Q. Describe your background (where you grew up, college, etc.):
I grew up in Edmond, OK. I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing. I have over 12 years of experience in marketing and have worked in diverse industries; direct marketing/online advertising, law firm, commercial real estate, and now an engineering firm. In December, I will be graduating with a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications, with an Area of Emphasis in Public Relations Leadership from West Virginia University.
Q. What about marketing piqued your interest?
I love that marketing is varied and dynamic. There are many opportunities in marketing to find your niche. I’ve always been interested in the creative side of marketing, working as a team to determine strategies to promote a product/service, and learning about consumer behavior; what makes consumers buy certain products and how their emotions, attitudes and preferences affect buying behavior.
Q. What is your current job and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a Marketing Assistant for CEC, one of the largest engineering firms based in Oklahoma. I enjoy that no two days are the same. I get to work on a variety tasks with a great team and for an organization that gives back to the communities we work in.
Q. How long have you been a member of AMA and why did you join?
I’ve been a member for almost two years. I joined to keep up with industry trends and to connect with other marketing professionals in the community.
Q. Why do you feel it’s important to stay up to date with new practices and tactics in the marketing world and how does it relate to your job?
Marketing and communication channels are constantly changing and developing. If you’re not up to date on them, it’s fairly easy to fall behind. Even if the practices and tactics don’t directly apply to your industry, I think you’re better off learning them as it could affect your organization in some way at a later time.
Q. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever been given?
Never stop learning and if there’s something you don’t know, learn it. Doing that has helped me a lot throughout my career and added new skills that were beneficial not only to me but to my employers and coworkers.
Q. Do you have a favorite marketing publication, podcast, conference, etc. that you would recommend?
MarketingProfs. They offer several marketing resources on all topics of marketing, in the form of articles, newsletters (MarketingProfs Today), reports, and more. They also have a PRO Membership which gives you access to other trainings and courses.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I occasionally foster dogs with the Oklahoma Humane Society; running them to vet visits, adoption appointments, and more. I enjoy doing it and it gives my pup, Sassy, a buddy to play with until they find their forever home.