Recently, Brandon Boyd, the Marketing coordinator here at Mercyhurst University, was interviewed on USA Today. This exciting opportunity came by chance when Boyd saw an advertisement on social media.

“To be honest, I was just scrolling around Twitter and saw that the USA Today was looking to speak with people who had been in a situation like mine. I reached out with an email, and the reporter and I ended up chatting on the phone for about 30 minutes that same day,” Boyd said. “It was cool to see my name and photo in USA Today, for sure. I think it is a good reminder to be an advocate for yourself and to put yourself out there for opportunities. Even with potentially sensitive information like finding a new job during a pandemic, being open and forthright is valuable.”

Boyd recently began the position of Marketing coordinator, however due to the pandemic and all of the COVID restrictions it has not been easy.

Such restrictions made landing the job here at Mercyhurst a nontraditional process.

Boyd had applied for the position, and a few days after, Sean Cuneo, director of Marketing, had reached out to ask if Boyd wanted to interview for the job.

Boyd mentioned that the interview was completely virtual due to the COVID regulations. Having the interview virtually was the safest option in the eyes of Mercyhurst University.

Boyd and Cuneo had talked for a while, however, the call did not stay like that for long. Soon after, the entire marketing team had come on the call to ask Boyd questions and to get a feel for who he is as a person and if he would make a good addition to the team.

About a day or two after the initial interview, Boyd received a call in which he was offered the job. Boyd could not give up this opportunity and he gladly took the position immediately.

His main roles for the position are to assist in the process of recruiting potential students to campus. This typically involves a lot of writing and proofreading.

“I have my hand in a lot of the marketing materials that go out to potential students. I have been here about a month and it has been what I wanted it to be so far. I really like campus and the marketing team here at Mercyhurst is top-notch. I am living a Laker Life now and I really enjoy it,” Boyd said.

Since the article is about finding a job during the pandemic, Boyd offers a few tips for graduating seniors that are seeking jobs in the upcoming months.

“I would just say to know that you’re in unprecedented times and be patient with yourself and with the job market. It’s really difficult to find a job in this market,” said Boyd. “I was lucky enough to have two offers after being furloughed from my previous company due to COVID, but I also have previous work experience.”

He also emphasized the importance of being able to advocate for oneself.

“No one is going to go to bat for you. You may have others who will help you along the way, but ultimately, it’s up to you to go for what it is you want,” he said.

Job applicants must also remain flexible throughout these ever-changing times.

“Find an opportunity and a potential for growth and take it. Even with me here at Mercyhurst, I’m taking this opportunity to advance my skills, learn from others on my team and I even started toward earning my graduate degree in Organizational Leadership,” said Boyd. “Make an opportunity what you want it to be and you’ll find success.”