Career Coffee: Successfully Navigating the Current Job Market
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About this event
In today’s rapidly shifting employment landscape, public relations and communications professionals must be more strategic, adaptable and informed than ever. Whether you are actively searching for a new role, preparing for potential career transitions or hedging against career uncertainly, understanding how hiring decisions are made—and how to stand out—can make all the difference.
This Career Coffee panel brings together internal and external recruiters to share firsthand insights into what employers are looking for right now, how hiring processes are evolving and common mistakes that can hold candidates back.
Attendees will gain practical guidance to strengthen their résumés and LinkedIn profiles, navigate applicant tracking systems, interview with confidence and position themselves for both immediate opportunities and long-term career resilience. The session also will explore how to manage uncertainty, build professional visibility and stay competitive in a changing marketplace.
Whether you are launching a job search, considering your next move or simply want to be prepared for what’s ahead, this conversation will equip you with actionable tools and insider perspectives to help you take control of your career.
This is an in-person event. Space is limited—register now!
Moderator:
Emily Tackaberry, APR, Director, Global Corporate Communications at Boston Scientific
Emily Tackaberry is Director, Global Corporate Communications at Boston Scientific. She has more than 15 years of communications experience in the healthcare sector spanning executive communications, change management, crisis communications, public relations, employee engagement and business continuity. Emily is a Prosci-certified change practitioner and earned her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She graduated Suma Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Johnson & Wales University. Emily is President-Elect for Minnesota PRSA and a Director at Large for Girl Scouts River Valley.
Panelists:
Lee Burke, Assistant Director of Career and Employer Engagement, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota
Lee Burke is the Assistant Director of Career and Employer Engagement at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Lee specializes in helping students and alumni navigate evolving job markets across diverse industries. He previously spent nine years at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in academic and career advising roles. When not working with students, Lee is tending to his extensive collection of houseplants.
Vanessa Lee, Director of Talent at Curious Plot
Vanessa Lee is the Director of Talent of Curious Plot. Vanessa’s love of the visual and the literary arts brought her into the world of advertising, first as a Producer. She parlayed her interest in connecting the right person with the right opportunity into her work as a Recruiter. At Curious Plot, Vanessa also chairs the DEIB Committee and co-leads the Intern Program. She lives in South Minneapolis on her urban farm with her spouse, her daughter and their dog, cat and four chickens.
Stacey Stratton, President/CEO OR Client and Talent Exp Director at True Talent Group
Stacey is President and CEO of True Talent Group, a boutique staffing and recruiting agency that provides its clients with the best marketing and creative talent across the U.S.
True Talent Group was founded in 2008 with the objective to take a fresh approach on recruitment. True Talent Group partners with organizations of every size to meet their contract, contract-to-hire and full-time staffing needs. Clients include major corporations, advertising agencies, design firms and marketing groups. The agency’s talent pool consists of more than 12,000 talented professionals with expertise in all facets of marketing and communications.
Katy Thieman, Director - Marketing & Creative Practice at SkyWater Search Partners
Katy Thieman is a Director within SkyWater Search Partners’ Marketing and Creative practice, bringing nearly 20 years of experience across marketing, advertising and talent acquisition. Her background in marketing gives her a unique perspective as a recruiter and an expansive network of talent. Having worked alongside major retailers and leading advertising agencies, Katy brings a deep understanding of her clients’ business challenges and the kinds of leaders who can help solve them. At SkyWater, she is focused on expanding the Marketing practice by building search capabilities across creative, brand strategy and insights, connections strategy and public relations. Prior to joining SkyWater, Katy co-founded Shine Mpls, a boutique recruitment firm dedicated to the marketing and advertising industry.
Date & Time:
Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026
Networking: 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Location:
Curious Plot
800 N. Washington Ave. Suite 203
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Curious Plot is in the TractorWorks Building in the North Loop, with entrances located on Washington Ave and via skyway from the attached parking ramp off 10th St N. On-street metered parking is available surrounding the building, as well.
The office is Suite 203, located on the second floor of the building. If coming from ground level, you will need to take the elevator or stairs to the second floor. If coming from the parking ramp, you will be walking into the second floor.
Registration:
Members: $10
Non Members: $30
Students: Free [must register with a .edu email address]
Session and speaker details are subject to change.
Event Contact(s)
Jordan Titus
Registration Info
Registration is required before Monday, April 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Payment In Full In Advance Only
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