Q&A: Black Professionals panelists talk career advice, Black history

Several Black professionals at the top of their fields will speak with Jacksonville University students Feb. 2 as part of the University’s Black History Month celebration. Students will have the chance to listen to a panel discussion and ask their own questions to the four guests. 

WAVE spoke with three of the Black Professionals Panel guests to gain some insight on their career paths and talk about the importance of celebrating Black history. 

You can read their responses below, but if you have questions of your own or want to hear more from them on Feb. 2 visit Handshake to register for the event and receive virtual meeting details. 

Ashley Strickland ’13, Marketing Manager of Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Jacksonville

How did you decide on your career path, and what advice would you have for students who are trying to decide their own path?

I decided on my career path of working within a non-profit organization and in the field of marketing after enjoying my first position right out of college as a community engagement coordinator. My first full-time job was working for a youth sports and education non-profit organization. In that role, I was able to gain experience in a variety of areas including marketing, volunteer management, event planning and more. Having the fortunate ability to work within those areas provided me with valuable insight on what things I found both exciting and interesting. I discovered that I really enjoyed tapping into my creative side with marketing and from there, I was determined to continue a career that allowed me to expand my creative skills while also working with children and a mission that is meaningful to me.

What do you wish you had done during your time in college that you didn’t do that could have helped you in your life/career?

One thing that I wish I had done during my time in college that I feel could have helped me in life and my career is pursuing an internship and a study abroad experience.  Both of those experiences I feel would have provided me with additional insight on business, navigating an environment with diverse people and ideas, and learning different skills.

What figure in Black history do you look up to most and why?

There are many African American figures that I look up to, and one who I look up to most in Black History is Langston Hughes. I have always enjoyed reading his work and his contributions have certainly influenced many writers of today. Hughes helped me to have a great appreciation for the art of writing. Being able to write creatively in the field of marketing is a huge asset and I’m fortunate that I was introduced to Hughes’ work early on.

In your words, why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?

It is important to celebrate Black History Month, because it’s a reminder and a great way to highlight the numerous contributions of so many talented and gifted Black people whose ideas and accomplishments should never be forgotten.   

Jamil Branch, Solutions Architect at Coastal Cloud

How did you decide on your career path, and what advice would you have for students who are trying to decide their own path?

“Career path” is an interesting term for me. When I was in college, I changed my major more times than years I was in college. For context, I graduated in 4 ½ years. I started out as a computer sciences major and eventually ended up with a liberal arts & sciences degree. During my last semester, I decided I wanted to work in corporate America as an HR professional specializing in labor relations. As it turns out, I ended up working in higher education, but I always had a foot in the systems and tools used to do the job.

I do not think I am an outlier. Career paths and interests will change over time. However, I do believe your interests will always drive you. Figure out that thing that drives you by speaking to people in that career. Seek out internships or opportunities around your community or on campus. Do not dismiss an opportunity that might be for little or no pay. The experience you gain may pay dividends later.

What do you wish you had done during your time in college that you didn’t do that could have helped you in your life/career?

If I had to do something different, I think I would have stayed in computer science to gain more programming abilities. Ultimately, I am thrilled with where I am and the experiences I have gained along the way. I have not taken the conventional path, but without my past, I do not know if I would be enjoying my successes today.

What figure in Black history do you look up to most and why?

I am going to go with figures instead of just one person. I have always admired the work of the Conductors of the Underground Railroad. Those individuals such as Harriet Tubman and John Brown led many slaves out of captivity to freedom. The dangers and fears they had to face and overcome are unfathomable. They were the superheroes of their time and much like many pieces of Black and American History I feel their stories are largely overlooked and under-told.

In your words, why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?

While it is important to acknowledge the contributions of Black Americans throughout the year, Black History Month serves as a reminder to all of America that we cannot be ignored. I think it is an important time for all of us to acknowledge the contributions of Black Americans in this country, both past and present.

Curtis James, Jr., Managing Director at Apogee Financial Partners

How did you decide on your career path, and what advice would you have for students who are trying to decide their own path?  

I’ve always had an interest in how finance and money work, even though that wasn’t the field I went into immediately after college. After being in my previous career for several years, I made a decision to really learn about the various areas of financial services and that choice set the path that I’m on now. My advice to students trying to decide their own path would be to first take an honest assessment of their strengths and identify careers that align well with their strengths. For example, if a student is an excellent communicator, enjoys being around people and is a self-starter, a career in sales might be a fit. Second, I’d encourage students to think about what they want out of life personally and professionally for their future. While they might not be exactly sure, going through the exercise will add some level of clarity.  Finally, I’d encourage anyone to seek out mentors.   

What do you wish you had done during your time in college that you didn’t do that could have helped you in your life/career?

My college years were an amazing time in my life, and some of my most treasured relationships started in college. Looking back, one of the few things I might change would be to take full advantage of all of the resources offered. If I went back in time, I’d attend any and everything that I had even the slightest interest in learning more about. For example, I would have liked to study abroad.  

What figure in Black history do you look up to most and why?

I have a list of historical figures in Black history that could fill up a page, but I’m going to limit my answer to two iconic people. The first is Oprah Winfrey. She has overcome abuse and humble beginnings to become a billionaire, head of a production company (Harpo), started a school for young girls in Africa, starred in numerous movies (The Color Purple is one of my all-time favorites), and launched her own magazine. These are just a few of her accomplishments!  

My second person is Robert King, my maternal grandfather. He was born and raised in Alabama. He went from being a sharecropper to owning land and crops and was one of the most influential men in Marion, Alabama. I saw him get up at the crack of dawn to tend to his farms and cattle and learned the value of hard work. I learned the value of a dollar from him.  I learned the importance of preparation. I learned more life lessons than I can remember from my grandfather. 

In your words, why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?

If you don’t know where you came from, it’s difficult to know where you’re going.