What was your course of study at Flagler and how did it equip you to enter your current professional industry?
While my communications classes helped prepare me for the professional world, it was some of my other studies that proved helpful. While core fundamentals - which should never be underestimated - such as writing (journalistic and creative) were extremely helpful, I also took speech and theatre classes. These classes helped me with my overall presentation and improvisational skills, both of which have served me well in my career.
What was your first job after graduating from Flagler and how did you secure it?
My first job post-graduation was in the marketing department at a local accounting firm. This amounted to a lot of content development and internal communications (e.g., employee newsletter). I found the job through an ad in the newspaper. This was 1997 and the newspaper was quite the resource tool back then.
What role did this first job play in the course of your professional career?
While I didn’t love that first job, it was incredibly helpful in that it helped me recognize I wanted a faster-paced environment. After just three months in the role, I began looking at agency (vs. in-house) roles. I found my next job at a small boutique agency specializing in business-to-business (B2B) technology clients. This was in the mid-90s so fast-paced is exactly what I got.
Before graduating from Flagler, where could you see yourself living as a young professional and why?
I honestly had no idea where I’d end up, but I thought it would be in a major city closer to where I grew up in the metro D.C. area.
What were some of the factors that led you to move to Atlanta, professionally or otherwise?
I decided to move to Atlanta because I had a grandmother who lived there at the time. I could stay with her while I looked for a job and got my feet on the ground. I thought I’d stay in Atlanta for a year or two and then move to a larger market but Atlanta quickly became home and I’ve been here ever since.
How common/ represented is your industry of work in Atlanta?
Atlanta is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, as well as known for its entrepreneurial environment. Whether a multinational corporation or an emerging startup, companies of all sizes need good communications/marketing support. The city is also home to several large and boutique agencies, making it a great location for anyone in the public relations, communications, and marketing industries.
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to work?
Atlanta is a vibrant and energetic place to work that’s full of opportunities. Yes, there is traffic – and it can be bad – but it’s worth fighting traffic given the vibrant job market.
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to live?
Like any major city, Atlanta has its positives and its negatives. Fortunately, the positives tend to outweigh the negatives. There is continual growth across the city as more and more people move here. There is something new to explore almost every weekend and the city offers an endless supply of “hidden gems”, depending on your interests.
What are three things you love about living in Atlanta that you think would be hard to find somewhere else?
There are so many things I love about living in Atlanta but the three that came immediately to mind are greenspace, food, and the amazing weather:
- As a major city, Atlanta also has a large amount of green space and trees. Piedmont Park is a 200+ acre greenspace in the heart of Atlanta that has a ton of events each year. Plus, Atlanta is home to a ton of great hiking trails – both in the city and a short drive away if you prefer the mountains.
- The food is also amazing! From high-end restaurants to local dives, there are so many great places to eat throughout the city. Yes, we have traditional southern fare, but the amount of international cuisine options is unbelievable.
- Finally, the weather can’t be beaten. Yes, it’s hot. And humid. But there you can pretty much enjoy the outdoors year-round here. I love enjoying a meal on a patio or walking around the neighborhood on a nice crisp evening.