Valerie Murphy - Member Spotlight
Posted by Communications2021 on Jan. 26, 2021 / Subscribe 0
SMPS AND FIRM INVOLVEMENT
How did you end up in the AEC industry?
In 2011 (during my last semester of graduate school at UCF), I landed an internship with the Camaraderie Foundation, an Orlando nonprofit. Camaraderie helps post-9/11 service members and their families gain access to private counseling as well as emotional and spiritual support. I chose the internship because I have a heart for veterans (my dad is a Vietnam vet, and his experiences in service and out, have always stuck with me). My firm’s owner/CEO co-founded Camaraderie. When my internship was just about to end, he asked to meet with me, and expressed interest in adding me to the firm. Blue Cord was only a few years old. They needed someone to help with proposals and marketing. He was interested in my writing and organizational skills. My education is in Public Administration, and I intended to find a government job after graduation. After hearing Blue Cord’s story and its purpose, I was fascinated and I wanted to find out how I could be useful to the company. Since federal clients are a large part of Blue Cord’s workload, in a way it feels like I’m doing government work.
How did you become engaged with SMPS?
When I started with Blue Cord, the founder/CEO encouraged me to join. He gave me a goal: to learn everything I could about AEC marketing and get to know other marketers and local firms. Best goal ever! Having SMPS as a resource is one of my favorite things about my work because there are so many people to meet, and firms to learn about.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I think details are my favorite part. I’ve always had a knack for proper spelling and grammar. I have an excellent memory for names, dates and figures. Those things come easily and that helps when finding the perfect projects or the right words to express something in a proposal.
Your best advice to someone entering marketing for the AEC world is…
AEC marketing may not be like anything else you'll do. Expect change, especially with the current events going on. Expect to learn – a lot, constantly - and be open to that. The industry always has something to teach and you just might find something you really enjoy.
What is your best memory with SMPSers?
My best memory so far has been participating in the SMPSCF mentor protege program. I took a break for this cycle, but I've been on both sides. My favorite part of the program is always the kickoff, and finding out my match. There's a giddy anticipation that comes from not knowing! I learn a lot no matter which side I'm on, whether it's work and life advice from a mentor of my own, or challenging myself to mentor another member. I've made some close friends from the program too.
THE OUTSIDE-OF-WORK ME
What do you do in your free time?
I like to read, travel, visit theme parks, and cosplay.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I visited Ireland in 2009. I've been fascinated with Irish culture for years, and I'd love to go back.
A little unknown fact about me is…
I was a “choir geek” in high school. In my sophomore year, my school chorus was chosen to sing in the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. It's been one of my favorite park events ever since!
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