1. Tell me about your job or area of study. I work on the marketing team at SharpSpring, a global marketing automation software company based here in Gainesville. Most of our customers are digital marketing agencies, and my role on the team is heavy on the customer communication side of things. I work directly with a lot of agency execs on co-marketing initiatives, and I also help announce and explain our new features to customers. I’m always working on something new and interesting, which I love.
2. What’s an important skill for young professionals to master, and/or one that’s a common challenge? Adaptability. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career so far, it’s that things can change on a dime and you have to roll with the punches. There’s a learning curve to constantly evaluating and reevaluating your work priorities but being able to shift gears quickly is really important.
3. What’s one of the best pieces of career advice you’ve ever received? I once had a mentor express how important it is to learn how to say no gracefully. As young professionals, we’re often trying so hard to prove ourselves that we just say yes to everything. But saying no — or saying “not now” — can be important. I don’t mean flat out saying no to new projects or new opportunities, of course, but having that conversation with your boss or with your team is critical so you can balance your workload and manage expectations.
4. What are your career aspirations and goals? Right now, I’m like a sponge. I’m trying to absorb as much as I can from all of my various mentors and continue to grow my professional skillset. I’d love to advance into a higher leadership role one day, and I also hope to be a mentor to others.
5. What do you like most about living in Gainesville? I’m a diehard Gainesville fan. I love the sense of community we have here. There’s always something going on in town. It’s so easy to find like-minded people to hang out with and it’s just as easy to find people with differing points of view to have a fun, healthy debate with.