|
Member Spotlight - Jessica Sloan
My first job was working for a public relations agency. It was through my coworkers there that I was first introduced to IABC and I joined the organization in 2008. For the last two years, I have served on the Membership Committee. It was through an IABC event that I met the marketing director for Rogers Towers, P.A. and found out that there was an open position in the law firm’s marketing department. The role was a perfect fit, and I have now been the firm’s marketing coordinator for nearly two years. |
I grew up in Punta Gorda, Fla. and moved to Jacksonville after completing my undergraduate education at the University of Florida. I have bachelor’s degrees in public relations and political science.What influenced you to pursue a career as a professional communicator?
I have always been interested in media and the communications industry. I began taking a few public relations classes in college to find out if this was something I could see myself doing long-term. I was lucky enough to have a class led by Dr. Kathleen Kelly. She sold me on her passion for the field and her ability to illustrate the variety of opportunities available in marketing and communications.
Today, I am extremely passionate about my job because of the variety it offers. I manage Web site content, perform media relations, respond to RFPs, conduct business development research and help our attorneys develop personal marketing plans, among many other things. What other field allows you to wear so many different hats at once?
You’ve just started back to school for your MBA. How does that fit into your current schedule and your future goals?
In January, I embarked on a new phase of my career. I enrolled in UF’s Professional MBA Program. This is a two-year program designed for professionals who want to continue working full-time while earning their degree. I travel to Gainesville one weekend each month to attend classes.
The exciting thing about earning a degree in this manner is that I am able to immediately apply concepts that I learn in class to my job. My MBA will help to strengthen my understanding of accounting, finance, management and operations - many of these are scary words to a communications professional! I hope that bolstering my background in these areas will help propel my career to a more strategic-level position.
If you could suggest one thing to our chapter members, what would you tell them?
I would tell chapter members to eliminate excuses. When considering going back to school, I realized there is never going to be a great time to do it. Currently, you may be focused on your job, have family obligations or financial concerns. The reality is that one or all of these things will be a part of your life at any given point. Don’t let excuses prevent you from accomplishing your personal goals.
When you manage to find spare time, what’s your favorite thing to do?
I love to volunteer. My passion is helping people, and I am involved in a number of non-profit organizations including the United Way of Northeast Florida, Junior League of Jacksonville and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.