How It Paid Off: From Public Relations to Tourism Marketing Director

Learn how one alumna tells the unique stories of an untapped gem.

NAME: Meredith Hart ’09

DEGREE: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: Media Director, Collins + Company, an advertising and public relations firm

TITLE AFTER MY DEGREE: Tourism Marketing Director, Georgetown County Tourism Management Commission, Georgetown, S.C.

WHAT I DO NOW: Georgetown County is an untapped gem in an all-around gorgeous state. We’ve branded the area as the “Hammock Coast,” partly inspired by the Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock. Through our website and social media, I’m trying to tell as many stories about unique places and hidden gems as possible. As a result of what I learned in my program, I now have a better understanding of what businesses in my community need to thrive and prosper.

BIGGEST BENEFIT OF EARNING A DEGREE AT WALDEN: In my position, I have to be very forthright about how I’m spending the budget because it is publicly funded. Having finance knowledge is a huge benefit that I wouldn’t have had without my Walden degree. It provided the opportunity to find my business niche and the avenue I wanted my career to take.

UPDATE: Since this article was published, Hart has taken a new job as marketing manager at Oceana Resorts in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. She now works with the director of marketing and other staff members to carry out the marketing plan and other promotional endeavors to represent the company’s resort properties.

How did earning your degree change your career? Tell us the details at [email protected].