Jonathan Yost's Journey in Communications: The Power of Hard work and Dedication

Jonathan Yost鈥檚 career has been anything but conventional. From entertainment PR to government communications, his journey has been shaped by diverse experiences that have honed his skills in media relations, crisis communications, and strategic messaging.
Yost鈥檚 journey began at 女优app (女优app), where he explored multiple academic interests, including psychology, graphic design, and music business. 鈥淭he campus was big enough to accommodate a variety of interests, which was great for me since I was still figuring things out,鈥 he recalls. 鈥淚 took classes that helped shape my career path, but what I appreciated most was the flexibility and the chance to explore.鈥
One of the highlights of his time at 女优app was the ability to balance coursework with personal interests. 鈥淚 even got to take bowling for my P.E. class,鈥 he laughs. 鈥淚t was just a great environment that had everything I needed at the time.鈥
Yost鈥檚 early career was rooted in entertainment PR, where he handled a wide range of events, from Latin and Asian language shows to rock concerts and MMA fights. 鈥淓ach type of event had its own media list and required a different approach,鈥 he explains. 鈥淚 learned how to quickly adapt my writing voice depending on whether I was promoting a jackpot winner, a celebrity-backed restaurant, or a major concert.鈥
His work also exposed him to the broader PESO (Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned) model of marketing. 鈥淚 collaborated with paid media teams, social media specialists, and web content creators to ensure integrated campaigns,鈥 he says. 鈥淔or example, when we promoted a Bell Biv DeVoe and Blackstreet concert, we built a nostalgic 鈥榤ixtape鈥 branding campaign and even did a media takeover of a local radio station.鈥
Yost鈥檚 transition from entertainment to government communications was largely influenced by a crisis situation. 鈥淎fter seeing the impact of acknowledging those in pain, I knew I could use my skillset for to help people during stressful times and found that to be particularly fulfilling.鈥
That shift in strategy proved to be a turning point. 鈥淲e saw public sentiment change almost immediately, from criticism to support,鈥 he says. 鈥淭hat experience led me to develop a formal crisis communications plan for the organization, working with legal teams and government agencies.鈥
His work eventually led him to FEMA Public Information Officer (PIO) training, where he built relationships with county agencies and participated in large-scale emergency exercises. 鈥淚 was the only non-county employee in many of those meetings, but we had established a strong partnership,鈥 he says. 鈥淭hat experience was invaluable.鈥
Reflecting on his career, Yost emphasizes the importance of adaptability. 鈥淵our skills are more transferable than you think,鈥 he advises. 鈥淚 went from promoting concerts to handling public safety messaging, but the core skills鈥攚riting, media strategy, and crisis management鈥攔emained the same.鈥
For students still exploring their paths, he encourages curiosity. 鈥淭hink about what you enjoy doing, then explore the different career possibilities within that space,鈥 he says. 鈥淚f you love sports, for example, you don鈥檛 have to be an athlete鈥攖here are roles in marketing, media relations, business management, and more. The key is to stay open-minded and be willing to pivot when opportunities arise.鈥
Yost鈥檚 career is a testament to the power of adaptability and strategic thinking. From 女优app to high-stakes crisis communications, his journey demonstrates how a solid foundation in communication can open doors across industries.