Business

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration for Marketing

Megan Moore
Events and communications manager for Alliance for Sustainable Colorado

Megan Moore, an Auburn, Ala. native, graduated from Auburn University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in Marketing. She then moved to Colorado, first working for Kroenke Sports Enterprises and the Colorado Rapids, assisting in the opening of their brand new, state-of-the-art soccer stadium. Moore then moved on to work as an event manager for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Colorado-Wyoming Chapter), where she tackled the organizationís largest event ñ the Bike MS. She now is the events and communications manager at the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, where she oversees all Alliance events, including the Annual Heroes of Sustainability Awards, Speakerís Series, and Monthly Dine-a-logue Luncheon Series. When not working hard at her job, Moore enjoys skiing, white water rafting, exploring new restaurants, and watching SEC football.

What made you decide to pursue a major in marketing?

I decided to pursue a career in marketing because I was very interested in learning more about how consumers made their purchasing decisions, and how various advertising campaigns, branding, retail store layouts and events (among others) could affect that decision. I was fascinated by the science behind the decision making process.

Looking back on it now, what was something you liked about the experience of earning that degree, and was there anything you thought could have been better?

When it came to earning my degree, I really enjoyed the feeling I had when I would complete each course and semester — the feeling of accomplishment. I also thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I built with my professors, many of whom I still keep in touch with. The only thing I wish I would have done while pursuing my degree was travel abroad. I feel like having an international study experience would have been beneficial.

How has your marketing education impacted your career path since you graduated, and how did it help to lead you to working at Sustainable Colorado?

Since graduating from Auburn University, every job I have had has been a marketing-type job, so my education has greatly impacted my career path. I initially started in a sales and events position with the Colorado Rapids ñ Denverís Major League Soccer team. Although I learned quite a bit about how to market the product I was selling, I learned that sales was not my most favorable aspect to marketing.

I then moved to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado Chapter, where I honed in my event management skills by running a two-day road bike ride. This is when I knew that the passion was for managing events in the nonprofit sector. After working with the MS Society for three years, I wanted to take a step back and find a smaller, non-national organization. The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado was hiring for an events coordinator position, and after interviewing with them, it felt like the perfect fit.

What skills from your marketing degree do you still use as an events and communications manager?

I use my degree every day. Whether it is figuring out how to appropriately [market] an event to our network in a way that will make them want to participate, or writing a newsletter that people will want to read, my marketing background helps me do that. It gave me the tools to be able to put myself in someone elseís shoes other than my own.

What advice would you give to others who are interested in earning a marketing degree?

As with any degree, I think it is important to have a passion for what you are studying. Donít get a degree just for the sake of getting a degree. This is important when you start looking for jobs in your field. I have found if I am not truly passionate about my job and what I am doing, I do not get as much personal satisfaction from it.