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| Libby Massey |
BIOGRAPHY:
Libby Massey is a senior in majoring in Marketing with a Spanish minor. She is originally from Albany, GA and is graduating in August 2013. In 2010, Libby co-founded Adjective Boutique here in Auburn with her sister, Robin. As a co-founder, Libby has been able to develop not only her marketing skills but her entrepreneurial, personal relationship, and financial skills as well through working as a store manager and inventory buyer at apparel marts all over the country.
As a full time student at Auburn, you definitely have enough on your plate already between classes, involvement, and studying. What made you decide to jump into business ownership now?
My sister worked in retail for a number of years and had always talked about opening up her own boutique. On my end, I have always been interested in fashion and am not only interested in marketing, but the entrepreneurial side of business too. I have definitely always had a creative side and love the idea of starting something that is my own. When she approached me with the idea the timing just seemed right, what better way to develop my skills that I am being taught about in class then to actually use them? And by opening my own business I feel like I have learned more than I could ever learn just sitting inside a classroom.
What Marketing classes are you currently taking? Which Marketing class has been your favorite?
This semester I am taking Personal Selling, Retail Management, and International Marketing. Actually, my favorite marketing class was Marketing on the Internet! Learning about social media as an advertising tool and all the different ways marketers can utilize the Internet as a valuable tool really helped me when starting Adjective Boutique. A lot of my initial duties involved public relations and getting the word out there since we were brand new; so the material we covered in Dr. Astrid Keel’s class was relatable!
What advice can you give current students on getting involved in extracurricular activities on campus?
Currently I am a Verizon Wireless Brand Ambassador. Basically that means I get to partner with the Beat Bama Food Drive, the athletic department, and the heads of the Verizon Wireless Southeastern division to promote Verizon on campus. All I did was email a network connection that previously held the position and secured an interview. Don’t be embarrassed about asking people for help. Most of the time they are all too happy to do it! And don’t feel intimidated about interviewing or trying out for things, there’s always the chance you won’t get it but there’s always the chance you will too. TRL [tiger recruiting link] is also a really important tool. There are always job opportunities on there that you wouldn’t have found out about otherwise. Also I know this isn’t really an extracurricular activity, but I would encourage everyone to take a study abroad trip! Even if you aren’t learning a language, the trips are once in a lifetime experiences and everyone needs to go!
Could you tell what would you like to see change about the Marketing department or curriculum within the college?
I think that the College of Business needs to offer more classes to those of us interested in advertising or promotional activities. Public Relations and Marketing have a lot of cross over, so I would like to see a class to develop more creative skills like using Photoshop.
What has been your favorite and least favorite part of your experience as a Marketing student in the College of Business?
My favorite part has been getting to know the other people in my major. Some of my best friends are people that I’ve had classes with for years and get to spend a lot of time with since we have most of the same classes. My least favorite part I guess would be that the Marketing major can seem intimidating to students. Sometimes it can sound like Marketing is a dying major and there aren’t that many jobs and I hate that! As a senior applying for jobs I can definitely tell you there are plenty of fun and interesting jobs in the Marketing field.
So you’re looking for jobs, can you give us your tips for finding jobs and internships?
I would say the most important thing is networking. Everyone you meet is a potential important connection–from your friend’s parents to the guest speaker you go hear. Never under estimate the power of knowing the right people, it is so much easier to get your foot in the door somewhere if you have someone helping you on the inside. Besides that, keep up with social media postings like LinkedIn and ask people you know about their internships and how they got them!
How about interviewing, any tips?
Going into the interview I always like to feel like I’m overly prepared—like there isn’t anything they could ask me I wouldn’t be able to come up with a response to. I research the company using sites like glassdoor.com and the company’s website, and I make sure I know who is interviewing me. I always have my elevator speech prepared and just try to be as personable as possible through the entire interview process. Also always make sure you remember to send the interviewer a thank you letter.
Can you tell us what your plans are after graduation?
Since I have a few months before I graduate, I am doing my research on companies and narrowing down where I want to apply and what I want to do. My dream job would allow me to work within event management especially with a nonprofit. As for now, I’m just employing my networking skills in order to find a job that I love!
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