Working for the NFL: Emilee Fails '19 is a Content Designer for the Washington Football Team Alumni Profile
Meet Emilee Fails
- Job Title & Employer
- Content Designer, Washington Football Team
- Major/Program
- Public Relations & Advertising
- Minor
- Graphic Design
- Graduation
- April 2019
- College Activities
- Campus Activities Board
- Hometown
- Edinboro, Pa.
- High School
- General McLane High School
- Now Living In
- Washington, D.C.
"Being able to major in PR and advertising, minor in graphic design and still be able to work on my photography is something that really took all of my skills to the next level. Instead of putting all my eggs in one basket, I was able to try a little bit of everything and figure out exactly where I wanted to go with my career."
Tell us about your current role and responsibilities as a content designer for the Washington Football Team.
My main focus is creating exciting and engaging content for our marketing/digital team. Photography and graphic design are currently my top priorities — including anything from photographing the team's practices and games, creating social media graphics to helping with various marketing campaigns and initiatives. As a creative, I find that my role tends to change depending on the day and what the needs are, which really helps make everything even more exciting. Follow @WashingtonNFL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see what we are up to.
What do you enjoy most about your job and why?
I get to wake up everyday and be challenged to create. To some, covering the same team practicing or creating graphics that need to contain the same content might get old, but I love that I have the opportunity to get better. I also enjoy showing fans a side of their favorite team/players that they don't get to see, being able to help them feel that connection that they wouldn't have without social media. It's important for fans to feel connected to their teams and realize their favorite athletes are normal people.
Why did you choose Point Park’s School of Communication?
I chose Point Park's School of Communication mainly because of its location in Downtown Pittsburgh. I always knew I wanted to move away for college, and growing up a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, it felt like the right place. I knew Point Park had many connections within the sports industry and that it was in the ideal location to try and build a relationship with the local teams.
In what ways did your Point Park experience prepare you for professional success?
Point Park prepared me for my professional success by allowing me to focus on my various passions as a student. While I didn't major in photography, it has always been a huge part of my life and something that I knew I wanted to do professionally. The public relations and advertising program allowed me to still take photo classes, which helped me become an even more well-rounded professional. I think in sports especially, it's important to be able to do a little bit of everything. Being able to major in PR and advertising, minor in graphic design and still be able to work on my photography is something that really took all of my skills to the next level. Instead of putting all my eggs in one basket, I was able to try a little bit of everything and figure out exactly where I wanted to go with my career.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Get involved early and always be networking. If you're passionate about something, make it known. You never know who could be listening and looking to hire.