Lisa Valentine '14
Major: Marketing and Public Relations
Hometown: Plymouth, MI
Describe your current job role:
As a Communications Coordinator at the Country Music Association, I help to support the growth of the Country Music industry. I work with the media to provide coverage of our association's events and communicate news of the Country Music industry. I also assist in writing and editing CMA's magazine.
What professional experience(s) did you have prior to your current job role?
Prior to my current role, I had professional experience in both public relations and experiential marketing. I had five internships while in college at various organizations including non-profits as well as marketing agencies. After graduation I worked at several agencies doing public relations and experiential marketing. In these roles I planned and managed events and brand experiences around the country.
What do you know now that you wish you had known about being a working professional?
There is no "right" path in your career. Many of my friends took jobs after graduation and are still at those same companies, which worked out great for them, but I chose a different path that worked better with my goals. I worked as a contractor at several agencies, helping plan and execute key events for them for four to six months and would then move on to another contract. This may be a more nontraditional path, but it allowed me to gain experience at several big companies, working with highly influential brands. It provided me the opportunity to travel and have experiences outside of the office. Eventually through the connections and experience of these roles, this path led me to my dream job.
"There is no "right" path in your career."
How did PBA prepare you for the world of work?
While at PBA I was part of the campus' marketing and public relations organizations. These organizations, as well as the university’s initiatives, provided so many opportunities to network with leaders in the community and get valuable experience volunteering at business events in West Palm Beach. Studying abroad through PBA also taught me how to communicate and work with people from all walks of life, which has been very beneficial in my professional life.
What advice would you give to current PBA students and/or young alumni who are about to start their first professional full-time job?
Don't be afraid to dream big. There are so many opportunities in the world if you work hard and chase your passions in life.
Have you been mentored by anyone in your professional field since entering the workforce?
During my senior year of college, I met a professor at PBA who has been one of my biggest mentors. He has been a great resource for me to seek advice when applying for jobs right out of college and during my first few years in the workforce.
Spotlight posted in February 2018. For current updates from Lisa, visit her LinkedIn page.