Why did you choose Roberts? What were your majors/concentrations? And why did you choose it/them?
Communication was something I always knew I wanted to major in. I’ve always found the
flexibility of the major appealing and the major as a whole would be useful in any area of life. I chose Roberts after I met communications’ students and was introduced to the professors of the department. I felt engaged in a community I wasn’t exactly a part of yet. I specifically remember having a conversation in the fireside room of the library in which I knew, this would be it. As for my concentrations, I was a little lost at first. I ended up “creating my own” if you will. I enjoyed marketing, but I also fell in love with the art department. That’s what I loved about Roberts. I wasn’t forced to focus on just one thing, I was encouraged and was able to receive help in my interests/what worked best for me.
What did you see yourself doing as a career when you were in school? Were you open to different paths or pretty set on a specific career or goal? When did you decide on your career path? And how?
I had no idea. I thought at one point I’d go for pre-law and business for my minors. If you told me a few years ago, or even a year ago, that I would be a junior Account Manager for a marketing/web development company, I would have no idea what you are talking about. I remember freshman year, I was taking an introduction to business. Our major paper/project was to pick a job to research and report on. Since I had no clue what I wanted to do, I was pulled into the professors’ office to play a card game to see my skills. Turns out I’m versatile, which gave me a plethora of options to explore at Roberts. It wasn’t until Dr. Mrs. internship class that everything wrapped up for me to know that I have the tools/knowledge for me to succeed anywhere. I know many communication alumni say “I had no idea where’d I’d end up,” but it’s true. Sometimes you just got to trust the process.
Do you feel like you have an overarching calling in life? And how does that relate to your career dreams/hopes?
I’ve always felt called to help others and in some ways, that’s what I get to do every day. Whether it’s assisting a client, giving back to the community of Rochester (in and out of work), or working with a co-worker. I know it’s cheesy, but I get to do something I love to do for work. I’m thankful that my dreams of the “perfect job” that I wished for post college came together without me putting it together.
Are you currently doing what you thought you would be doing? If not, how does it differ?
One of the scariest things about graduating college is figuring out what’s next. Whether it’s
graduate school, a break, or work, it’s nerve-racking. I started at Site Hub as a Marketing Intern,
learning how to use the tactics that were discussed in the classroom and applying them in real
life. I was offered to stay at Site Hub where I was given the opportunity to be Account Support,
learning the robes of everyone’s job to a certain capacity. Now, I am a jr. Account Manager just
a year later. Looking back on this experience, it sounds crazy. I never thought this is where I
would be, but I learned to not try to be in control of everything and sometimes things happen for a reason.
How has it been adjusting to post-college life? What has been the biggest
adjustment/change?
One of the benefits of being in college when the pandemic hit was adjusting to the “online world” and more specifically realizing my work habits from the comfort of anywhere. Studying at Roberts both pre and post-Covid gave me the experience and knowledge to know that community is always with you, no matter where you are. I learned I am capable of working on or off-site, which has allowed me to adjust to remote work. The hardest part of post-college life is giving yourself time to breathe. My advice to those who are nervous about what will happen, trust the process and enjoy the ride. You have your whole life to enjoy post-college, appreciate your time at Roberts while you can. Go to all the events you can…and network!
How were you prepared for work-life or grad school? How were you not?
Something I loved about Communication Department is it’s not a department that you can just
“coast” through (not that other departments do). C’s may get degrees, but trust me when I say
you’re going to work for that “C.” Writing, studying, and participating in class has taught me to
always be prepared, to always ask questions, and to be present. I don’t want to say work feels
easier because of this, I feel prepared to take on anything because of my education.
Favorite memories/ favorite things about your college experience? The biggest struggle in college? Biggest struggle post-college?
Being a part of SALT, hosting SNL, attending and assisting homecoming, comm club, Social
Life, and all the coffee crawls. I spent the majority of my time at Roberts, it was my four-year
home. I am thankful for all the faculty/staff who were a part of my journey and proud to be an alum!
Any advice for current students who have multiple interests or are exploring career options?
Try anything and everything. If you can, try it in college. Take a class. It never hurts to explore any interests you have. Worst comes to worst, you don’t like it and now you know. Reach out to people who are in roles you’re interested in. Reach out to a professor. Scroll through LinkedIn to see what’s out there. Go to career services. Look on Handshake! Don’t knock out anything until you try it.
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