CEO of „Socialus marketingas“ / Public Relations
Why did you decide to study at Vilnius University, Faculty of Communication?
I became interested in media while still at school and started writing for the newspaper "Mokyklos frontas" (eng. School front). Then I started working for online media, daily newspapers and writing went from an interest to a full-time job. And in my bachelor's studies I studied economics with a focus on marketing. In the fourth year we studied public relations and I felt that this was my field. So I decided to continue my Master's studies at the Faculty of Communication at Vilnius University, where I chose Public Relations.
What was your year of study? Tell us your most vivid memories from your studies.
I had some absolutely fantastic classmates, with whom I am still in touch and many of whom are still successfully climbing the career ladder. I remember at least 3-4 incredible lecturers who gave me not only professional knowledge but often just life lessons. A few situations stuck out the most. One of the most fun experiences was when lecturer Kutraitė unsuccessfully tried to expel me from the lecture hall for allegedly breaching discipline. And one of the more important experiences was with Lecturer Matkevičienė. I think that if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have got my Master's degree. She demanded the maximum, she did not put up with failure and she did not tolerate any excuses. On the morning of the day when I had to hand in my Master's thesis, Matkevičienė sent me about 20 questions and comments requiring corrections. And instead of happily handing in my thesis, I sat down to revise and improve it.
How did the knowledge you gained at the Faculty of Communication at Vilnius University help you in your work?
Since I joined the Master's programme and it was a deliberate decision, I wanted more professional knowledge. I not only gained knowledge, but also useful friendships with the group and lecturers. I don't regret my decision at all and, if I looked back in time, I would have made the same move.
What does your working day look like? What are the most important skills in your job?
Since 2012, I am the head of the digital advertising and communication agency "Socialus marketingas" (eng. Social marketing). My working day is busy and dynamic and no two days are the same. Every day there is something going on, there is always something new. I agree with the idea that people in our field do not just create advertisements or think about communication actions, but solve problems. Therefore, my main responsibility is to solve our clients' problems and to make sure that they not only communicate well, but that their business succeeds in achieving its goals.
What kind of people would you recommend a public relations degree programme to?
I think it's suitable for both those who want knowledge and those who just want an interesting science. For example, I remember very well the lectures by Professor Nugaraitė when we were learning how to communicate with journalists. We were filmed and afterwards we analysed each other's mistakes. It was hard for me to believe that what I was doing as a self-taught journalist turned out to have been scientifically researched and analysed, and that there were even ways to trick such journalists. In short, I think it will be interesting to learn.