What experiences at Vanguard prepared you for your career?
I majored in Marketing at Vanguard University, which provided me with a solid foundation in understanding consumer behavior, market research, and strategic planning. One aspect I particularly valued was the real-world business experience of my professors, which understandably influenced how they conducted their classes. Experiencing different teaching styles prepared me to understand the various management styles I would soon encounter.
Beyond academics, my undergraduate experiences at Vanguard were instrumental in shaping who I am today. Deepening my relationship with the Lord and experiencing His grace, living with new people, collaborating with peers on projects, and learning from seasoned professors all contributed to my growth. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons in how to approach my work and my peers from a Christ-like perspective and how to better understand people— their personalities, motivations, and behaviors—skills that are necessary in the workplace. Learning how to navigate different personalities and encourage productive collaborations contributes to a healthy work environment, and I credit much of this understanding to my time at Vanguard.
Describe your professional development since you graduated from VU.
Since graduating from Vanguard (I cannot believe it’s already been 12 years!), I’ve been blessed to work for two software companies that have given me tremendous opportunities professionally. I’ve been able to attend numerous conferences, gain certifications in my field, travel the world to meet with customers and prospects, and be a representative of the company. I’m deeply grateful for my career experiences and the people I’ve met along the way.
Where are you working and what do you do there?
I work for Design Huddle, a graphic design and video creation software platform that helps businesses simplify content creation for their users across digital, print, and video mediums. As the product marketing lead, my primary responsibility involves deeply understanding our target markets, identifying their pain points, and crafting strategies to address these challenges effectively. This includes everything from market research and competitor analysis to developing messaging and go-to-market strategies.
What is the company culture of Design Huddle, and what does your experience/skillset bring to it?
Design Huddle places a high value on collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with companies that fostered collaborative environments, allowing me to work in and with different departments such as client success, sales, marketing, and product development. I’ve also worked closely with customers, partners, and prospects.
My work experience has honed my ability to listen, ask pertinent questions, and communicate effectively. I’ve also gained first-hand experience in how businesses function holistically and the importance of cohesive teamwork toward common goals. These skills have helped me establish a strong rapport with my colleagues at Design Huddle, enabling me to lead initiatives that go beyond my role and contribute to the company’s success.
Strive to embody the values of compassion, integrity, and service in your workplace, and be a reflection of Christ’s love in all you do.
I am grateful to work with such dedicated colleagues who prioritize collaboration and integrity. As a remote worker balancing responsibilities with two young children at home, I appreciate the tremendous support, understanding, and respect from my colleagues. We all value the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and this shared mindset fosters a positive and productive work environment.
What career advice would you give to current VU students or recent grads?
To current Vanguard University students, I suggest viewing your time there not only as an educational journey, but also as a spiritual and interpersonal growth opportunity. Use this time to deepen your relationship with Jesus, broaden your understanding of His people, and learn how to handle conflicts in a manner reflective of Christ’s teachings. These skills are invaluable in any workplace setting.
While it’s important to have a career direction post-graduation, remain open to God’s plans for your life and where He may lead you next. Networking and building relationships with professionals, whether in your anticipated industry or beyond, can bring to light unexpected opportunities that align with your passions and strengths.
From my personal experience, don’t shy away from taking on tasks that may seem like “grunt work” or starting from entry-level positions. Embracing these experiences can offer irreplaceable learning opportunities as you progress in your career, earning you credibility and trust among your peers as you move up the ladder.
Finally, seek out workplaces that prioritize personal and professional growth, uphold integrity, and value a healthy work-life balance. Strive to embody the values of compassion, integrity, and service in your workplace, and be a reflection of Christ’s love in all you do.
