Sydney Smith, alumna of the College of Communication and Information, is working for NFIB as a Social Media Marketing Manager. NFIB, a leading small business association representing small and independent businesses, has offices around the country. Sydney spends her days in the Washington D.C. office.

On a day to day basis, Sydney works to organize NFIB’s corporate Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram accounts, boasting hundreds of thousands of followers. The communications grad works to shape social media strategy in line with brand identity, audience and goals. Working hand in hand with the marketing team, Sydney works to define promotion campaigns, paid-advertising and events.

When it came to a major, there was never a question for Sydney.

“My father was a former newspaper reporter, and I grew up hearing about his experiences in the field of journalism,” Sydney shared. “I wanted to be just like him, so when I landed my first full-time job out of college as a web producer at a TV news station, I was beyond thrilled.”

Sydney moved to New Haven, Conn. and worked for WTNH, an ABC affiliate for almost two years covering everything from natural disaster to homicide. It was here that Sydney felt the spark of passion for her work.

“I felt the work I was doing was helping the site’s thousands of devoted readers go about their lives,” she said.

In her current position, that same spark is there. Instead of reporting the weather, traffic and the neighborhood events, she is helping small business owners find their way in the business sphere. Whether it’s guiding them through a technology purchase or providing tips on how to hire the right candidate for the job.

Through her work with social media, she decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Interactive Media with a focus in Social Media from Quinnipiac University.

“There isn’t a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation I was able to build while studying at FSU,” said Smith. “My education at FSU not only helped me get my foot in the door, but it allowed me to build the career I wanted.”