Welcome back to the 3Ci Talent Spotlight Series where we’re shining a light on Atlanta’s most talented tech, creative, and digital professionals. By sharing the stories of those who were able to find their dream jobs through 3Ci, we hope to inspire you to make your next career move. Ready now? You can search for open positions right here.
Today we’re going behind-the-scenes with Caroline Scruggs, Marketing Coordinator at an Atlanta-based parental control phone tracker app.
Tell us a bit about your professional background.
I grew up in Valdosta and lived there until I moved to Athens for college at The University of Georgia. I graduated in 2017 with a degree in public relations and moved to Atlanta for an internship with the Metro Atlanta Chamber. After that, I went to work for a small marketing agency as an Account Manager. I worked there up until this year when I started my current role.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a babysitter. I’m the oldest of three, so it’s always been in my nature to take care of other people.
How did you get connected with the team at 3Ci?
I went to school with one of 3Ci’s recruiters who reached out to me earlier this year to ask if I knew of anyone who might be interested in the marketing coordinator job. At the time, I was in the final round of interviews for another position. After we spoke more about the role and I got the chance to speak with the team, I realized it could be a perfect fit.
What was that experience like?
They moved quickly, which was great for me. It all happened within a matter of a week—from first hearing about the job to getting hired. 3Ci was so helpful and walked me through every step of the process. They would call after-hours to check and see how an interview went or provide me with important updates. Even now the 3Ci team continues to follow up and make sure I’m happy; we actually went to lunch last month.
At the time, why were you looking for a change?
The agency was great, but because it was based in Gainesville, I worked from home a lot. That was difficult for me, because I’m a really outgoing person and find joy in interacting with my team. Working for two summers at the Metro Atlanta Chamber really sparked a passion for Atlanta in me, and I was eager to get back and contribute to this city that I’ve fallen in love with over the last few years.
Tell us more about your current role.
I’m a Marketing Coordinator and have been here for about three months now. It’s a startup, so every day looks entirely different for me. I’m responsible for managing and recruiting for our affiliate program. I also create a lot of content, like blogs, emails, decks, and presentations. I manage press inquiries, track where we’re getting hits, and make sure our investors are up-to-date about how much we’re spreading the word. Another big part of my job is collaborating and strategizing with our creative team. I make sure we’re looking at the entire consumer journey and that our copywriters and graphic designers have what they need to implement updates based on the research we’re gathering.
What initially drew you to marketing and PR?
My story is kind of unconventional. I started out as a chemistry major at UGA and got into pharmacy school. A week before I was supposed to start, I realized I didn’t really want to do it. People told me that I was good at science and math, so I always thought that’s what I should do for a career. I felt pretty lost after making the decision to give up my spot but ended up randomly joining the PR and marketing committee of a nonprofit on campus and really enjoying it. I applied to Grady and the rest is history. It’s definitely been the best decision for me. I certainly fit more in this role than I would behind a pharmacy counter.
What is the greatest reward of your work?
This company is really unique because of the nature of our product and its ability to help kids. Our team takes a lot of pride in the work that we do. I love that I get to go home at the end of the week knowing that something I’ve done could save a child’s life from a predator or a mental health issue. You won’t find a single member of our team that isn’t extremely passionate about protecting children in this digital world.
And the greatest challenges?
The most rewarding part of this role is also the most challenging. Every day I’m learning about the latest social media challenge that went wrong or news of a young child groomed over Snapchat. A big part of my role is putting myself in these parents’ shoes and being empathetic, but doing so can take a hard hit on my mental state. You have to straddle a fine line between being empathetic but also not getting too close to it that it affects your ability to stay motivated.
How do you stay informed in an ever-evolving industry?
The shift from print to digital has completely reshaped our industry, and things are constantly changing. You can learn one thing today and be behind tomorrow. I subscribe to a ton of newsletters to stay up-to-date. My favorites are Hubspot, Moz, and AdWeek.
Any advice for all the job seekers out there?
Always keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities, but be patient. If you’re in a job that you dislike or you’re a recent grad, don’t take the first thing that’s dangled in front of you. Really think through the logistics and the work that you’re going to be doing and make sure it’s a good fit before accepting an offer.
What do you like to do for fun in Atlanta?
I have a six-month-old springer spaniel named Buster who keeps me busy. I also love going to all of the amazing restaurants around Atlanta; Barcelona is a personal favorite. I also volunteer with the Red Cross.
Are you a tech, digital, or creative professional looking to make a career move? Search open positions with 3Ci and apply today.
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