San Francisco trip to shadow mentor completes final goal, introduces what might be next

By Communication mentee Annah Horst 

What started as just a trip earlier this month to visit Meghan turned into two days that included networking with Marquette alumni and touring design agencies.

The day prior to meeting Meghan, I was able to maximize my trip by visiting the design agency Frog, thanks to some helpful alumni connections. I also met with other alumni to talk about post-graduate life, making the move to the West Coast and get encouragement to take career risks. In addition, I met with James Davies, Comm ’18, a friend and MUAA Mentor Program mentee of Meghan’s. We reconnected and I learned about his experiences working in the Bay Area right out of college.  

The next day, I finally met Meghan! I arrived at Adobe’s San Francisco offices to see a familiar face I had only seen over Skype. Meghan gave me the warmest welcome and introduced me to some of her coworkers. Since I am most interested in design and social media, she had arranged three interviews to learn from professionals from different departments. Everyone was extremely helpful and encouraging, and the time flew by. I also spent time with Meghan and her team, learning about their work culture and some of the fun events they’ll be attending in the next year. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel like a part of the team. Later, Meghan and I went out for sushi in the neighborhood where she lived to chat one-on-one. It was wonderful just talking about our lives, reminiscing about Marquette and discussing the future.

Meghan is so encouraging and has motivated me to really take risks and do what I love. She also mentioned that it was a pleasure to host me in the city and at Adobe. She appreciated my commitment to the program and making the trek to California to explore first-hand the opportunities that exist outside of the Milwaukee and Chicago regions, too.  

This trip was a wonderful networking opportunity that provided me clarity on where I want to live and pursue my career. Everyone I met offered such great advice and made the thought of moving to the West Coast so much less intimidating. I am so thankful for Meghan and the MUAA Mentor Program travel stipend opportunity for helping this dream become a reality.  

2018-19 MUAA Mentor Program Resource Guide