BYU Communications Alum McKinnley Matson Shares How She Found Her Passion For a Career in Airline Communications
McKinnley Matson’s career in communications began with recognizing her own strengths and finding a career that suited those strengths.
“I have a natural talent for seeing others' perspectives, so I considered exploring psychology or law, but then my mom suggested I look into public relations and communications,” Matson said. “I was immediately drawn to the strategic nature of the industry and the flexibility and variety it would offer for the future family I wanted.”
That instinct for understanding people became the foundation of a career that has evolved across a variety of communications roles.
After graduating from BYU with a degree in public relations, Matson took a job as a corporate spokesperson authorized by Delta, United, American and Alaska Airlines to communicate emergency protocol. She then moved to an agency to build her resume, working for Fortune 500 companies in the tech field.
“I missed aviation, but I was glad I made the switch as it quickly became the most valuable experience for my career growth,” Matson said.
That decision opened the door to a decade of leadership and industry experience for Matson.
“I spent the next 10 years leading Utah's largest agencies and representing startup and global brands in consumer tech, fintech and big data before deciding to move back in-house,” Matson said. “I am now the director of corporate communications at Breeze Airways, and am thrilled to be putting my expertise to work in aviation again.”
While her career has been a major part of her life, Matson has remained intentional about building a life that reflects both her professional ambitions and personal priorities.
“As an ambitious, driven woman who also wanted to have a family, I appreciated having an education that encouraged and empowered me to pursue both,” Matson said. “Now, 13 years later, I am doing just that, and although striking the right balance is often challenging, few things make me prouder than showing my daughters that they can have both, too.”
She credits her time at Brigham Young University’s College of Fine Arts and Communications for giving her the foundation to navigate those decisions with confidence.
“My education in the College of Fine Arts and Communications at BYU not only taught me how to think creatively and strategically, but also how to forge my own path to create the life I want for myself,” Matson said. “The skills and experience I developed from that foundation have given me the freedom to confidently make career decisions that align with my personal values.”
She encourages young professionals to explore different avenues and embrace unexpected opportunities.
“Take time early on in your career to explore the endless variety of communications work available,” Matson said. “While you are at it, get agency experience early on. While it is not for everyone, it will give you invaluable experience by fast-tracking your exposure to the various scenarios that communicators have to navigate.”
Matson also emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable in a constantly evolving industry.
“Never stop learning,” Matson said. “Communications is an art, not a science, and the industry is changing every single day. Your ability to remain flexible, open-minded and creative will drive your success and set you apart.”
Looking ahead, Matson is eager to grow in her own career, and also to empower others in the communications field. She sees her work as part of a bigger mission to shape how messages influence and connect people in meaningful ways.
“Communications has the astonishing power to influence how people think, feel and act,” Matson said. “In a world increasingly divided through hate and fear, we need more qualified communicators who lead with empathy, kindness and compassion.”
