Jessica Burnell '22

Name: Jessica Burnell

Year of Grad: 2022 

Concentration: Marketing Communications

Certificates: Digital and Social Media Marketing, Web Media and Hospitality

Hometown: New Gloucester, Maine

Organizations:

- Vice President, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
- Treasurer and Secretary, Husson Thrift Club
- Husson Student Alumni Association

Has Husson helped prepare you for your future?

Absolutely! The emphasis my program puts on real-life practice and emulating as much of an experience that you're going to see out in the "real world," as we call it, has guided my classmates and me. Outside of the classroom, Husson has also helped by allowing me to come out of college as debt-free as possible, which has been a relief as a first-generation college student because it has allowed me to reach my dreams! This has been a great motivator to why I give back because Husson has given me so many opportunities and the community support you receive here is truly something special.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from Husson?

I plan to transition to a full-time position as Manager of Plato's Closet in South Portland, Maine. Currently, I've been working there part-time on the weekends, so I'm excited to continue my work there and help them transform their social media presence and other marketing efforts on top of the day-to-day operations. But down the line, I would love to work for a large firm or agency that represents different brands or even people!

What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of during your time at Husson?

I'm extremely proud that my classmates and I got to be a part of the re-envisioning process of the Marketing capstone to include more of a hands-on experience. Over the fall semester, the marketing program directors and students worked on mapping out the logistics for a student-run ad agency on campus for the spring semester. This semester we are working with local businesses to create marketing and advertising promotions and campaigns to fit their business needs. I'm the Account Executive on the two projects we are working on.

What advice would you give to a student preparing for college?

Get involved! I know it's easy to just go to class, hang out with friends and then go back to your room. Looking back at my four years, I wish I had been more involved in my first few years. Now that I'm more involved as a senior, I wish I could go back and tell my freshman self just to go and join that club. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! Take any opportunity that comes your way to network and meet new people from other programs on campus, different types of staff and community members and alumni. Widen your horizons for after you leave Husson!