by Dan Glennon
Photo Credit:Anasia Mickle
Meet Anasia Mickle! She is a junior (senior at the end of this semester) and a transfer student into the MCS department! After finding inspiration from a movie, Anasia knew that this was the right department for her!
So tell us about yourself! Where are you from? How would you describe yourself? What year are you? Interests? Hobbies? Do any of them directly connect to MCS?
My name is Anasia and I am a Maryland native! I love to sing, dance, and read. I am a transfer student who is going to graduate next year. If I could describe myself I'd probably just say I'm sincere. I believe in always being honest, and everything that I do comes from a good place.
Did you have a "lightbulb moment" when you realized MCS was for you?
I graduated from Howard Community College last December and I wasn't really sure what I wanted to major in when I looked at 4-year schools. I was looking online at the majors that UMBC offers and I noticed that UMBC was very humanities-based, and I did so well in my humanities classes at HCC that I just knew that this was a major to consider! I then looked around to see what I could do with an MCS degree and Marketing came up multiple times. I kept this in the back of my head and applied to UMBC. During this time I watched Emily In Paris where she has her Masters in Marketing and I just loved what she did. That was when I decided that MCS was the major that I wanted to pursue.
Is there a particular piece of media (a certain film, show, etc) that you look at differently after being in the MCS program? Are there any types of media you look at differently as a whole?
I think that I personally look at all media differently. When big corporations post, I am now thinking about what in that post made it reach me. Why is this TikTok doing so well? How could I get my TikTok to do well?
Do you know what job you'd like to start your career with? What aspirations do you have? Dream big and don't confine yourself to "where do you see yourself in five years?"
I currently work at Howard Community College as an Apprenticeship Advisor and Outreach Specialist so my career has technically started but, if I could pick a job that I would use my MCS degree for it would be being a Lead Social Media marketer for a small company that's social media is lacking.
How are you managing this semester so far?
I think that I am managing this semester pretty well! This is only my second full semester here (I took a couple of summer classes) and I think that I really have a groove now when it comes to my classes.
Do you have any advice for incoming MCS students?
My advice would be, that if you are considering, just go for it! This major can open so many doors for you because it is so versatile! People are always looking for people who can either market them or communicate well which is needed in many different professions.
If you had to convince someone to join the MCS department in three sentences or less, what would you say?
If I had to convince someone to join the MCS department I would say that if you're all about making videos and telling awesome stories, a media and communications major is your jam. It could lead to a job where you get paid for doing stuff you love.
Are you currently engaging with media beyond being a consumer while you are still in school?
While pursuing this major, I took it upon myself to use the skills that I've learned and I am now helping a company called WCAuto with their social media marketing.
Do you have an internship or have one lined up?
I am currently a social media marketing intern for a company called Super Purposes!
By: Amirah Adigun
Photo Credit: Edwin Royales
A Junior here at UMBC, with an expected graduation in Spring 2025, Rose Crame is an MCS Major with a Minor in Entrepreneurship. She is also a member of the Students Events Board (S.E.B) after recently joining in Spring 2023. The S.E.B is responsible for planning tons of on-campus activities for the purpose of creating a community for students to engage in social life with other students to meet new people and have fun. Rose describes being in the S.E.B as “...versatile job that allows me to not only get back into graphic design but really get in touch with the student body.” Rose has skills in graphic design and collaborates with the S.E.B design team on their Instagram page.
When asked how she got started in this skill for graphic design, she replied, her journey began when she was eleven years-old. Rose had just started attending a magnet high school and was a part of the exploratory program. There were two classes that stood out for her, Mass Communication and Visual Art, which inspired her to pursue an MCS Degree. After her first magnet program (specialized class in a certain field), she would go on to pursue another magnet program called Interactive Media Production, Rose says this program “...taught me so much regarding graphic design.”, a skill that she excels at today and uses it in many of her class projects as well as outside of school.
When asked if she was interested in pursuing a future career in graphic design she stated “I’m more interested in social media marketing.” She mentions how although she loves graphic design, she has other avenues in media communications that she would like to explore further. Rose mentions how she is very interested in improving her management skills. She really loves making marketing content and she loves reaching out to an audience and establishing a connection.
Being a junior at UMBC, she recalls her most insightful class in the MCS Department, one of the them being MCS 222 “Introduction to Media & Communication Studies” with Prof Devos. She describes this class as important because it gave her an insight to the history of media and how it relates to modern day which she found really sparked her brain. Rose quotes this class as a “strong foundation moving forward in my chosen career field.” She further explains how this class was integral to understanding the foundations of media and describes her teacher as a very relatable and knowledgeable professor which made the class enjoyable and very insightful for her.
When asked about what is her biggest motivation she mentions how her parents are her biggest inspiration. In her own words “They’re very hard working no nonsense type of people and I wish I had a fraction of that focus.” She also mentions another motivation for her is the feeling of regret. She describes her detest for that feeling because she does not want to look back on any part of her life and regret not taking an opportunity or chance at something she really wanted because it would mean she would not know the outcome of it. Rose takes every opportunity she can to try anything she wants because the only way to move forward is to try.
Outside of school some of her hobbies include reading, shopping, video editing, playing the Sims 4 and many other activities. Although she has not been able to get into any new books lately because of school and other important life activities, reading still remains a part of her that she will always be connected to. She also mentions how shopping is her “retail therapy" because she loves finding clothing items that add to her closet collection and these new unique pieces really make her day because it gives her a way to decompress with a lot of the school work she manages. She mentions she’s been listening to “Glue Song” by beabadoobee ft.Clario on repeat lately as it is a “ It’s such a sweet and raw song that just makes me happy”.
By: Sofia Brouse
Photo Credit: [Photo taken at UMBC Career Fair headshot booth, photographer unknown]
Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing MCS graduate Marisa Haas about what her life looks like after graduating college this past Spring. During this interview, Marisa discusses how completing her MCS degree at UMBC has helped her with her career after college along with where she sees herself in the future.
What is your name, major, and when did you graduate from UMBC? Do you have any interests or hobbies outside of work?
“My name is Marisa Haas, my major was in Media and Communication Studies and I graduated this past Spring of 2023. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, scrap booking, running, growing plants and spending time with my family.”
What are you doing now that you are out of school? How are you enjoying it?
“Now that I am out of school I work a full time job with an HVAC Company named Daikin Applied as a Sales Coordinator. I am enjoying it! I have learned a lot about the mechanical side of HVAC as well as how to assert myself in professional settings, how to network as well as how to be a great team player.”
What does your day typically look like now that you have graduated from UMBC?
“My day starts at 5 am when I wake up and get ready for my day. I stretch every morning, sometimes I boil some oatmeal before work and drink a coffee, other days I'll stop by a local coffee shop on my way in. I will leave my house by 6:40am and get to work by 7am. Once I get to work I assess the jobs and projects that need the most attention and focus on getting them worked through. I will leave work around 3:30 and head home to which I normally try to take my son to the park/ play ball with him and start to make dinner. Once I make dinner I sit down to eat with my family and we watch a movie or just hang out together.”
Now that you have had some experience with life outside of college, how did your time in the MCS department at UMBC prepare you for your career?
“I feel that my major best prepared me for opposing thoughts and personalities that are in this world. Media and Communications has helped me see the bigger and symbolic meaning that is in my industry now as well as the people's lives that I work with.”
Tell me about a lesson that you learned during your time at UMBC that proved to be helpful in your time as a graduate.
“One lesson I learned while at UMBC was to not judge anyone you see, people are complex beings and there is more to a person than how they come off. Plus, all people are weird and we are not the judge of that.”
Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years?
“In 5 years, I see myself taking every opportunity I get to grow either in my business or taking a new opportunity. I see myself satisfied with my growth and to keep reaching for the next endeavor.”
If you had to give one piece of advice to students who are about to graduate, what would it be?
“My piece of advice would be to keep your head up and to not give up on yourself. It can be tricky navigating life after graduation but keep your eyes open to opportunity even if it is not your ideal job, plan or goal, always remember you can build on skills and opportunities and to keep striving for the direction you want to head in.”
Rebecca Guy is an example of how the lessons from MCS have made her ready for anything that work life has thrown at her. Since her shift into media production, Rebecca realized that the lessons she learned about intent in media are applied and present across every major brand she has worked with. And thanks to the diverse skill set she learned through the MCS curriculum, Rebecca knows the production process from beginning as a thought to a finished product.
Q: The basics! Who are you? Where are you from? What interested you in media studies? What are you doing now?
A: I'm Rebecca, originally from LaPlata; a small-ish town in Southern Maryland. I chose MCS because it offered classes broad enough for me to experience the many sides of media related work but also offered specialized tracks once I decided which avenue to pursue. And when entering a field as broad as "media," it really helped me to know I was making the right decision for my future. Now, I'm a Producer making TV, radio, streaming, and social media ads at a post production house in Baltimore. Some of our bigger clients include Toyota, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Pandora Jewelry, just to name a few.
Q: Is there a particular teacher that left a lasting impact on you? What lesson left that impact?
A: I believe it was Professor Adelman who incorporated into every lesson that everything you see in media is done "on purpose and by design." If an actor is wearing a blue shirt, it wasn't because the wardrobe department found a sale on blue shirts. Every decision was made to convey a message and it's important to know what that message is. It's taught me to closer examine the media I consume and certain details of life as well. Even the most inconspicuous detail has a purpose and is worth it, or even necessary, to take the time to dissect. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention Dr. Loviglio's lesson "consider the source" which is a good lesson in general but especially so when consuming media.
Q: After you started your first job in your career path, how prepared did you feel after going through the MCS program?
A: The MCS program set me up for a lot of success in my career path. I was taught the analytical, the philosophical, the technical, the practical, and the theoretical aspects of media which afforded me a wealth of knowledge and experience, making me a well-rounded candidate for employment.
Q. Is there a particular movie, show, song, or game that you love that you look at differently after going through the MCS program?
A. Reality television will never be the same to me. After seeing what can be done through clever writing, producing, and editing, I learned it's easy to create something that feels raw and unscripted when in reality, everything was done "on purpose and by design." ;)
Q: Any advice you want to offer to MCS students? Any ideas for the teachers after being out of school for a few years?
A: Don't be afraid to ask for advice from someone in your desired position. I've learned that a lot of people in senior positions are more than happy to share tips and pass down their knowledge to recent graduates looking to get started in the field. Ask to shadow someone for a day, ask for tours, ask for anything you think might help you along your career. A lot of doors will open if you simply knock.
By: Sofia Brouse
Photo Credit: Sydney Ashton
Recently I had the honor of asking current UMBC student and MCS major Sydney Ashton some questions about her experiences in college so far, specifically as an Honors College student here at UMBC.
What is your name, your major, and when do you expect to graduate?
“My name is Sydney, I’m a MCS Major and a Sociology Minor from New York City. I’m in my senior year here at UMBC and will be graduating this Spring.”
After switching your major twice, why did you choose MCS as your major? Did anything stand out about MCS specifically?
“I chose MCS as a major because I found the curriculum really engaging and relevant considering we are living in the digital age. I also was really interested in media literacy, crisis communications, and public relations, so MCS seemed like the perfect major for me.”
How has your experience been in the Honors College as an MCS major?
“My experience in the Honors College has been great! It’s nice being a part of a smaller community within a larger one especially since I came from a really small high school. One thing I love most about the honors college and taking honors classes is that I’m surrounded by people with different ideas and different majors. A lot of the topics we discuss in honors seminars intersect social sciences with STEM.”
Do you have any advice for future MCS majors looking to be a part of the Honors program?
“Being in the honors college has allowed me to take interesting electives that I normally wouldn’t have taken, and I’ve enjoyed all of them! I encourage people entering the honors college to take classes outside of their comfort zone/ classes that cover topics that you have no prior knowledge in, you never know what you’ll gain from it. I got my Capstone topic idea from a conversation I had in my understanding HIV/AIDS honors seminar!”
How would you describe your experience at UMBC as both a transfer student and an out-of-state student?
“It was definitely difficult to adjust to moving to a new state, especially since I had moved from New York to Virginia and then to Maryland within one year. It took a while, but I found my group of people on campus and I love living in Maryland! Joining club volleyball and being in the honors college definitely helped make the transition smoother.”
Tell me a bit about what you do outside of coursework. How do you balance your hobbies as an Honors college student?
“I love to cook and bake during my free time. Volleyball is also another one of my hobbies and I’m in the club volleyball team here at UMBC. Some weekends I take the train back to New York to spend time with my family. Oh! I also work at my boyfriend’s family’s seasonal farmers market on weekends. It’s called Jenny’s Market and it’s in west Friendship Md.
I’m a firm believer in having a good (school) work-life balance, being in the honors college means you take additional courses outside of your major and many of those classes are writing, reading, and research intensive. I recommend taking classes that sound interesting to you or taking something you genuinely want to learn more about so the extra reading and writing doesn’t feel too overwhelming.”
What would you like to do after graduation with your MCS degree?
“Post-graduation I’d like to pursue a career in Public Relations.”
By: Stephanie Marceron
Meet Lindsey Gonzalez! She is a MCS senior graduating in the spring semester of 2024. I met up with Lindsey to ask her a few questions about what it is like to be an MCS senior and what her internship at the RAC has been like this semester? She also gave more insight on what she wants to do after she graduates as well as her capstone project. We finished off the interview with a piece of advice she would give to juniors who are about to start their senior year and wish to succeed with as little stress as possible!
What is your major and minor?
“I am majoring in Media and Communication Studies and Minoring in Psychology.”
What is the internship that you are doing on campus?
“My internship is at the UMBC Recreation and I help assist in marketing and promotion of all the UMBC Recreation programs and services such as the fitness and wellness, club sports, intramural sports, open recreation and physical education. I also collaborate with campus recreations professionals and student employees to assist in executing a marketing plan.”
What have you done so far in your internship?
“What I have done so far in my internship is interview students and record and post FitDawg of the week every week on instagram and instagram reels on the @umbcrec instagram account and also polls. I photographed and took videos for the PAC the RAC Event, the fitness and wellness classes such as Core Yoga with Erica, Zumba with Ashley B., and Cycling with Joella. The other things I have done so far in my internship is the Intramural sports such as the Outdoor Soccer (7v7) Playoffs on the 19th of October, Laps with Chip on October 4th, The Grad Student Fest on October 11th, and the tabling events at the commons terrace on September 13th.”
What have you learned from it?
“What I have learned so far from my internship is creating print publications such as posters, fliers, and social media posts and making content for the UMBC Recreation. Getting out of my comfort zone with talking to people for interviews for FitDawg of the week, attending events such as the PAC the RAC event and Outdoor Soccer talking with students and staff and taking photographs for future content, learning much more about editing instagram reels, video content, managing and updating photos and videos from the events throughout the year. I also learned how to edit videos and make unique social media posts which made me realize that I love editing videos, making social media posts, promoting and marketing as well during my time through this internship.”
How do you think it has helped you figure out what you want to do after graduation?
“I think this internship did actually help me figure out what I want to do after graduation because I really love making content for social media, make a marketing plan, a pre-event, and post-event plan for any future projects and attending special events.”
What career you wish to pursue and how will you utilize the skills you have learned from MCS in these future endeavors?
“The career I wish to pursue is a graphic designer or a events and social media coordinator. How I will utilize the skills I have learned from MCS for my future ventures is by being proficient on Adobe Photoshop, IIIustrator, InDesign, Adobe Express, and Canva. Communicate and collaborate effectively, sharing feedback, accepting constructive criticism, always managing your own time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines. Having strong copywriting and copy editing skills, oral and verbal communication skills, time management skills with the ability to multitask as well.”
What is your capstone project about?
“My Capstone is about the negative tourism of Chernobyl because I’m interested in how social media representation affects the rise of popularity of historical issues such as the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the possible dangers for the tourists through visiting the exclusion zone in Pripyat, Ukraine throughout the years.”
If you had a piece of advice for juniors as they move into their senior year, what would it be?
“My piece of advice for juniors as they move into their senior year is to stay connected and network with MCS professors, and students in your major because once you graduate you will never know if you are going to see any MCS alumni in the career you want to be in and may need a letter of recommendation as well from your MCS Professors. Another thing is to take internships in the specific career field you are interested in, make a portfolio based on past projects throughout your time at UMBC and have a professional resume and cover letter as well. Congrats for the upcoming seniors & your senior year is going to be fun but time is going to fly fast but enjoy every minute of it.”
By: Rae Daniel
I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing my co-worker and former UMBC MCS student Dakota Boodhoo. While attending UMBC, Dakota was able to get an internship at a BCPL library through MCS 404, and after graduation he continued in the library career path, where he eventually ended up back at UMBC, not as a student, But as an AOK Library worker! What goes around, comes around. He and I talked about His journey, and the integration of MCS in his daily work life.
Rae: How did you transition from a major in Media and Communication Studies to a career in a library? What inspired you to make that transition?
Dakota: I was uncertain about my career direction after completing my Media and Communication Studies degree. However, I landed an internship at BCPL Pikesville Branch library and found it to be a rewarding experience. With time, I gained more knowledge and eventually pursued a career in libraries. It wasn't an easy journey, but I take pride in taking an unusual career path.In fact the internship was the one I used for my MCS internship and I found out that I could use this degree in the field to become a digital media library specialist.
R: Was Media and Communications Studies your first choice of major?
D: Yes, I chose Media and Communication Studies as my major because I've always been fascinated by the power of media to shape our understanding of the world. I'm particularly interested in the role that media plays in shaping public opinion and influencing social change. I have been studying commuincations since I was in middle school my magnet program was Mass Communications. I have never left it and last May received my Master's in Organizational Communications.
R: In what ways do you see your media and communications background as an asset in your current role, and how have you leveraged those skills to enhance your work?
D: With a background in Media and Communication Studies, I excel at effective communication with others. My skills allow me to make a positive impact on society and convey my ideas clearly. I have to deal with students and community members from all backgrounds. In order to be successful you must communicate well.
R: What kind of jobs did you pursue after graduation, and how did you get started in your career?
D: Internships in libraries and job shadowing led me to my career. I enjoyed working with the people and the type of work they did. I spent many years in the library as a visitor and it was my happy place. Working their has been a blast. Also using my degree everyday has also been pretty great.
R: What do you think are some of the key skills and qualities needed to be successful in a library, and how do those compare to the skills and qualities needed in media and communications?
D: As someone with experience in media and communication, I believe that effective communication is a vital skill that can make a positive difference in both fields. The ability to articulate ideas clearly, engage with others, and convey information accurately are all transferable skills that are valuable in both environments. However, in a library setting, attention to detail, organization, and a passion for learning and research are also crucial qualities.Especially in academic libraries.
R: What do you enjoy most about working in a library, and what are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?
D: This job can be peaceful and fulfilling, but also comes with challenges like dealing with difficult patrons and staying up-to-date with new technologies. Working with the campus community you enjoy getting to know the students and seeing them grow and mature each semester. It's also kind of sad seeing them graduate but you are happy to see them go fulfill their dreams.
R: What is an underrated genre of books in your opinion?
D: Historical fiction is underrated. It's entertaining, educational, and can be just as gripping as any other genre. It's funny seeing the rise of shows like Bridergton or Queen Charlotte on Netflix they are helping bring attention to the genre.
R: What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of being a Media and Communication Studies student, and how have you navigated the field through your college career?
D: MCS was great it prepared me for the real world. Also they expected the best from us and I felt prepared to get my Maste's. Lots of papers and projects but I enjoyed them all. Professor Snyder was the best! I have heard many complain that they just felt like they were just a number at their university in MCS I felt they wanted us to succeed. MCS prepares you for any field it's the best.
R: How do you think libraries are evolving and changing in the digital age, and what do you see as the role of libraries in the future?
D: Even with the rise of technology, libraries still have an essential role in providing access to information and promoting literacy. In the future, libraries will adapt to meet the needs of a digital society while maintaining their commitment to equitable access. Libraries will be a hub for lifelong learning, fostering a love of reading, critical thinking skills, and supporting the community's educational and cultural needs. In the academic world libraries are a safe place where students can always come together and study. During the pandemic we missed seeing students together the library always provides a place to do it.
R: What advice do you have for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the library field, especially if they come from a different academic background?
D: If you're determined to pursue a career in the library field, especially if you come from a different academic background, it's crucial to start by researching the various roles and responsibilities within the field. Taking courses or workshops to gain knowledge and skills in areas such as information management, literacy and education, and community outreach is highly recommended. In addition, volunteering at a local library can provide invaluable experience and insight into the daily operations of a library. Moreover, networking with professionals in the field can help you gain a better understanding of the industry and potential career opportunities. Remember, libraries play an essential role in society, and your skills and passion can make a significant difference in promoting equitable access to information and literacy. Find out which type of library that interests you they have public, private and academic libraries. Find your specialization, there is someplace for everyone.
By: Sophia Blackwell
Photo Credit: Ashley Harper Cottrell
Meet Graham Whaples, a UMBC Alumni, ‘19, MCS & American Studies, as he talks about his fond memories at UMBC as an Athletics Broadcaster for the Retrievers and gives some advice for current MCS students.
His fondest memory as a Retrievers Athletics Broadcaster: “The relationships I was able to build with all of the coaches and Athletics Department staff, especially the student-led Broadcast Team. Not only have I continued to keep those relationships alive, but I've actually used those relationships in my current position. UMBC's Retriever Soccer Park has served as a host for professional soccer teams for practices that we've hosted over the years, and I've found myself working with the Athletics Department staff on planning, site visits, and other operations that go into logistics and planning.”
Graham is a Project Administrator at Maryland Stadium Authority, Marketing and Communications Group with Maryland Sports Commission. A typical day for him consists of the “regular administrative stuff: responding to emails, Zoom meetings and conference calls, etc.... However, our department is also outward facing, so that means I also get to attend conferences and tradeshows (in state and out of state), I do site and venue survey's and visits, attend sporting events and other events not related to sports, meet with potential partners in the Baltimore-Metro area and across the state.”
Graham gives advice for students at UMBC pursuing sports broadcasting: “Sports and sports broadcasting are very competitive industries but there are more jobs in sports than a lot of people might think. If you're in college, start with the university athletics department. It's a great way to get invaluable skills and experience. I've moved away from broadcasting just because it is such a grind and hard to juggle with having young kids, but I'm still able to work in the sports industry through sports tourism in my current position with the Maryland Stadium Authority/ Maryland Sports Commission.... so I'm lucky in that I've been able to find something that I truly enjoy doing.”
His future goals would be “playing some kind of role in getting the NFL Draft and MLB All Star Game to Baltimore. We work closely with Visit Baltimore, the Destination Marketing Organization for the city of Baltimore, and hosting the NFL Draft in Baltimore is definitely on their radar, as it is for us at the Maryland Sports Commission.”
By: Louna Temsah
Photo Credit: Chloe Love Obispo
Meet Chloe! A UMBC MCS and softball alumni. Chloe discusses new career opportunities and her current roles after graduation.
Could you tell us about yourself ?
I graduated from UMBC in 2022 with a B.A. in Media and Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology. During my time at UMBC, I interned as a Social Media Manager for the UMBC Division of Professional Studies and interned in Sports TV Broadcasting for UMBC Athletics.
Ever since I began my studies in Media and Communication Studies, I realized how much of a "big picture" thinker I am and how much I love when a brand has a strong foundation in who they are, what they provide, what they embody, and how they project that in their storytelling. After realizing this, I knew that I wanted to take my shot at a career that allowed me to work for big name brands.
After graduating UMBC, I began my entry-level career as a Marketing Coordinator at Live! Entertainment and Hospitality Districts at the Waterside District location in Norfolk, VA. More recently, I just finished a project with the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and landed a new position as Marketing and Communications Manager at DICK'S Sporting Goods - House of Sport.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day in my life as a coordinator was weekly meetings with the marketing team, which included conversations about upcoming events and concerts coming up and how we can creatively market and promote those events through our channels.
After meetings, we break up into who is working on what. When you work in the entertainment industry, there's a lot of things happening continuously, so it's extremely important to communicate duties, divide, and conquer!
After figuring out which projects are mine, I begin market research and industry trend research, brainstorming content ideas for social media, creating email marketing campaigns, brainstorming sales building offers, and outreach to local businesses.
Also, day-of events are super cool! We'd have a large-scale of about 2,000 people and some that are small with about 100 people. Working those events like concerts, food festivals, and more are extremely fun and rewarding to see all of your planning unfold!
What is it that you do now and what is your role?
I am finishing up my role as a Marketing Coordinator at Live! and am transitioning into my new role as Marketing and Communications Manager at DICK'S Sporting Goods - House of Sport where I will be in charge of all-things marketing and promotions for the brand and partnered events.
If you could go back to the time you came into UMBC as an MCS major, is there anything different you would do?
If I could go back to that time, I definitely would have started my MCS major a lot earlier. I was someone who was extremely indecisive and made decisions based on other peoples' vision for my career versus what I actually wanted for myself.
Starting MCS 2 years later ultimately set me back and I had to play catch-up for a little, but the grit and determination to be great in the field is what got me to where I am now.
How has MCS been of help towards your career?
Media and Communications has allowed me to become the professional I've always wanted to grow into. Before changing my career path to it, I was an extremely shy, reserved, and soft spoken individual with a lot on her mind with no way to express it. As I've said, I am a "big picture" thinker, so being able to switch to a more creative space as a career has allowed me to really grow into a strong writer, speaker, creative, innovative forward-thinker, and storyteller.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far definitely has been this past weekend- we had 2 sold out large events in one weekend and we couldn't be more proud of the work we put forth to drive so many sales and bring revenue to our District!
Not only that, but the opportunity to start a new position with a big brand that I truly love and grew up on is an exciting feeling for me. Also, being able to really network and build my portfolio/resume with incredible experiences has been great. I think that every little step is a new highlight and I just have continued successful visions for myself and the brands that I build and represent. I just can't wait to have more career highlights in the future!