This is the first in a series of Career Moves stories that will appear throughout the fall semester on Today at Elon. The stories highlight those who have worked with professionals in the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) to define their career goals, secure an internship or job, or gain support in achieving professional or other career-related goals. The first in the series is about Anelisa Holder.
is a recent graduate of Elon University with a degree in strategic communications and a minor in French. She is now an associate at Ogilvy, a global marketing and advertising agency.
Holder credits her success in landing her dream job to the help she received from the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) at Elon. She met with SPDC advisors at Elon to discuss her career goals, get help with her resume and cover letters, and practice for interviews.
“I can’t stress this enough, meet with the SPDC,” Holder said. “So many students I talk to have never even stepped foot in the office. I truly believe that all my SPDC appointments have helped me land my dream job.”
Holder’s experience with Ogilvy is a story of resilience and determination. After facing rejection from an internship opportunity with Ogilvy the previous summer, Holder didn’t let that setback discourage her. Instead, she decided to apply for the Ogilvy Associates program the following year, demonstrating the belief that one should never give up on their dreams. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Entering the application process with a realistic understanding of its competitiveness, Holder refused to let fear hold her back. She decided to confront her aspirations head-on, and her courage paid off. Holder’s experience is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of not letting past failures deter you from pursuing your goals.
Furthermore, Holder received valuable support from the SPDC throughout her journey. Their encouragement and belief in her abilities played a crucial role in motivating her to reapply for the Ogilvy program, even after facing rejection previously. Her experience demonstrates the significance of having a support system that believes in your potential and encourages you to keep striving for your dreams.
Here are some of the things that Holder likes about working at Ogilvy:
- The people: Ogilvy is a very collaborative company. The employees are passionate about their work, and they are always willing to help each other out.
- The work: Ogilvy works on some of the most interesting and challenging marketing and advertising projects in the world. This gives Anelisa Holder the opportunity to learn and grow every day.
- The opportunities: Ogilvy offers many opportunities for growth and development. Anelisa Holder has been able to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and she has been able to learn new skills.
“If you are a student interested in marketing and advertising, I encourage you to consider applying for a job at Ogilvy. It is a great workplace, offering many opportunities for growth and development,” she said.
Holder said that the SPDC advisors were always helpful and supportive. They helped her to identify her strengths and weaknesses, and they gave her specific advice on how to improve her job search skills.
“The SPDC advisors are experts in their field,” Holder said. “They know what employers are looking for, and they can help you to put your best foot forward.”
In addition to helping her with her job search, the SPDC helped Holder develop her professional network. She met with SPDC advisors to practice networking skills, and she attended SPDC-sponsored events where she could meet potential employers and colleagues.
“The SPDC helped me to build a strong network of professional contacts,” Holder said. “These contacts have been invaluable to me in my career search.”
“If you’re a student at Elon, I highly recommend meeting with the SPDC,” Holder said. “They can help you to achieve your career goals.”
Here are some tips from Holder for other students who are looking for jobs or internships:
- Start early. Don’t wait until your senior year to start your job search. Start networking and applying for jobs as early as possible.
- Get help from the SPDC. The SPDC is a great resource for students looking for jobs or internships. The advisors at the SPDC can help you with your resume, cover letters, and interviewing skills.
- Build your network. Attend events, meet new people, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the more likely you will hear about job opportunities.
- Don’t give up. The job search can be tough but don’t give up. Keep applying for jobs and keep networking. Eventually, you will find the right job for you.