Alex Witt
November 6, 2018
Alex Witt (2018).
Alex Witt is currently an associate director at Bully Pulpit Interactive, a modern communications agency based in Washington DC. Prior to joining BPI, Alex served as digital director for Ralph Northam’s Virginia gubernatorial campaign and as a senior social media strategist for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Alex is originally from Sullivan, MO. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, road trips, and gardening.
What year did you graduate and what was your concentration?
I graduated from Truman in May of 2013. My concentration was public communication, and I also earned a degree in political science.
What extra-/co-curricular activities did you do?
I was a member of Cardinal Key and College Democrats during my time at Truman.
Did you go to grad school? If so, where? Was it immediately after you left Truman or did you wait? Why?
I attended graduate school at the London School of Economics (LSE) immediately after I left Truman. I was interested in earning a PhD and becoming a professor, and I didn’t want to lose momentum by taking time off school.
Even though I decided not to go on to earn my doctorate degree, attending the LSE was an incredible experience that helped me land my first job post-graduation.
What was your first job after graduation?
My first job was at the Democratic National Committee as a digital content manager.
What work do you do/What are you doing now?
I’m currently an associate director at Bully Pulpit Interactive, a modern communications agency, where I lead a team of strategists in executing marketing and communications for non-profits, brands, and progressive political campaigns.
Alex and DC Bulldogs during Friends-giving (2016).
How has your Liberal Arts/COMM education helped you?
My Liberal Arts/COMM education helped me become a strong writer and problem solver—both of which are incredibly important in my industry!
Which class did you dislike at the time you took it, but now you’re grateful you took it?
Any type of methods class (COMM 350 and POL 300)! Although at the time I had difficulty understanding how those classes would be useful later on, I’m constantly grateful for the skills they equipped me with. Working in digital communications is a marriage of art and science—but understanding the science can set you apart as a strategist!
What was your greatest accomplishment at Truman?
My greatest accomplishments at Truman were the relationships I developed with my classmates, friends, and professors. I still treasure them today!
Alex (2nd from right) and friends at graduation (2013).
Why is Truman a good place for a student to study?
Truman is a good place for a student to study because of the quality of the professors. The professors I had at Truman knew me by name and were always available to help after class, write recommendation letters, or just spend half an hour discussing post-grad plans. That’s not something I think I would have enjoyed at a different school.
What would you say a COMM student should absolutely do while at Truman?
COMM students should all take a political communication course, like Communication and Democracy. Whether you consider yourself a political person or not, you are affected by politics every single day, and the more you understand our government and campaigns, the more you’ll be able to advocate for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
What advice would you give someone who wants to go into the same line of work as you?
Alex meeting then presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (2016).
I’d advise someone who wants to go into political communication to do three things. First, get some relevant work experience, whether that be in an internship at Kirksville City Hall, as a volunteer on a political campaign, or in Washington D.C. or Jefferson City. You’ll need experience on your resume to be considered for an entry-level position.
Second, develop a strong work ethic. Politics isn’t a 9-to-5 job. You have to be willing to show up early, stay at the office late, and work on weekends.
Third, be kind and stay humble. I worked on the Hillary Clinton campaign, and everyone canvassed and made phone calls—even senior staff and the campaign manager. Politics is an incredibly small industry, and people seek out those who they enjoy working with.
What do you miss most about campus/Kirksville?
The thing I miss most about campus and Kirksville is the people. I miss how easy it was to bike to a friend’s apartment to watch a TV show, meet on campus to take a walk on a nice evening, or go to the DuKum Inn and run into at least three friends. Enjoy this community while you can!
What tag line would you create for the COMM department at Truman?
“Engage with intention.”
Alex teaching then VP candidate Tim Kaine some digital communication (2016).
If you could come back to Truman and teach a class for a semester, what would be its title and what would it be about?
If I could go back to Truman and teach a class for a semester, that class would be called, “Digital Communication.” It would be about writing for the internet—fundraising and action email, web content, social media best practices, digital advertising—and would pull from other departments at Truman like computer science, math and psychology. Sounds like a perfect JINS course to me!
What did we not ask that you think is important for people to know?
The Truman alumni community, even those of us outside the Midwest, is incredibly close-knit. I’ve had some incredible experiences and conversations with people I’ve met since graduating, so please, don’t be afraid to reach out! Many Truman alumni are doing incredible things and are more than willing to help give a fellow Bulldog a leg up.
Alex (back, middle) with fellow DC Bulldogs and Truman Interns (2017).
If you would like to learn more of Alex’s story, you can follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.