Alumni Spotlight
Sheri Pape-Blythe
by: Spencer Smith, PR student intern
Sheri Pape-Blythe received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations in 2002 from Mississippi State University. In 2005, Pape-Blythe earned her Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Pape-Blythe grew up in Jackson, Miss. She now resides in Atlanta, Ga., where she works remotely as a Senior Marketing Manager at Doozy Solutions.
Daily responsibilities for Pape-Blythe include B2B lead generation campaigns, sales support and enablement, marketing and advertising campaigns, collateral creation, and tracking metrics such as cost per lead and lead conversions.
Before accepting her job at Doozy Solutions, Pape-Blythe had careers in both ministry and the education industry. After receiving her Master of Divinity, Pape-Blythe spent three years in a formal ministry role before stepping away to concentrate on her career in communications. Pape-Blythe then spent 18 years working in the education industry including a five-year period working as a marketing and communication coordinator for the MSU Foundation and Alumni Association.
Pape-Blythe shares that the greatest tool during a job search is a student’s network.
“Make connections with alumni in your field or in an industry where you'd like to work. You can do this through internships, alumni and school events, career fairs, and through relationships with family and friends. You never know what kind of opportunity could come up with someone you know!”
After her own job search, Pape-Blythe recognizes that the right job will come along when students trust the process.
“One thing I kept having to tell myself was to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to come along. I just recently ended a job search that was off and on for several months. During my search, I interviewed with companies that I think would have been great to work for, and I interviewed with some where I politely declined after the interview. I wasn't looking for just any job, but for a company and team that would be the right fit for me. It's not always easy to find, and it may take time, but waiting for the right fit will make you so much happier in the end.”
Favorite memory as a communication student?
College is a time where you meet and make lifelong friends, and PR classes definitely provided that for me! I met Margaret Buell-D'Ambrosi (c/o 2002) through non-PR friends my junior year, and then she and I started taking classes together. We ended up serving as president and vice president of PRSSA our senior year, and completed our PR Organizations class project together. (We still have our books.) Fast forward 20 years, and we both live in Atlanta, still hang out on a regular basis, and still seek career advice from each other!
Favorite communication class you took and why?
There were so many fun classes in college! I was a dual PR and broadcasting student, so I was able to take a variety of subjects. I learned a lot from our TV broadcasting practicum, including how to shoot decent video (which I've had to do a lot on the fly) and how to be poised on stage. I also loved this one night web design class. Our teacher was so laid back, the students were fun, and we learned a lot of practical skills. And of course...Dr. Flick's interview class was one of the best! He was such a hoot and an amazing mentor and teacher!
Most valuable lesson learned from the communication department?
Be creative, resourceful, and work hard. We did not have the access to technology and programs like students do today. (Hello Quark Express on the lab computers...) We had to really focus and make the most of our time in class, lab, or study sessions.
Favorite communication professor and why?
Dr. John Forde was one of the most influential professors and mentors during my time at State. Not only was he an amazing and knowledgable teacher, but he also helped connect me to other professionals and fellow MSU graduates throughout my career! He was a lot of fun and always willing to talk, listen, and help. I am forever grateful for his leadership and guidance!
What are you passionate about?
I am so fortunate to have an amazing family and support system standing beside me! My husband, Ryan, is my #1 cheerleader, errand-runner, and friend. He has fully embraced the Mississippi State life, as I have Georgia Tech! We have a beautiful 10-year-old daughter and two cats, and we enjoy splitting our time between our homes in Atlanta and Long Beach, Mississippi. I also have this network of ladies who are leaders in technology, healthcare, law, videography, and finance who push me, encourage me, and provide so much support and friendship! My family and friends motivate and inspire me every day!