What were the paths that took you from Trinity to where you are now?
I never thought that I would end up where I am now.  I experimented with a number of jobs after college, some that I thought would interest me (like an architectural internship) and some that I just fell into (an office management position at a small government agency).  During that time I investigated options in design careers and attended a summer course at Harvard where I “tried out” landscape architecture.  I attended two graduate programs (Penn and UVA) in Landscape Architecture, eventually earning a Masters Degree.

I worked in a number of jobs in Landscape Architecture after graduate school.  After two years, I discovered that the practice of landscape was not for me.  I was fortunate that at the time a good friend had an opening on his marketing team at a software company.  This friend knew my skills and strengths and encouraged me to give a new career a trial run.  I took a big leap leaving landscape architecture and trying out software marketing, but it was a chance that worked out.
 
How did Trinity prepare you to work successfully at these companies?
I think that Trinity as well as my graduate education taught me to ask questions.  I also learned a lot from being an RA.  As an RA you learn about procedure, for example, how to hold a meeting.

What is a typical day like for you, if there is such a thing?
I spend a few hours communicating by e-mail with people within the company about various issues.  I spend a few hours in meetings with my team and other teams.  I occasionally work with people outside of my company. I sometimes spend time writing copy, organizing projects, etc.

If you could describe one experience that keeps you happy with where you are, what would it be?
I work with capable, intelligent and responsive people (for the most part!).  I appreciate that we work as a team towards a common goal, and that we are appreciative of each others skills and accomplishments.  I like working as part of a team.

What would you say is the best way to stay current in your field?
Surfing the web!! |

If you had a typical student at Trinity coming into the business, what would be the three strongest qualifications that you would look for?
Effective communication skills, Open-minded approach, respect for others and demonstrable organization skills.

In the Internet business, you have a culture of dressing down, for example. What are some of the corporate cultural norms that exist in your industry?
Macromedia is a very casual workplace in many ways.  Definitely dress down, and pretty flexible with work schedules.  As long as you can accommodate your meeting schedule, you can work at home, at the office, wherever.  All that matters is that you get your work done, and done well.  That said, it is a culture where some people choose to work really long hours, especially when we have something like a product launch. 

We communicate a lot by e-mail, but there is definitely still an emphasis on face-to–face contact, especially when we are trying to get something done quickly. 

Things are done quickly around here.  For example, we came up with an idea for a promotion last week, and within five days we had the promotion in place and were publicizing it by sending over 600,000 e-mails to registered users.
 
Any words of advice for someone graduating from Trinity or looking ahead?
Take chances and explore your options.  You never know what is out there.