By Miki Gilmore, Communications Associate, Arlington Chamber of Commerce
I’ve been at the Chamber for eight months now working in the communications role in a variety of capacities. The opportunity to grow within the role during my time at the Chamber has given me many learning moments that I will take with me for the rest of my career as a graphic designer.
I was born in Yokohama, Japan then moved to Rockville, Maryland in 2006 where I have lived for the past 13 years. In 2017, I graduated Bryn Mawr College with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. Once I finished school, I found that I wanted to embark on a more creative career path, so I enrolled at Montgomery College to explore a new passion for graphic and web design.
I was born in Yokohama, Japan then moved to Rockville, Maryland in 2006 where I have lived for the past 13 years. In 2017, I graduated Bryn Mawr College with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. Once I finished school, I found that I wanted to embark on a more creative career path, so I enrolled at Montgomery College to explore a new passion for graphic and web design.
I began my journey at the Chamber in October 2018 as the Marketing Intern. My goal throughout the internship was to put my graphic design skills to practice and learn more about marketing. I worked under the former Communications Manager performing tasks such as creating signs and flyers, updating the website, and even putting together our monthly newsletter, the Arlingtonian. Since this was my first time working in an office environment, I had a lot to learn about office culture and the importance of working as a team. Thankfully, my colleagues were there to guide and encourage me every step of the way.
The Communication Manager’s departure that month created an opportunity for me to step up from my intern status and fill the role of Communications Assistant. In January, I was promoted to Communications Associate and given the chance to handle more responsibilities and become an integral part of the team. I took over sending the weekly e-news and special e-blasts for our events, got a taste of corresponding directly with members, and took greater initiative over the creation of the Arlingtonian.
Not every college student is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to gain experience working in their field of study before graduating. Working at the Chamber as the Communications Associate has allowed me to see how the skills I’ve learned in class have value in a real working environment. While communications wasn’t the exact department I saw myself in, I’ve become a well-rounded designer by learning about the different aspects that make up an organization’s marketing strategy. I can’t wait to see where the knowledge I’ve gained at the Chamber will take me!
The Communication Manager’s departure that month created an opportunity for me to step up from my intern status and fill the role of Communications Assistant. In January, I was promoted to Communications Associate and given the chance to handle more responsibilities and become an integral part of the team. I took over sending the weekly e-news and special e-blasts for our events, got a taste of corresponding directly with members, and took greater initiative over the creation of the Arlingtonian.
Not every college student is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to gain experience working in their field of study before graduating. Working at the Chamber as the Communications Associate has allowed me to see how the skills I’ve learned in class have value in a real working environment. While communications wasn’t the exact department I saw myself in, I’ve become a well-rounded designer by learning about the different aspects that make up an organization’s marketing strategy. I can’t wait to see where the knowledge I’ve gained at the Chamber will take me!
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