Ambition is something that has always driven me, even from my earliest memory. As I scoured the crayon box for each color of Toucan Sam’s beak, I overhead my PreK teacher give a five-minute warning that the coloring contest was coming to an end. By that time, I had come to realize I was the last one working on my coloring page and all of my other classmates had been done for over an hour. Nothing seemed to break my focus once my mind was set on mimicking the famous Kellogg’s Froot Loops mascot because I was dedicated to finishing in time and without comprising any details. Although my classmate’s efforts didn’t match my own it didn’t sway my choice to go above and beyond my teacher’s expectations. Winning this contest at such a young age was a pivotal moment that I can first recall my hunger and determination to succeed.
From College to Career
As an alumnus of Rowan University, I had the privilege of attending an institution that equipped me with the right skills, knowledge and opportunities to set big goals. During my undergrad at RU, I was highly involved in clubs, volunteering on and off campus and networking with my peers every chance I could get. I made the most of my education by interning throughout semesters in an effort to gain experience. Whether I was planning events, launching marketing campaigns or shooting a photo assignment each opportunity challenged me to grow, overcome obstacles and develop new skills. Since graduation I have gained over five years of experience working as a digital marketing professional. I have managed campaigns on a variety of online platforms and have a proven track record of success working collaboratively with clients, organizations and administration to ensure visions and goals were achieved. In conjunction with my marketing experience, I have also served as an event coordinator for nonprofit organizations, planning and orchestrating a variety of fundraisers, benefits and special events.
For me, the path to becoming a writer started during my undergrad at Rowan. I didn’t imagine myself a writer until I created a project for my New Media Practicum class called Start Hear Volunteer. SHV was a website where volunteers and future volunteers could share their story, read other stories and get information about upcoming events and local opportunities. Through a combination of website marketing, blogging and social media strategies, the project blossomed into a digital community filled with students and Gloucester County residents. During this project I learned the power of narrative writing and how I tend to gravitate towards entertaining the reader by telling a compelling a story. I enjoyed using descriptive language and imagery because I wanted readers to imagine characters, scenes, and settings in order to become part of the story’s world and to connect to its plot. Apart from gaining narrative writing skills, SHV introduced me to the brand building process and I grew a passion for digital storytelling, which allowed me to design a total experience and create something that people can relate to, enjoy, believe in and love.
When Opportunity Comes Knocking
Apart from picking up freelance photography jobs and project-based design work, my writing career took a different path when I accepted a digital marketing job at a personal injury law firm. At the firm I was responsible for composing press releases, website copy, social media content, and other marketing materials in a persuasive voice. Throughout my work I learned to be clean and concise but also forceful and dramatic with the goal of conveying an opinion that would persuade viewers to convert. In addition to this writing style, I gained valuable skills in search engine optimization, google analytics, and social media advertising. Although this experience exposed me to the private sector, after two years I knew my passion wasn’t in the law industry so I decided to pursue a new opportunity at Rowan University.
Accepting the position of Technology & Media Coordinator at the Learning Resource Center-South was the best decision I could have made. The LRC-South, a resource library and production center housed within Rowan’s College of Education, is a grant funded project and partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education. The center offers materials and resources that support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. Since my hire date, I have had numerous opportunities to grow and be challenged. Not only is my creativity encouraged but it is also supported by my team and that has fueled my desire to want to learn more. During this past year I have completely transformed the LRC-South’s branding. I have established a cohesive brand voice, built a website and social accounts, generated a following of engaged educators, and created a new logo and other marketing initiatives. My skills and expertise have not gone unnoticed and because of my quality of work I received a promotion and freelance projects for Rowan CED departments and the NJDOE.
What’s Ahead for 2021
My education and diverse background, along with my creative abilities, have helped me excel in multiple departments and roles throughout my career. Now I am thrilled to embark on a new journey toward achieving my masters in the Strategic Communication program at Rowan University. I look forward to studying the latest communications trends, practices and digital tools that will help me stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced field of Public Relations. My expectation for this program is to develop a strong foundation in strategic planning, writing, research and data analysis. Most importantly I am excited to implement new strategies and tactics in my current role as a Digital Marketing & Media Events Specialist at the LRC-South. In addition to exploring new curriculum, I am eager to network and collaborate with my fellow classmates. Personal improvement is an ongoing process in my life. Therefore, being open to new opportunities for continuous development can only help boost my career. As an ambitious woman, I can’t afford to neglect my personal and professional development.
Content Creator + Digital Strategist + Photography Enthusiast
Emily Senski-Taylor 