By Katie Fedosenko
Writing has kept bread on the table for Loren Plottel
While she was pursuing her undergrad degree in English Literature at UBC, Loren took an internship with CKVU, which is now CityTV. After graduating, Loren was hired by CKVU and worked as a talent coordinator, researcher, script writer and reporter. “The job market was different back then,” said Loren. “My English Literature background gave me the tools and confidence to express myself and construct an effective argument. I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
After CKVU, Loren worked for Vancouver advertising firm Baker Lovick as a client liaison, managing accounts for companies such as A & W Root Beer, Pharmasave, and BC Tel (Now Telus). She was later recruited by BC Tel, where she worked for a number of years as media relations manager. She kept up her contacts in the industry, eventually becoming president of the Canadian Public Relations Society of B.C.
Taking a break from full-time work, Loren then chose to stay home with her family and pursue freelance work. She provided communications assistance to many organizations, as well as teaching communications and writing courses at BCIT and Kwantlen University. She has also done voice acting for various commercials, radio campaigns and automated telephone recordings.
Along with her BA, Loren has an APR (Accredited Public Relations Professional) certificate, which requires a minimum of five years work experience, peer reviews and an examination. Although she has been a teacher and a communications professional, Loren said her hardest lessons were “realizing how much I didn’t know, and that I will never stop learning.”
Her words of advice to beginning writers are: “be open to any and all opportunities; build your credibility and working knowledge of the field; pitch stories and consider writing on spec; and make contacts.” She recommends focusing on the media sources you’re interested in, such as community television or newspapers, and going for an informational interview or asking for an internship opportunity.
Loren’s career has come full circle. She’s back at UBC as the Print Communications Manager for the Faculty of Arts Communications office.
