This is an interview with Bailey Matheson, a Marketing-Media graduate of Southern Arkansas University. She is currently a Tier II Network Operations Center Analyst at Provalus in Henderson, Texas.
Why did you choose your particular major over others?
I started as a General Business Administration major. It wasn’t until I took a marketing class that I decided what I wanted to do in the business world. I have always been a “people person,” and for me, marketing seemed like the right path to take to maximize that skill in my career. Growing up in the social media era ultimately led me to choose media marketing specifically. Media is powerful and makes all the difference for companies. So far, I truly feel like I have had a fulfilling career path, successfully employing marketing and information system strategies across multiple industries.
What would you say is the greatest source of inspiration at SAU?
My biggest source of inspiration was the people, including students, faculty, and staff. My classmates provided support, the faculty gave the best advice, and the staff jumped in to help me in any way possible. I also found inspiration in the class projects. Not only did I make some of my best professional friends, but I also had the opportunity to work with local businesses to improve their marketing. This helped me gain experience in the field, making it a win-win situation.
What skills do you think are the most important in your field today?
The most important skill—and the one I use daily—is communication. Communication, in every aspect, is vital when working in corporations. Learning how to communicate properly takes time, but it can help you excel in your career. Communication is not just talking; it’s also listening, understanding, and clearly conveying your message through verbal and non-verbal delivery methods.
How did you land your first job after graduating?
While serving on the SOAR Sustainability Planning Committee with the RCB, I met Southern Aluminum’s Chief Brand Officer, Andrew Moffett. Andrew and I worked closely on this committee, and when I saw that Southern Aluminum was hiring, I knew it was a team I wanted to be part of. I applied, and after graduating, I began working full-time as the Marketing & Social Media Coordinator at Southern Aluminum.
Did you face any challenges transitioning from college to the workplace?
Transitioning from college to the workforce went pretty smoothly for me. Of course, there is an adjustment period when settling into the “real world,” but there are many similarities between college and the workplace. In college, you have homework to complete for a grade; in the workplace, you have tasks to complete for experience. In college, you have classmates and professors who support you along the way; in the workplace, you have colleagues and managers. The most important thing in both college and work is to never stop learning. There is always room for improvement and more knowledge, and you should never be afraid to expand your skill set.
What do you wish you had known as a college student?
I wish I had known and understood that opportunities in the workforce are truly endless. You never realize how large and impactful any given industry is until you begin working. There are so many growth opportunities out there, and it’s okay to take a leap of faith when one presents itself. You can do anything you put your mind to!
Bailey Matheson
Bailey is a 2022 B.B.A. Marketing-Media graduate with a minor in Information Systems. She works as a Tier II Network Operations Center Analyst at Provalus. She married Trevor Matheson, whom she met at SAU in 2020. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with family and friends.
