Assistant Account Executive Andrea Magaña enjoys the opportunities she has been given to grow professionally at Rapp Strategies – from developing social media analytic reports to pitching new ideas for client’s social media content.

“My coworkers are always open to new ideas and encourage me to work on projects that excite me,” she said. “That’s a rare trait in the agency world.”

Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Andrea studied at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul where she gained journalism and marketing experience through her work as intern at the Office of the Minnesota State Senate and as the Director for the student-led paper, The Examiner.

Outside of the office, Andrea has started her own social media and a community project called Humans of Worthington that shares the narratives of her home town citizens of Worthington, Minn.

“I’ve had the great opportunity to go to my home town [Worthington] to do voter outreach with the communities of color – hands-on grassroots!”

How have you grown as a professional since you started working at Rapp Strategies?

I feel like I’ve grown in many ways. First, my knowledge of the digital world has expanded greatly. I give a lot of the credit to my coworkers, who have taught me the ins and outs of the internet, social media [keyboard shortcuts are a lifesaver.] and graphic design. I’ve also grown in my ability to pitch ideas. Many times, as the youngest staff member, I felt my ideas/feedback weren’t important, but I’ve grown to be more confident in the knowledge and understanding I have to offer to Rapp Strategies.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?

On Friday’s we have breakfast as a team. It’s a great way to start the weekend. I also love the fact that I can grow in the areas that I want.

What is one habit that makes you more successful?

Creating lists and setting goals. Having a clear vision, whether it’s daily tasks that need to be completed or a year-long goal, has played a huge role in my success.  I enjoy giving myself a challenge or task and being able to complete it to the best of my abilities.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I had many dreams of careers as a kid. First, I wanted to be an immigration lawyer. I saw how much help my Latino community needed when it came to the ability to afford legal help and understanding legal jargon. I then wanted to become an art or English teacher because I enjoyed tutoring younger kids when I was in Middle school. I finally decided on PR because I enjoyed writing, public speaking and narratives. There’s something about the power of communicating to each other, especially through narratives that pull at my heart strings.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

I think my greatest accomplishment so far is graduating college two years early and saving money and getting an early start in the workforce.

What is one thing about you few people know?

I’m currently studying to become a personal trainer with a specialization in performance enhancement and am also studying to become a certified nutrition specialist. I also taught Taekwondo for ten years as a second-degree black belt.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Your early twenties are meant for risk-taking, and it’s okay to fail.

What is one piece of wisdom you would give your younger self?

When choosing a career path, don’t choose something to please your parents or mentors and don’t choose something for the money. Choose something that you would do regardless of pay. Take time to reflect daily.