Staff Spotlight: Cullen Trobec
Cullen Trobec, who recently joined Rapp Strategies as an Assistant Account Executive, brings writing, editing, research, and digital marketing experience to our team. A 2020 graduate of Minnesota’s Saint John’s University with a degree in political science, he looks forward to helping our clients accomplish their goals.
“I’m thrilled to be working and learning with such an experienced team,” Cullen says. “Landing at Rapp Strategies feels almost too good to be true, especially in such a tough year. I’m really looking forward to diving into the world of public affairs in Minnesota.”
Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Cullen worked as a copywriter and brand consultant at MultiMark Plus, a specialty materials and graphics provider in Hugo, Minn. There, he honed his eye for effective branding and authored original web and marketing copy.
In college, Cullen served as a reporter and managing editor at The Record, where his writing and editorial direction were recognized among the best of weekly college newspapers in the Midwest by the Associated Collegiate Press. His time as a reporter and editor made him a strong believer in the power of clear and cohesive writing and spurred his desire to enter a career in strategic communications.
From 2018 to summer 2020, he served as a museum studies and programming intern at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML). In 2019, he was a communications associate for the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Jubilee USA Network.
During his time at HMML, Cullen showcased the museum’s extensive art and manuscript collections by overseeing the creation of multimedia content and in-person showcases for researchers and community members. At Jubilee, he helped craft social media and press materials to further the organization’s goal of securing international debt relief for developing countries.
What motivated you to pursue a career in strategic communications?
In school I realized that combining my love of politics with my writing and editing skills was the natural thing to do, which led me to focus on public affairs. It’s a field that wonderfully blends the responsibility of being an informed citizen, with building productive personal and professional relationships.
What is your favorite professional experience?
My experience at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) was nothing short of fantastic. It introduced me to the importance of cultural preservation and provided me with opportunities to meet and converse with scholars from around the world. The variety of work also really fleshed out my skillset by requiring an equal mix of technical work, writing, and public speaking. While I don’t intend to ever pursue a career in museum studies, HMML ultimately helped me become a well-rounded professional.
What is one habit that makes you more successful?
I’m a compulsive inbox checker. My aversion to clutter makes being organized a necessity.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I waffled between archaeologist, movie director, and football player.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Surviving 2020…so far.
What is one thing about you few people know?
I’ve never lost a game of Trivial Pursuit.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.
What is one piece of wisdom you would give your younger self?
Read as much as possible. Maybe invest in Tesla while you’re at it.
When you’re not working, what can you be found doing?
Reading, journaling, and visiting friends whenever I can. The pandemic has also caused me to get more into fishing, even though I’m not very good at it. Getting outside and away from a screen has helped preserve my sanity over the last nine months.
What is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Ireland’s West Coast. I was blessed to study in Galway for a semester in 2018, and while I enjoyed visiting other places in Europe, nothing could compete with the people, scenery and history of that region. I’m very much looking forward to going back.