Samantha Murphy, a School of Communication (SCOM) alumna, recently stepped into an exciting new role at Mekanic, an agency dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations turn ambitious goals into actionable strategies. With a dynamic background spanning creative agencies, e-commerce brands, and large associations, Murphy brings a wealth of experience to her new position as Marketing Director.

“I’ve always believed the best marketing starts with curiosity, a clear strategy, and a deep understanding of what makes a brand unique,” said Murphy. “It’s about asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and finding creative ways to connect brands with the people who matter most to them.”

As Marketing Director, Murphy helps mission-driven brands translate their goals into integrated marketing initiatives, bringing together strategy, creative thinking, and execution.

“What I enjoy most is working with talented people, bringing different perspectives to the table, and seeing an idea move from an initial conversation to something tangible that makes a difference,” Murphy shared.

Reflecting on her career journey, Murphy credits her time at Florida State University and the Public Relations program for providing a strong foundation.

“The PR program taught me to think strategically about communication: how to build trust, understand different perspectives, and recognize that how you communicate something can be just as important as what you’re communicating,” she explained.

These foundational lessons have stayed with her, even as new digital platforms and technologies continue to transform the industry.

When asked what advice she has for current students pursuing a career in marketing, Murphy emphasized the importance of everyday observation and proactivity.

“Start thinking like a marketer before you ever get the job,” she advised. “Look beyond the content itself and ask what the brand is trying to accomplish, who it’s trying to reach, and why the approach works. The more you start noticing the strategy behind the content you consume every day, the more you’ll begin to think like a marketer.”

She encourages students to learn to be resilient and urges them to create their own opportunities by pursuing internships, networking, or learning new skills such as AI tools or marketing technology. She also reminds students that their personal brand is their first real campaign.

“You will hear no. You may not get the internship or first job you wanted, and your career probably won’t unfold exactly as you planned. Don’t let one rejection define what comes next. Ask for feedback, learn from the experience, and keep going,” said Murphy. “Build a portfolio, create a personal website, or make a short, creative video that gives an employer a sense of who you are, what you’re good at, and what you could bring to their team.”

Ultimately, Murphy believes that great marketing requires pushing boundaries and being open to the unexpected.

“Great marketing doesn’t come from simply repeating what’s been done before. It takes a willingness to challenge assumptions, experiment with new approaches, and take calculated risks,” she said. “Sometimes, the most valuable outcome of a campaign is what it teaches you and how you can use that experience to become a better marketer.”

Congratulations to Samantha on her exciting new role as Team Mekanic’s Marketing Director!