Facebook Hires Point Park University SAEM Graduate for Consumer Marketing Role Alumni Profile
Meet David Jacobs
- Job Title & Employer
- Consumer Marketing, Global Integrated Communications Planning - Messenger and Youth, Facebook
- Major/Program
- Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
- Graduation
- May 2009
- College Activities
- SAEM Club, United Student Government, Orientation Leader, Student Activities, Honors Program and received the Outstanding Business Student Award
- Hometown
- Slippery Rock, Pa.
- High School
- Slippery Rock Area High School
- Now Living In
- San Francisco, Calif.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Running, hiking, traveling, friends, family and learning (trying) to cook
"I appreciated Point Park’s emphasis on internships. While every university will advise you to get an internship, Point Park focused on both the quantity and quality of internships. So, while I had friends at other schools who had one internship that entailed getting coffee all day long, I graduated with multiple internships that often evolved into part-time roles or mimicked entry-level roles for a better, more true experience. Those experiences made the transition to the real world much, much easier."
How did you land your current position with Facebook?
I actually was referred by a former colleague and friend to the role at Facebook. They believed my background and skills would be a good fit for the role and that I would enjoy the culture at Facebook so this person introduced me to the recruiter.
Tell us about the work you do.
I create and support integrated marketing campaigns and branding efforts for the Messenger and Youth teams. Daily activities include defining overarching strategy, leading our media agency relationship, deeply understanding our consumer and selecting where, when, how and why some of Facebook’s most used and beloved brands show up to consumers in market.
In what ways have Point Park and the SAEM program put you on the path to professional success?
Point Park University and the sports, arts and entertainment management program gave me the individualized attention and real-world skills I needed to hit the ground running when I graduated. In addition to professional skills, it also taught me the personal skills that are often just as, if not more, important. Plus, the classes were taught with real-world examples that were not only hands on, but made the fundamentals and lessons easy to understand.
Also, I appreciated Point Park’s emphasis on internships. While every university will advise you to get an internship, Point Park focused on both the quantity and quality of internships. So, while I had friends at other schools who had one internship that entailed getting coffee all day long, I graduated with multiple internships that often evolved into part-time roles or mimicked entry-level roles for a better, more true experience. Those experiences made the transition to the real world much, much easier.
What career advice do you have for our SAEM students?
A couple of different pieces of advice I have are raise your hand to help, ask questions, network and be kind.
- Raise Your Hand – You never know where a side project or the generosity of helping a colleague will take you.
- Ask Questions – If you don’t know something … ask! No matter your age, experience or background, you will and should be constantly learning so don’t be ashamed or too proud to ask for help, advice or feedback.
- Network – Just like how I was introduced to Facebook, a lot of career opportunities may come from friends, former colleagues and acquaintances. That being said, do so respectfully, cultivate relationships in professionally appropriate ways and be appreciative of anyone’s help, assistance or mentorship.
- Be Kind – No matter what industry you land in, it’s a lot smaller than you think and you’ll work in similar circles of people for many years. If you can focus on doing great work and being kind, it can take you far in your career.