Today we’d like to introduce you to Meaghan Murphy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Meaghan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2010. To be candid, going to a Liberal Arts college was living in a bubble even though I absolutely loved my time in college and it was formative studying psychology and visual art. I received a half scholarship to college and an additional yearly scholarship for my demonstrated talent in art, but I still left with over $40,000 in debt. I think my experience of heavy college debt post-graduation is very common for many my age, but looking back I wish there had been a better way to fund a college education.
Entering the job market right at the time of the financial crisis in 2010 was a sobering experience. I applied to over 100 positions but the only company I heard back from was Whole Foods Market. The sustainability mission, valuing food that promotes people’s health and the commitment to community of Whole Foods Market really attracted me, so I started work there in 2011. My initial role was making pizza, panini and working the Prepared Foods counter with a Bachelor’s degree, not the dream, but everyone starts somewhere! I moved up quickly in 9 months to be the Healthy Eating Specialist teaching cooking classes and leading demonstrations and I found it incredibly fulfilling teaching people how to improve their health through better nutrition. Also, during that time, I was able to train to be a 200hr registered yoga teacher rounding out my overall interest in whole body wellness. 2 years later and I moved on to the Marketing role for 4+ years, which was dynamic, fun and exciting as I was in charge of all non-profit donations, our in-house design team, and all store events. I found marketing to be a combination of my original interests from college actually, the psychology behind what we buy as consumers coupled with the visual art aspect in the presentation of the products. Leading daily content creation for our social media channels I was able to discover a passion for photography that has absolutely spilled over into my personal life. I always have felt good about marketing products that actually improve people’s lives for the better.
Recently, my regional marketing position was eliminated but I can honestly say I have gained so much from my 7 years with Whole Foods Market. The job search now feels like an entirely different ballgame with all of the diverse experience I have gained and for that, I will always be grateful. Right now I am ready for what’s next and excited for the future.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
College debt has been somewhat crippling in my experience and looking back I would definitely have gone to the state school program at UMASS Amherst where I received a full scholarship and not a private out-of-state school. College counselors at that time really promoted you going to “the best” college you were accepted to and did not stress the financial component nearly enough. I would say to younger women be your own advocate and think this very important life decision through more fully than I did.
Maybe there also needs to be more financial competency classes taught for teenagers in high school so they can fully grasp the reality of having a huge monthly debt for years after graduation. If you come out of school with a large amount of college debt this can effect your future career decisions, decide where you are able to live (hello roommates!) and even impact future educational decisions.
On a positive note, that debt has certainly made me hustle and strive and for that, I feel the experience has propelled me to reach further. Now I am in a place where I have paid off all of my undergraduate college debt I am thinking much more strategically about graduate school options so it really was all a learning experience. I still do believe further education is incredibly beneficial and opens you up to future opportunities- just choose the option that leaves you with the smallest amount of debt!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your business – what should we know?
I’m currently job searching, but I specialize in creative marketing for products and services that truly improve people’s lives and promote sustainability. Marketing for me ultimately comes down to building a meaningful and positive relationship with your audience based on earned trust and compelling storytelling. I certainly can’t market just anything, I have a level of integrity that guides my work and I need to believe in the brand I’m promoting to be an advocate. The product you sell or the service you offer needs to be differentiated from the crowd and add real value to people’s lives.
In my personal life, I love photography, with a special passion for food and landscape photography.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice for finding a mentor would be to openly ask for help and go into the experience with some humility. You won’t know everything, newsflash really no one knows everything and it’s okay to admit that it doesn’t make you weak. Beyond just asking for help, try to offer something in return that’s beneficial. If you are asking for help learning XYZ then maybe you can take that task off of someone else’s plate once you have mastered the skill thus cultivating a mutually beneficial partnership.
Networking, in my opinion, is getting past all of the superficial and connecting on what people really care about. Women sell themselves short so much of the time and don’t take credit for what they have truly accomplished. You aren’t bragging or being cocky talking about what you do. Look at talking about your accomplishments and life passions as simply sharing yourself with others, so you can connect in a meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Email: meaghanelizabethrose@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bveggie
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
