Graduate emphasizes the importance of networking in competitive job market

By: Lindsay Truax

Posted: 10/9/09

With a full-time job providing brand awareness and marketing to Armstrong Wealth Management Group, Francis Marion alumna Crystal Edwards leads a busy and productive life.
In her free time she operates her own freelance graphic design and photography business, called Crystal Edwards Photography. As if that is not enough, Edwards is also in graduate school at FMU completing her master's in business administration, and serves as an alumna general advisor to Zeta Tau Alpha. With such a busy schedule, she still managed to carve out a few
minutes to share what life after graduation is really all about.
After graduating from FMU in May 2006 with a bachelor's degree in visual arts, photography and graphic design track with a minor in business, Edwards quickly found out that landing a job in one's chosen major is not as easy as one would hope. Although she did freelance graphic design projects during her junior and senior years at FMU, it was not until 2008 when Edwards was searching for a job and in need of extra income that she decided to begin her own business. After establishing a website with the help of a few of her prior FMU professors, Edwards began to book weddings and events where she was the primary photographer.
"Having your own business is a lot more of a challenge," Edwards said. "If you make a mistake you are the only one to hold accountable. You have to be extra cautious. However, it is especially rewarding to see what I've done at the end of a shoot. It's a great sense of accomplishment."
In both of her current jobs, Edwards has found that the way to succeed in business is through meeting people and getting your name out there. In fact, she credits most of her current success with the relationships she was able to build with professors and contacts she made through the activities she was involved in while an undergrad student at FMU.
"It's so important to establish relationships with your professors and utilize their advice when building a portfolio and getting your name out there," Edwards said. "In the long run, a degree will be more valuable than you realize."
Edwards came to Francis Marion from Virginia after she was recruited for the volleyball team and offered a scholarship. She played volleyball for two years and then worked for the athletic department during her junior year. Due to her success in the art department, Edwards was offered an art scholarship that carried her through graduation. Edwards pledged to Zeta Tau Alpha during her freshmen year and still remains actively involved with the sorority now.
During college, Edwards lived on campus for over a year and then, like most students, moved into an apartment in town. When asked what advice she would give to college students on where to live, Edwards said living on campus is vital to fully experiencing all that FMU has to offer.
"I think everyone should live in a dorm once," Edwards said. "It's definitely an experience. Living on campus is smarter because it's cheaper and closer to what's going on."
Edwards worked throughout college and also participated in several internships. Although the experiences she gained were invaluable, she admitted that she does regret not devoting more time to enjoying being a college student.
"Remember to enjoy being young and live in the present with an eye towards the future," Edwards advised. "Don't be too eager to grow up. It will come soon enough. Working in college is beneficial for your resume and for developing your time management skills, but it's also important to allow time for getting involved on campus. That also looks good on your resume, and it's fun at the same time."
One important lesson that Edwards learned after graduation is that life in the working world is fast-paced. Edwards explained that it is very easy to get side-tracked in the endless days of work and paying bills, and that it is easy to lose a sense of who you are as a person. Edwards recently became determined to make a conscious effort to stay true to herself and the goals she hopes to accomplish in life. In order to make a concrete effort, Edwards made a list, including everything from her career goals to her desire to go skydiving, and is checking things off one at a time.
"It's important to figure out who you are individually instead of getting caught up in outside influences," Edwards said. "It's important to take time to do this while you're young and don't have as many obligations to other people."