Andrea, a 2011 Bethany graduate, works at Lemieux Wealth Strategies in Brainerd, MN as Client Service Representative.
WHAT YOU DO • • • I am in charge of the marketing communications for LWS: social media account management, event planning, Public Relations, Advertising, Designing comm. materials, all client correspondence, website maintenance and managing company image in the community. I also have the opportunity to supervise the company’s HR efforts by creating needed internal communication documents and processes. Additionally, I complete some operational work for the Wealth Advisor. It’s a busy job and I get to wear a multitude of hats, but I get the flexibility to manage myself and my schedule; pursuing the projects I am passionate about. Furthermore, I am studying to obtain my Series 7 for financial planning.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU • • • I love seeing how effective communication can take a good product or service with little recognition and turn it into a viable resource for many people who otherwise would not have known about it. I also have a passion for learning. With this line of work, you never live the same day twice which opens you up to a plethora of opportunities to learn new things.
HOW YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE • • • My goal in life and in my career is to pass on my thirst for knowledge. I want to make a difference for people and continue to work towards ethical and effective brand communication; one company or student at a time. Eventually, I would like to teach my trade to others pursuing a communication or public relations degree.
HOW BETHANY HAS PREPARED YOU • • • The Speech Team was probably the largest influence in my preparation for this field. Throughout grad school, I was often recognized and rewarded for my ability to speak effectively and communicate a concept coherently on the spot. This skill came from years of practice and a speech coach who taught me not to say the word “like” or not to “bounce around” when I get excited. Bethany’s small school size allowed me to pursue many different interests and excel in them, which gave me the confidence to pursue the things I have been interested in the years after I graduated.
WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST • • • I remember the professors. The teachers I had, especially those from my field of study each gave me pieces of information that I took with me to grad school and have applied in my career now. While specific lesson plans may have faded in my memory, the lessons I gained form their character and about the importance of pursuing things you are passionate about have remained with me.
ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS • • • Throughout my studies both at Bethany and DePaul, internships, and in dealing with the top CEO’s of PR companies based in New York and Chicago there is one piece of advice that has been repeated: “Participate in as many experiences as you possibly can.” I have learned that in today’s job market, there are a million qualified job candidates for the position you want; but what gives you the upper hand is the EXTRAs you participate in. You should always be searching for ways to differentiate yourself. That means take the internship, sign up for the Speech and Debate Team, participate in Theater, volunteer, get published in the paper for a project you do, or study abroad. The more you do, the more you can bring to the table when you apply for your dream position. Sometimes the most unlikely experiences will make you the person a company is searching for.