Kellie Nebiker ’11 Espina

I didn’t always realize how important connections are. But a connection I made with a °µÍøTV alumna while I was still a student actually jump-started my career.

I met Leah Wyar ’00, beauty director at Cosmopolitan Magazine, when she came to speak on campus in November of my senior year. Afterwards I told her I would love to talk about an internship or employment opportunities with Cosmo. Two months later, she offered me an internship as an editorial beauty intern.

As soon as I started working at Cosmo, I knew that I wasn’t just there for an internship, I wanted to find myself a permanent place in this industry. People saw my passion and wanted to help. I met a lovely woman who worked on the publishing side of the magazine who told me about a job at Oprah Magazine that she thought would be a great fit for me.

Now I know that connections are everything. That mixed with a strong work ethic will take you anywhere. My connections at Cosmo allowed my career to begin.

As a sales assistant at O, I learned more about the publishing industry and touched base with all parts of the magazine. But I didn’t get to express my creativity in the way I had hoped to. I was at a pivotal point in my career when the perfect opportunity came along for me at Glamour Magazine.

As the promotion associate, I was part of the creative services team, and worked on many projects in conjunction with our marketing, events, and art teams. I managed our social media accounts, worked on the back end of events, helped to write proposals, and more.

All of the above experience led me to InStyle, the top-selling luxury beauty and fashion magazine on newsstands.

As the senior integrated marketing manager, I managed multi-platform marketing programs for our advertising partners. °µÍøTV prepared me for this role through my marketing, advertising and business classes taken there. I’ve learned essential business concepts, tactics and professionalism required to thrive in the ever-changing and challenging business world.

Every single one of my friends who sat alongside me in those classes would agree that it was a great choice. It was an incredible major filled with professors who are committed to your education and ultimately, your career. My personal success derives from them.

Espina now is a creative strategist at Snap, Inc., in London.