Jessica Wharton '14

Major: Public Relations
Hometown: Copley, Ohio

Describe your current job role:

I work for a government relations firm in Washington, DC which specializes in agriculture policy. I specifically work on the American Soybean Association account where I coordinate national agriculture policy initiatives with ASA’s state affiliates, building grassroots support and keeping affiliates policy-literate as they connect with their Congressional representatives and work to influence national policy as it relates to agriculture.

What professional experience(s) did you have prior to your current job role?

Prior to graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University, I interned with ESPN Cleveland where I gained a better understanding of the real-world applications of public relations through brand building and audience outreach. Additionally, I served as a National NCAA DII Student Athlete Advisory Representative where I helped provide a voice for student athletes across the country.

What do you know now that you wish you had known about being a working professional?

Success in the working world is defined much differently than success in the classroom and will look different for each person. For me, I’ve learned that success means seamless collaboration and ultimately, seeing the needle of opinion being changed on priority policy issues. 

"...find a job you love and be 'all in'."

How did PBA prepare you for the world of work?

PBA prepared me for the professional world through both its athletics program and its public relations coursework. Being on the PBA tennis team reinforced the importance of using individual success to build and better a team, and Dr. Jamison’s coursework challenged me to learn and adapt quickly to new materials, prioritize deliverables, and place value on professional networking throughout my time at PBA. 

What advice would you give to current PBA students and/or young alumni who are about to start their first professional full-time job?