Week 2 Exploration: Storyboard Elisabeth Hodge
Week 2 Exploration: Storyboard
Elisabeth Hodge
Throughout high school I was very involved in the broadcast television program.
From reporter, and content writer to on air talent, I loved playing the various
roles of the news team.
I even competed in statewide competitions.
(1st Place in Florida’s Broadcast 2008, y’all!)
I could not wait to broadcast production at the University of North Florida.
It only took me three and a half years to find out that I had chosen the wrong industry.
Out to find my true passion, I played the field by taking many different internships and jobs.
I became the social media manager of a small spa; I worked as an event coordinator’s assistant and even played my hand at politics during the 2012
election.
Next a mutual friend helped me land a social media internship at local
advertising agency.
I have said this next sentence at least one million times: “I learned more
in my first day at the agency, than I learned in four years of college.”
I was thrown into projects and campaigns right away.
My bosses were incredibly patient while they taught me everything from scheduling posts, social community management; email writing skills,
project management and so much more.
During my second week, I was even recruited to help pitch our business to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ marketing team. Now the Jags are one of our
biggest clients.
The team appreciated my obsessive attention to detail and I appreciated
being valuable.
I immediately loved the agency life.
The wild and crazy office culture was supposedly to keep the imagination flowing for the creative team.
I did not understand why my friends were so drained after their 9 to 5
jobs.
When did I know that I loved this industry? Probably after I was
videotaped playing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” on a Kazoo for a
client’s birthday.
Not long after I started, I was introduced to other forms of advertising.
I began working on email, radio and even traditional marketing strategies.
Although I was becoming more knowledgeable with my real-world
experience, I began to yearn for more of an educational background in
the industry.
I remember looking into Full Sail while applying to college, but chose UNF to gain
the traditional college experience.
I began researching Full Sail’s degree options and was hooked when I found their
online opportunities.
While comparing the various programs, I decided that the Media
Communications program would be the perfect choice to help further my
education.
After 6 months of interning, I was offered a full-time position.
I was the agency’s newest account coordinator, and I could not have be happier.
My team was very supportive in my decision to continue my education
while working.
Though it is tough to juggle both a career and school, I find that the two are a great combination.
From the first Digital Identity project, every assignment at Full Sail and every campaign at work can be related back to each other.
My grades are higher than they ever were in college. And I feel even more skilled in my day-to-day work responsibilities.
It has been a wonderful feeling to confirm that I chose the correct path to pursue
my passion.