What was your course of study at Flagler and how did it equip you to enter your current professional industry?
Although I no longer work in the sports industry, the things I was taught while at Flagler have helped me get to where I am today. The Sport Management department did a great job preparing us for entering the workforce by offering activities such as mock interviews, resume and cover letter writing seminars, and volunteer opportunities in the industry.
What was your first job after graduating from Flagler and how did you secure it?
After graduating I landed a job at SportsMEDIA Technology in Jacksonville as an Events Project Manager. I knew someone who worked there and was able to secure an interview with the hiring manager through them. Networking is crucial in a lot of industries, especially when you're trying to work in sports!
What role did this first job play during your professional career?
This role gave me the opportunity to really find out what I wanted to do career-wise going forward. There were some things about the job that I really liked, such as learning new technology, which made me realize I wanted to make a career shift into data analytics.
Before graduating from Flagler, where could you see yourself living as a young professional and why?
I honestly wasn't too sure where I would be living after college. St. Augustine is such a beautiful city, that I considered staying there long term. And I did stay another two years after graduation! But most of my family lives in the northeast and I missed them quite a bit. Little did I know that, at the time, my professional journey would take me to Atlanta!
What were some of the factors that led you to move to Atlanta, professionally or otherwise?
A potential move to Atlanta was on my radar because my fiancé, Danielle (who I met at Flagler!) had a remote job in Atlanta and I was undergoing a career shift into data analytics. I read that the city was one of the best cities in the country for that field, so I shifted my job search to the area. Shortly after that, I accepted a job here and we made the move!
How common/ represented is your industry of work in Atlanta?
Atlanta is one of the best cities in the country for data analytics, which is a big reason we moved here. Companies are opening offices here constantly and the job market for my field is great.
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to work?
Atlanta is a great place to work. I've met so many amazing people in my industry and everyone is so intelligent and fun to work with. The work culture here is exceptional.
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to live?
As a place to live, Atlanta meets and exceeds expectations. I moved here without ever visiting and I was extremely impressed with the city as a whole. There's so much to do here, whether it's taking a scooter on the beltline, going to Hawks/Falcons games, or just taking a nice walk through Piedmont Park. I love Atlanta and am so happy my career took me here.
What are three things you love about living in Atlanta that you think would be hard to find somewhere else?
- The music scene (529, Tabernacle, Masquerade, and many more venues.
- The food (South City Kitchen, Fat Matt's Rib Shack, Mary Mac's, Eats are a few of my favorites)
- The beauty of the city (seriously I've never seen a city that has so green space!)