Meet Dane Jackson! Dane provided a genuine response to all our questions, which was great! He’s a nice guy with some real life examples for our readers.
Tell me a little about your history at EMU- degree, graduating class, groups/associations?
This year actually marks my ten year anniversary of graduating from EMU. I majored in Literature, Language, and Writing with a minor in Theatre Arts. During my college career, I was part of The Eastern Echo staff and even worked backstage for a couple of the Theatre Department’s productions including Gypsy and Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Please share a summary of your position?
I’m currently in the digital marketing and social media marketing field. I help market independent retail establishments using social media, which in turn helps increase exposure of their brands. On the side, I’m also a freelance journalist and blogger focusing primarily on the entertainment industry. I’m always on the lookout for new writing opportunities as well.
Did any professors at EMU make a difference in your career path?
I had plenty of professors I admired, looked up to, and considered mentors, but none of them really made a difference in my career path. In fact, I’ve recently made a career change.
What are some proud accomplishments?
I worked for the Borders Corporate Office for seven years. In that time, I worked in several merchandising, marketing, and buying roles. I got to meet lots of great people at Borders, and while I’m sad the company is no longer around, I’ll always be proud to call myself a Borders alum.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ideally, I’d love to be a best-selling author, but with the way the book industry is going, I’m not sure how realistic that is. Most likely, I’ll still be involved with social media marketing. It’s really become my professional passion. Outside of work, in ten years, my daughter will be 12 and I’m sure she’ll be turning the rest of my hair grey as she moves toward her teenage years. Who knows, she may also have a little brother or sister to boss around too. I’ll also be celebrating my 15 year wedding anniversary and 25 year anniversary as a couple with my wife.
Tell me an interesting story about your career, plans/goals?
One of the most interesting stories about my career thus far surrounds my time at Borders. Because of the nature of the business, I was able to meet lots of amazing people including They Might Be Giants, Billy Corgan, David Lynch, Chuck Palahniuk, and Dog the Bounty Hunter (among others). Tori Spelling even sent me a letter in the mail one time. Meeting all of these people is something I’ll never forget.
Share three career–related lessons you’ve learned at EMU?
1) Always double and check yourself and keep records of everything as it pertains to your education or career – I almost had to pay for another semester just to take a 1 credit lab. Thankfully, I didn’t need it though because of the records I kept showing it wasn’t required when I started.
2) You’re responsible for your future – Make sure you mix a bit of fun into your college experience, but make sure that it’s not too much. If you have too much fun, it may affect your ability to land the job you really want.
3) Use your electives to explore areas you may have never considered before, you may just find something you’re interested in.
Any challenges you’re currently facing?
I think we’re all in the same boat these days in terms of career challenges these days. I didn’t expect to be out of a job last year, but I was able to find new employment. The economy hasn’t quite recovered completely yet, so there’s competition for the available jobs. Hang in there and don’t get discouraged.
Taylor Maguire
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