FIPP Rising Star Skye Rubel: “Young people should not underestimate their impact on the industry”
View the original article from FIPP here.
The FIPP Rising Stars in Media Awards 2019, kindly supported by UPM – The Biofore Company, recognise outstanding work in the global media industry. Winners will be announced at the FIPP World Media Congress Opening Reception taking place in Las Vegas on 12 November 2019. Deadline has been extended! Entries are open now and the new deadline is Friday 4 October 2019.
16 Questions for FIPP Rising Star Skye Rubel
1. What is your current role?
I am the communications and events manager at MPA – The Association of Magazine Media and also serve as founder and chair of MPA Next, a community for young professionals working in non-editorial functions in the magazine media industry.
2. How did you get there?
From a young age, I’ve been a huge fan of magazines. In middle school, I wrote, edited and published a fashion magazine called “Ciel”, the French word for sky—a takeoff on my name. I studied journalism at the University of Georgia and served as editor-in-chief at the school’s multicultural magazine. After landing a summer internship at Good Housekeeping, I was sold on pursuing a career in media.
3. What are your passions?
I am an avid traveler—I just spent a month working remotely in Barcelona! —and I love discovering obscure ethnic restaurants. I’m also a huge comedy fan and even write a little stand-up.
4. Where is home? What do you like most about your city?
Immediately after college, I moved from Atlanta to New York City and never looked back. I thrill in the diversity of New York and everything a multicultural environment offers: dim sum in Flushing, the Russian and Turkish bathhouses in the East Village, espresso in Little Italy! Sounds corny, but I still delight in riding the subway and listening to the dozens of languages from people who converge here from all around the world.
5. What did you want to do when you grew up?
I used to write commercials as a little girl and always thought I’d work in advertising. I still remember the jingle I wrote for citronella candles!
6. How did it feel and what did it mean to be a Highly Commended Rising Star in Media winner?
I was – and still am – elated by this honor, particularly since I haven’t been in the workforce all that long. I graduated in 2015, and it means a lot to have made an impact so early in my career.
7. How has this recognition helped you in the past year?
The recognition has affirmed that the decisions I’ve made and the path I’m taking make a difference in moving the industry forward.
8. What advice would you give to other young people in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to speak up! It can be intimidating to voice your opinions to seasoned executives, but know that your fresh perspective adds significant value in meetings and conversations.
9. What areas of the industry excite you going forward?
It’s wonderful that more and more magazines are creating events that bring their content to life. It’s a dynamic way to engage with readers beyond the page and screen.
10. What are the attributes that you feel benefitted you in winning this award that you can pass on to others?
When I meet with college students interested in the magazine industry, I share my three secrets to success:
– Go beyond the duties of your job title and enthusiastically say “yes!” to every task that comes your way.
– Hold yourself accountable to your goals, objectives and timeline.
– Take advantage of industry events and meet as many people, in as many positions, as you can.
11. What’s the most recent professional skill that you have acquired?
Heading up MPA Next, I’m frequently called upon to address the group and introduce speakers at events. The concept of public speaking used to terrify me. Through improv classes and public speaking workshops, I’m honing my skills with the intent to continue improving.
12. Who do you look up to in the industry?
My boss, Susan Russ, and the CEO of MPA, Linda Thomas Brooks, are incredible mentors to me. They exemplify everything I aspire to be: accomplished, knowledgeable, multi-faceted and incredibly kind.
13. What’s the best bit of your job?
My biggest accomplishment at MPA has been the formation and expansion of MPA Next. I love offering junior level employees opportunities to meet and learn from the industry’s top leaders – people they wouldn’t ordinarily have access to.
14. A song that pumps you for work.
I often joke that I’d rather someone read my diary than look at my Spotify history. I will say that I’m a huge fan of Lizzo and often listen to her music when I walk to work.
15. In another life, what would you have been?
I really love Chinese food to the extent that I could eat it every day for the rest of my life! I’d travel the world eating tofu and noodles and write about it in a blog I’d call “Lo Mein-tenance” (Get it?!)
16. Why should young people in the industry apply for the FIPP Rising Stars in Media?
Young people should not underestimate their impact on the industry, regardless of their age. If you’ve worked hard and made lasting contributions to your company and to magazine media, you deserve recognition.
The FIPP Rising Stars in Media Awards 2019, kindly supported by UPM – The Biofore Company, recognise outstanding work in the global media industry. Winners will be announced at the FIPP World Media Congress Opening Reception taking place in Las Vegas on 12 November 2019. Deadline has been extended! Entries are open now and the new deadline is Friday 4 October 2019.
