Hometown: Starkville, MS

Current Position: Assistant Director of Development, Bagley College of Engineering – Mississippi State University

Degree: B.S. Sport Communication, 2009

What are the responsibilities of your current position?

I work with donors/alumni to help support the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University through private funding/gifts.

How did your education at MSU help prepare you for your field?

My time in the Sport Communication program showed me the importance of being able to raise money or sell for any organization. Without funding through gifts from our generous alumni and friends, the Bagley College of Engineering would not be held in such high regard, and my time spent in the Sport Communication program helped me recognize the importance of this. It also helped me step out of my comfort zone and get to know a variety of people from all different backgrounds which made me more confident in relationship building, which is key in my field. I am thankful for my experience and proud of my degree.

What advice would you give current students looking for internships or jobs in your field?

Work hard, Volunteer, Set Goals, Treat Others with Respect and Be Grateful.

Yes, “Work Hard” is a cliché, but if you aren’t willing to work hard, how can you expect things to happen, no matter the task? A paraphrase of Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do so whole heartedly” and regardless of your religious beliefs, I think this is something that can apply to everyone.

Volunteer meaning two things: First, if you aren’t willing to work without money, you might pass up good opportunities. My first year as a Sport Comm student I volunteered at MSU Athletic Media Relations during the day and nights and worked the early shift at the Sanderson Center to make money. It wasn’t easy, but eventually I was paid by the Athletic Department and even was afforded the opportunity to go to graduate school through that work. Second, volunteer in your community in an area you are passionate about. Whether it is Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics, Food Pantries, etc. volunteering is so important for your community involvement and if you start early it will carry on for a lifetime. Just think if every person donated a little bit of their time and money each month how much better off this world would be? The smallest effort makes an impact.

Set Goals for yourself in school, work and professional career. Goals give you something to strive for and keep complacency away. You can never outgrow goal setting.

Treat Others with Rrespect: Never ask someone to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself. That’s not to say you shouldn’t ask for help or delegate when it is needed, but the manner in which you make these requests can be the difference from success and failure.

Be Grateful: Show appreciation to all those that have helped you along the way and not just those that can help your future. Write thank you notes. It really does mean something.