Jessica Shea, '13
Q: How did you end up at Rockhurst?
A: One of my aunts actually suggested Rockhurst during my junior year of high school at Kapaun Mount Carmel. I had attended a Catholic school my entire life so she thought I would enjoy everything this college had to offer. At that time, I had my eyes set on Kansas University as my dad played basketball there and my aunt was in a sorority that I loved. KU was my number one school until colleges starting recruiting me for volleyball - RU being one of those schools. That’s when I remembered what my aunt Mary had said earlier that year about RU and I decided I had to check this place out. The second I stepped on campus I knew this place was for me. I definitely had to adjust to the whole no football team but our soccer team was amazing and I became a fan within the first season. S/o Tony Tocco.
Q: What was your Rockhurst experience like?
A: I was very busy. I played volleyball, participated in service in the community and was a member of ASA. I’d say I had the ultimate experience at Rockhurst. I was a student-athlete with a pretty healthy social life, who had the opportunity to attend the Helzberg School of Management. I mean, what more could you ask for!
Q: What did you major in?
A: I ended up with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. I was double majoring in Marketing and Accounting until I met with my advisor middle of junior year and we decided it would be best to drop accounting and fully focus on finishing my Marketing degree.
Q: Favorite memory from undergrad?
A: I’m not sure if I have a favorite but I do have a couple.
Top memory. VOLLEYBALL. Just in general, getting the opportunity to play at RU and to come in and to have a team that was basically a support system/family from day one. That was huge. I had so many memories at the Rock but the best ones came from volleyball.
Top school memory. CAPSTONE. This project helped prepare me for the business world and my future. It made me confident in what I was doing and what I was about to do.
Q: In what other ways did Rockhurst help prepare you for your career?
A: I think it prepared me ethically and morally and helped me keep my value and faith at the forefront of everything I was doing. Rockhurst kept me strong during some major highs and lows, and helped prepare me for the future.
Q: What was your first job out of college?
A: My first job out of college was in marketing in Vegas.
Position: Internet Marketing Coordinator at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino.
Q: How did you find a job all the way out in Vegas?
A: When I was 15, I was able to see one of the biggest real estate closings on the Las Vegas Strip. After that, I knew Vegas was where I wanted to be and I made it happen.
Q: Are you working in KC now?
A: I am. I moved back a little over a year ago for a marketing position at Sprint Center - AEG Kansas City. Position: Digital Media Strategist
Q: What happened between Vegas and now?
A: After working in Vegas for four years, I realized I had an itch to grow within my field. I had hit the glass ceiling at my current workplace and there was no space for me to move up, at least not for a few years. I met with my SVP and she understood and agreed with me on my want to push myself in my career. That’s when I looked back in Kansas City, closer to my friends and family, and I found the marketing position at Sprint Center.
Q: What, so far, has been your greatest career accomplishment?
A: I have a few but I’ll stick with my first year in Vegas! We revamped the website for treasureisland.com and ended up winning a few industry awards because of it. Actually getting to see your hard work pay off. That was the best feeling ever.
2014 Awards:
Best Company Website & Best of Show
Las Vegas Digital Media Awards
Nevada Broadcasters Association
Best Hotel/Casino & Best of Show Website
Treasure Island Website
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards
Hospitality Marketing Website - Silver
Treasure Island Website
