This Is How IDid It! The Nicole Jacobs Story One Woman, Three Jobs, & One Dream - 09/2016
"Always be prepared. Always be on your 'A' game at all times. You never know when an opportunity may arise, so it's always important to present your best self and basically stay ready." This is a statement Nicole Jacobs lived by through the duration of her undergraduate career. With the encouragement she found in a song called "Stay Ready" by singer/songwriter Jhene Aiko featuring rapper Kendrick Lamar, Jacob's was able to persevere through the challenges that arose. She used every opportunity presented to her by peers, mentors, and professionals from several organizations to establish herself as the career woman she is today. Nicole Jacobs is a 23-year-old alumna of the University of Illinois – Chicago. Jacobs graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Upon graduating, she landed a position at Nike Training Club – Chicago where her duties involve teaching yoga classes most evenings and assisting at large Nike events across the Chicagoland area. Jacobs originally was hired for the position while still an undergraduate. She worked two part-time jobs, maintained 15 credit hours, and obtained a position on staff at the Nike Training Club - Chicago (NTC). “I wondered what the affects could be working two part-time jobs, running a student organization while participating in others, and being a full-time student. For one, it can be very stressful, but with time-management, it can make it much easier.” I was in the exact same position she was in about two years ago. There were many sleepless nights, tons of homework, prepping for events, and little to no sleep. I asked Jacobs how she managed to get through it all and she said, “I learned time management and prioritizing ensures success.” Since she has been out of college for almost a year, Jacobs has learned that post-undergraduate the real world is scary and difficult, but that it gets better. Jacobs also has a part-time position at Clif Bar working in their marketing department to help promote different events and new products. She recently landed a full-time position at Chicago Tribune Media Group in the Advertising Department. She not only works for the Chicago office, but various offices under the Tribune Media Group. Jacobs education at UIC helped her discover all three of these positions. She stressed that even though many Marketing Majors are expected to find a position in sales directly after college, she looked for positions that were fulfilling to all of her area of interests: advertising, branding, and event planning. All three of her positions fulfill her three areas of interest. Jacobs gained most of her skills and interests in business by also being a member of Her Campus, which is an online magazine created by women for women. Many of her experiences with Her Campus helped her network and build a platform to brand herself on. Her passion for Her Campus helped her hold several positions within the UIC chapter and learn the dynamics of working in several positions which entailed many different requirements. “I treated Her Campus as if it were my baby or a full time job”, Jacobs said. She recalled when she first joined and looked at the website. Many of the articles she would indulge in day to day won her over. Nicole has left behind a legacy of diligence and dedication that many newcomers are fulfilling. Jacob's membership in the different organizations and in her current career has helped her gain the skills needed to maintain her positions and carry out all of her duties to the highest standard. Her resilience has gained notability within the Nike community. Her desire to succeed has allowed her a multitude of opportunities, but most importantly, her wit has secured her access to three different careers that provide her with the skills she's yearned for and sought after during her four-years at UIC. The late nights, part-time jobs, and participation in several organizations paid off and assisted with her current careers. Jacob’s is given the moniker “The Impassioned” because she says that she is a very passionate person. Her passion is definitely shown through her three career positions. She didn’t just fulfill one of her interests, but all three. All three of her positions offer her something different, but help her in the different roles she has.