How did your education at Flagler College prepare you for your current career and professional journey?
My education at Flagler College prepared me for my career and professional journey in many ways. Since the class sizes are small, I could use the mentorship from professors to ask questions and gain valuable skills tailored to me. In any career, effective communication skills are crucial. Flagler College prepared me with effective public speaking courses and intensive group projects that reflect in my work today – from drafting reports, delivering presentations, or collaborating with a team.
Flagler offers opportunities for internships and real-world experiences that create a competitive edge when entering the job market. My time at Flagler also taught me how to manage my freedom with coursework, extracurricular activities, and internships. As a student, learning how to manage time and independence instilled discipline and steady habits of responsibility that translate well into professional settings.
What inspired you to move to the Greater New York area (New Jersey), and how did your journey lead you there?
While at Flagler, I gained a confidence that made me realize my potential. Like most students, this was the first time I was living away from home and pushed out of my comfort zone. This opened a door for me to embrace new opportunities personally and professionally.
I was inspired to move to the Greater New York area to enrich all aspects of life and take it up a notch from leaving home. New Jersey is such an underrated state. The proximity to New York offers so many professional opportunities that align with my marketing interests. Although I loved living in Florida, the job market for advertising and media was slim after graduating. Finding the opportunity and landing the role of Media Planning Specialist at Volvo Car USA is just the start of my career milestones.
What is your current role, and how has working for Volvo & NYC-based agencies contributed to your professional success?
My current role as a Media Planning Specialist at Volvo Car USA, working with New York City-based agencies, significantly shaped my professional growth. Volvo is a global brand that provides exposure to cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and innovation.
This helped me develop a deep understanding of global markets, project management, and long-term strategies. NYC-based agencies (particularly in advertising, marketing, and media industries) are fast-paced and creative environments. This also helped me foster skills in client relations, understanding creative direction, branding, and strategic communication. Exposure to various clients and industries helped me develop flexibility and adaptability, which is essential in today’s professional landscape.
What advice would you give to Flagler students who are considering starting their careers in the Greater New York area or NYC?
For Flagler College students considering starting their careers in the Greater New York area or New York City, here is some advice to help you navigate the transition and thrive in such a competitive and fast-paced environment:
- Adapt to the pace – NYC moves quickly, and opportunities can appear at any moment. Be prepared to adjust to a high-energy lifestyle, juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. It can be overwhelming and challenging, but prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain focus.
- Develop a diverse skill set – It is important to stand out with versatility. Many employers are looking for someone willing to learn and adapt a broad range of skills beyond your major. Make sure to keep your fun hobbies as this shows versatility in your personal life and brings new personality to the workplace.
- Internships are a stepping stone – My internship at Cause Inspired Media in St. Augustine helped me gain valuable Google Analytics experience crucial to landing my role as a media planner. Internships are key to a gateway of professional relationships and valuable experience that can help give insight to any industry.
- Stay persistent – The competition is fierce, and rejection is part of the process. Don’t get discouraged. If it’s meant to be, it will work in your favor. Keep refining your resume, learning from interviews, and continue making connections. Persistence and resilience are often the keys to success.
Can you describe a turning point in your career that was influenced by living and working in the Greater New York area?
Working in the Greater New York area comes with the realization that the opportunities are endless. New York is a fast-paced, innovative, and competitive environment. Some would think that is daunting, but I like to see it as an opportunity. Being a small fish in a big sea helps propel your growth exponentially. Working in an environment with high standards eventually leads you to learn and adapt.
How has living in New Jersey impacted your ability to build and leverage professional networks, especially with connections in NYC?
Living in New Jersey, which is so close to the city, has impacted my ability to build and leverage professional networks due to the cross-pollination of other professionals living and working in NJ and NYC. Networking events and meetings occur in both areas, which is great for expanding my network outside the office.
Working in the city with media agencies also allowed me to build connections with people on the agency side rather than the brand side at Volvo. I saw the difference between brand vs. agency work and created relationships nationally and globally to make working more efficient.
What are some unexpected challenges you faced when you first moved to the Greater New York area, and how did you overcome them?
Moving to the Greater New York area involved some unexpected challenges. One obstacle I faced was the high cost of living in the tri-state area. The cost of housing, groceries, and even dining out can be shockingly high. Budgeting carefully, learning how to manage living expenses, finding affordable groceries, and enjoying free or low-cost events in the city were essential to adapting to this lifestyle. New Yorkers are known for being direct, fast-paced, and bluntly honest. This was another challenge I faced when it came to building relationships, especially in the workplace. This was a stark difference to life in Florida, where people approach everything more leisurely. Eventually, I learned to appreciate the New York way of life as it’s a more efficient and effective way of getting things done.
How do you balance work and personal life while living in New Jersey and traveling to NYC for work?
Balancing work and personal life while living in New Jersey and commuting to work and the city can be challenging with the distance, time constraints, and fast-paced nature of both places. Most days, when I commute to the New Jersey office, I like to take the time to unwind and listen to music. I like to clearly differentiate my work hours from my personal time. Even working from home, I found it essential to designate boundaries around work calls and emails from my time to relax at home. Living in New Jersey has its perks since it is so close to the city life of New York, and it also offers the quieter environment of local shops, restaurants, hiking, and, of course, the Jersey Shore.
What are your favorite aspects of living in the Greater New York area, both professionally and personally?
Many aspects of living in the Greater New York area are professionally and personally rewarding. As New York City is a global hub for numerous industries, the New York/New Jersey area provides endless professional opportunities, networking, and career growth in nearly every field.
The city is home to top-tier companies that offer a chance to learn from the best and develop a robust skill set. I think the city offers a dynamic, diverse, and stimulating environment. From Broadway shows to world-class museums, NYC is the epicenter for culture. If you thrive in an environment that pushes you to grow, challenge yourself, and explore new possibilities, the Greater New York area could be an ideal place to live and work.