Name:                  Robin Hull
Hometown:        Gladwyne, PA
Company:           Energy Transfer
Position:              Senior Specialist, Public Affairs
Length of time you have been with you company:           4.5 years
Briefly describe your journey, noting both personal milestones and obstacles you may have faced along the way.After graduating from Penn State with a degree in Public Relations, my career began in Harrisburg, PA, close to where I grew up. I worked for a national franchise company called Soccer Shots, doing PR and communications for both the franchise company and occasionally the franchises themselves around the country. It was an amazing experience! I then began working for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission as Deputy Press Secretary. I not only learned valuable media relations skills here, but I also learned that I enjoyed the energy/utility space. I moved on to Tierney, a PR firm based in Philadelphia and with a Harrisburg office, before moving to Washington, D.C. with my now-husband, when he landed a role with the federal government. I decided to move back into energy and was lucky to be hired by FTI Consulting as part of their Energy & Natural Resources team, doing strategic communications for big-time energy clients. After a couple years, my husband’s career then brought us to the Philadelphia area, where I was fortunate to be hired at Energy Transfer as part of the public affairs team, where my days now consist of a blend of PR, government and regulatory affairs, and community affairs. I didn’t plan to change jobs so often by my mid-30s, but life kept happening and we moved several times! I truly think that the diversity of my career and experience has taught me so much and made me a better employee and leader today. 

​In the ever-evolving professional landscape, networking remains a cornerstone for career growth, opportunities and professional success. It's an art that, when mastered, can open doors to new possibilities and forge lasting relationships. 
 
1. Understand Your Networking Goals
Before diving into any networking opportunity, clarity is critical. Are you looking to find a mentor, new job opportunities or find potential new business? Setting clear goals will guide your efforts and help you target the right events and individuals.
 
2. Elevate Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a concise, compelling introduction that explains who you are, what you do and what you're looking for. Craft one that’s memorable and authentic. Practice it until it feels natural yet flexible enough to be tailored to different audiences. You only have one first impression, so make it count!

​Name:             Alex Jones
Hometown:    Broomall
Company:      Brinker Simpson & Company, LLC
Position:        Senior Manager
Length of time you have been with your company: 5.5 Years
 
Briefly describe your journey, noting both personal milestones and obstacles you may have faced along the way.
I started at Brinker Simpson & Company after feeling burnt out in public accounting and the industry. I wasn't studying for my CPA; I felt stagnant and uninspired. A friend reached out to apply for a position at Brinker Simpson and instantly knew I had found what I was looking for. The leadership group at Brinker Simpson & Company immediately let me grow and focus on my personal and business goals, which continue to this day.
 
Many obstacles along the way are personal, but when you can work through your obstacles with support, you come out stronger. We all faced the uncertainty of the pandemic, and with the solid backing from my company, we all came out stronger and have continued to grow significantly. Since joining the team, I've had four promotions and obtained my CPA License.