Setting up Huskies for Success in Any Industry

Along the career path from journalism to digital marketing, a solid set of transferrable skills is an invaluable asset - ask Lauren Ackerman '21, who now helps fellow Huskies build a set of their own that can take them anywhere.

"You learn so much outside your classes that you don't realize how vital they are when you're in it," said Ackerman, who credits her time at Bloomsburg with providing a solid foundation for success as an internet marketing analyst at Web FX. She speaks highly of the supportive staff and the numerous involvement opportunities in the Department of Media and Journalism that helped her gain valuable career experience. 

"[There are] lots of clubs and organizations to get involved in. Advisors [are] very involved and they made an effort to get to know my interests and strengths." 

After graduation, Lauren was hired by WebFX, first as an internet marketing account manager before being promoted to specialist and later, analyst. Transitioning from a journalism major to digital marketing required a skillset she gained by being involved on campus. Ackerman emphasizes the importance of the transferable skills she acquired through those experiences. She stayed connected with her alma mater by actively seeking opportunities to engage with students and contribute to their transition into the professional realm and regularly shares her experiences at the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Conference, or CASSH Con, hosts students from the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at WebFX. 

"It was always helpful to hear firsthand from new alumni, so I wanted to pay that back," Ackerman explains. "The biggest thing students need to know is to go for something they want, even if they're not 100 percent qualified. Often, people have more transferrable skills than they realize."

Transferrable skills, such as communicating effectively and collaborating with others, hold value in any industry. Ackerman's journey showcases the importance of those skills when combined with a growth mindset, and her success in incorporating those skills fuels her dedication to giving back to Bloom. She believes that even participating in small activities, such as being a speaker at a panel, can profoundly impact students.

"It doesn't even feel like volunteer work," Ackerman explains. "It's gratifying [and] There's a lot of different volunteer opportunities [and] even participating in something small can make a difference for a student."

Want to make a difference in the lives of fellow Huskies? Let us know how you'd like to volunteer!