Jennifer Erickson

Major: Communication Arts

Certificate: Digital Studies

Graduation Date: May 2017

How did you end up at SC Johnson?

After graduating from UW-Madison in May 2017, I started my first job at the American Lung Association as a Development Associate, assisting the events team with the execution of our fundraising events. In that role, I learned a lot about organization, time management and relationship building. After just over a year, I decided I wanted to try something that allowed me more opportunity to write and grow, and leverage different forms of media. I was offered a position with SC Johnson as an Associate, Communications where I sat on the Community Affairs team engaging with the greater-Racine community, and honing my skills across external communications, internal communications and issues management. After about a year and a half, I transitioned to the Public Affairs team where I currently sit.

What does a typical day in the office look like for you?

There is so much variety in the work that I do! Some days I’m creating corporate communication tools like press releases, statements, corporate presentations, and company backgrounders. Other days I might be reviewing the Public Affairs media request inbox and hotline, determining our response to external media requests related to Public Affairs and/or Reputation Issues. I also spend time creating and managing event/program briefing documents, cultivating strong media relationships, and developing responses to questions that come in through our Product Helpline by doing whatever research is needed.

How has Digital Studies influenced your career path?

The Digital Studies Certificate definitely helped hone my writing skills across different platforms, such as drafting social posts across our corporate social accounts and drafting content for multimedia news releases platforms. It has also pushed me to keep up with the ever-changing digital ecosystem, whether that be by reading prominent publications, or experiencing these different platforms myself, personally and professionally.

Did you have a favorite Digital Studies class?

I am not entirely sure that I have a favorite, but the class that pushed me the most outside of my comfort zone was Communication Arts 522: Digitally Documenting Everyday Communication. I remember Andrew, our instructor, did a great job facilitating discussion. I wasn’t used to working with a camera or conducting interviews before entering the class, and while I still don’t feel entirely comfortable with a camera, I definitely walked away with better knowledge of creating a story.

Do you have any advice for current students?

Take classes that are outside of your comfort zone, and join organizations! You’ll learn so much and walk away with new perspectives and relationships.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career thus far?

I think simply finding a job where I am extremely satisfied. Being only a few years out of school, I know many my age find themselves frustrated in their work or itching to find something new, but my current role stretches me and provides me with a lot of great opportunities to grow.