Degree/Year: Interdisciplinary Humanities with concentrations in Communications, Women’s Studies, and English, 2011
Company: McCann Erickson
Position: Social Talent Partnerships Manager
City/State: New York, New York

As a Social Talent Partnership Manager, I lead social influencer programs and serve as a talent liaison to the fast-growing world of digital media. It is my job to find the best digital talent (YouTube stars and Instagram influencers) for our clients. I work with some of the world’s top brands from L’Oreal to Microsoft, leveraging relationships with digital influencers to build awareness and drive social action. 

I got in touch with MSU Alumni in New York City and through this network found a job in social media marketing.

Once I graduated, I was working in communications in Lansing, but knew
New York City was calling my name. I got in touch with MSU Alumni in New York City and through this network found a job in social media marketing. The combination of my college studies in communications and, as a millennial, my inherent knowledge of social media helped me succeed in the digital marketing space. I began working with bloggers and influential thought leaders on social media platforms for clients like Skype, Dannon and GoPro. The need for my expertise has grown exponentially within the past few years and I recently was able to land my current role at the world-renown advertising agency, McCann Erickson.

The first bit of advice I give anyone is to tap into your alumni network. Find a mentor, whether it’s an alum or a professor. It’s important to establish relationships and fellow Spartans are always willing to help one another. Second of all, do not be discouraged to work in a job you don’t like very much once you graduate. Everyone has to start somewhere. You may not land your dream job right out of college, but the most important thing at this point in your career is to gain experience, learn, and work VERY hard.