media relations, crisis communications and social media. In the better part of the last decade, the PR and social media landscapes have changed dramatically and I have been fortunate to work with and learn from amazing communication professionals throughout. 

Why did you become a member of PRSA Rochester?

My first exposure to PR was through a split internal communications/public relations role. I had previous internal communications experience but was completely new and naïve to PR and wanted to learn and meet others in the industry. My manager insisted I become a member and attend a few events, which has helped me build a network and grow my confidence as a young professional.

Tell us more about your role on the Young Professionals committee and the board of directors. Can you share any goals for the committee this year? What can we look forward to?

I currently chair the Young Professionals committee with a focus on engaging with PRSA young professional members, local PR young professionals, PRSA students (PRSSA members) and students attending school in the Greater Rochester area interested in a career in PR. This engagement can take many forms such as networking events, panel discussions, resume reviews, or informational interviews with local college students to help expose them to our industry. We look forward to connecting with our local PRSSA chapters, area colleges, and fellow young professionals throughout the year!

How can one get involved in the Young Professionals committee?

Our committee meets monthly in addition to any yearly programming activities. Please feel free to reach me at [email protected] to learn more and join us!

How can young professionals benefit from joining an organization like PRSA?

Joining an organization like PRSA instantly connects you with a network of PR pros all working to better themselves and the industry. Not only does this help you to build your network, but exposure to other PR pros at events or via PRSA online resources is a great way to learn from others and gain inspiration from their approach to bring to your own career.

As we’re coming upon graduation for most colleges and universities in our area, what advice would you give to prospective graduates? Any advice for graduates looking to enter the communications field?

Embrace the career journey. I remember the stress and pressure to find the “perfect” job or company as a student graduating and entering the workforce. My belief now is a career is what you make of it. Regardless of the title or industry of your first job, if you’re seeking to enter the communications field, take or make any opportunity to learn and enhance your skill set. A few examples could be to ask to help create a periodic newsletter for your team or organization to improve your writing capabilities or explore volunteer openings with a local nonprofit to assist with their social media presence or content creation. Anything you can do to strengthen your communications toolbelt will help your career in the long run.

If you could describe your career/professional life in one word, what would it be?

Fulfilling!