November 2022
Aly Lloyd 2018
DEGREES:
B.A. - Communication - Public Relations Track, Marketing Minor
CURRENT EMPLOYER
Mattel, Inc.
CURRENT OCCUPATION
Senior Associate of Global Brand Communications (Barbie)
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
In high school, I acted as an anchor on my school's morning announcements and wrote for the school newspaper. I thought my dream was to be a real-life reporter. Once I arrived at Salisbury and started taking courses, it was clear that hard news was not for me. Thus, the next best thing for me was public relations – the sister of journalism.
I had a wide variety of internships that exposed me to different types of work environments. From working on a book mobile, answering calls in my local county tax office, to writing digital content for a top health care company, thanks to these experiences I was able to determine that I wanted to do something that would help give back and be fun. I remember sitting in my room at The Gathering and watching Tiny Shoulders – a documentary about the evolution of Barbie when it hit me. I could do that. I needed to do that. I knew one doesn't simply walk into the big leagues and that relevant experience was necessary.
Fast forward to senior year, I found a job in Dallas, TX, at Goliath Games, a top board game company popular for Pop The Pig, Rummikub, Mastermind and Sequence. I packed my bags the week after graduation and moved across the country to start as their new public relations and events person. At Goliath, I pitched to media, helped plan toy fairs and events and influencer/media events, acted as a YouTube personality, and was everything in between. I worked there for three years, then hopped over to Brilliant PR and Marketing, a top agency in the toy space. I had the opportunity to pitch broader clients from figurines, baby products, multimedia content, pop-its, etc.
I was having a lovely time when a Mattel recruiter reached out about an open public relations position on the Barbie team. It felt serendipitous and meant to be – I had to go. I once again packed up all my belongings (and three animals) for another cross-country move to California. I now help manage global brand communications for Barbie, a brand with 99% brand recognition. Everyone has a Barbie story, and I am in love with the stories I help tell with a goal to unlock the limitless potential in every girl. In the words of Barbie, you can be anything. Set goals and never give up.
MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
I cannot praise the Communication Department at Salisbury highly enough. All my professors were invested in our success and designed courses that truly prepared me for my career. I went to Salisbury knowing I wanted to land somewhere within the comms field and left with a career goal I have now achieved. The program also requires you to complete internships and some courses even have them built in, which is invaluable real-world experience to build your resume.
WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
I was an active member of Delta Gamma, where I was lucky to meet girls who would soon become lifelong friends. I held a part-time job on campus at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center. I primarily transcribed oral histories and enjoyed gathering random bits of knowledge about the Delmarva Peninsula and attended their annual galas. During my senior year, I was a public relations officer for the Lambda Pi Eta National Communications Association and helped organize the senior presentations and ceremony.
BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
I can narrow it down to three. I was fortunate to have a freshman roommate I would go on to live with for all four years and is my best friend to this day. Our freshman year, we lived in the Nanticoke Hall Communication Living Learning Community and snuck a kitten into our dorm. I would NOT recommend this – as we only lasted a week before getting caught. However, it still makes me laugh. Spending time with friends at Plaza Tapatia, the nearby Mexican restaurant, was also a highlight. Finally, Salisbury offers wonderful study abroad programs, and I spent an amazing winter semester traveling around Scotland.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
Salisbury was the first school I toured, and I instantly fell in love. Growing up in Maryland, I knew I wanted to stay in state, and Salisbury felt like a home away from home. When I attended Admitted Students Day and heard the communication professors speak (Dr. Haven Simmons to be precise), I was sold. It was evident they knew their stuff and I was ready to learn.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Welcoming, challenging and supportive. As a medium-size school, it's easy to feel known by your professors and generally see the same faces around – even if you live off campus. The courses are challenging, they push you to learn and become the best version of yourself. Yet, the staff and community are supportive. It is easy to seek guidance and feel heard. Whether you need extra help on a course or are looking for a friend.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
My family used to vacation annually at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. I also have fond memories camping with my cousins in Gettysburg.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Honestly, landing my dream job at the top toy company in the world where I manage public relations for Barbie by the age of 25.
HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
Raising my two cats and small chihuahua.