A Reflection of Me

As this class and my time with Troy University come to a close, I think this is as good a time as any to reflect on my time within the program. 

It’s hard to believe that a whole year has passed since I began this program. It was never my intent to gain a Master’s degree. I never felt the need to gain a graduate degree. I had gotten so far with just my work experience and Georgia Southern bachelors. 

My career up until this point has taken a great path. I have worked for the US largest hookah manufacture and distributor. I made great connections, was able to dabble in the corporate marketing world, and I actually had my very own photography published in a national publication. I worked my dream job in a boutique marketing firm. That was the best/worst job I ever had. I was thrown into a world I was not prepared for but I swam like a champ. I become my boss’s right hand woman. I was given the freedom to make decision. I attended industry trade shows and rubbed elbows with the most amazing industry leaders. My boss was one tough bird but she knew and she would admit it. But her toughness helped me to grow thick skin. She taught me to work harder than anyone I ever met. She showed me how to use confidence to get what I want. She allowed me to be involved within all aspect of the marketing and business world. While she was tough, she always pushed me to make myself the best version of me I could be. I then moved on to TROY where I had the best year of my career. I met so many amazing people and received several awards and accolades. I was really able to forge my path within the community. And then I took a risk. I made a jump. A total leap of faith. While I am not a typical risk taker, it felt great and freeing to do something just for me. I must admit I’m not sure where my leap is going to take me – right now I feel like it’s taking me off a cliff – but I know that wherever I land I’m not going to regret my leap.

While I’m still not quite sure gaining a Masters is going to help me in any way other than giving me another piece of paper to find space for on my office wall, I’m glad that I joined the program. During my graduate program I spent a lot of time reflecting and writing on my career experiences. I realized how much each step in my career path helped me to grow as a professional and a person. 

I spent a lot of money to spend a year reflecting and focusing on my career path. My graduate courses helped me to realize that my true passion is marketing and branding. I love the idea of helping small to midsized businesses reach their dreams. I want to help develop marketing concepts, design looks, cohesive branding, and all the tools a business group would need to be successful in their endeavors. Most small businesses feel like they don’t need a brand concept or they feel as though they can’t afford good marketing. I want to change the mindset of the small business. I want them to receive the same treatment and respect within the marketing world as the larger corporations. Many small businesses actually need the help and support of an outside vendor because they carry small staff sizes and are usually utilizing their on-hand employees in other areas. 

I’ve always known that I felt a special place in my heart for small businesses. My mom owns a small business and I have always been a huge supporter of hers. And while I am not sure how I want to move forward with a graduate degree considering I have no clue what doors open for someone with a Masters other than government director positions and teaching at a college level I’m thankful that it reconnected me with a passion I swept under the rug. 

While I am not sure I will make a move anytime soon in my career – I’m glad to be refocused. Now what I decide to do with this new found focus falls on me.