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SMPS OC’s 2022 Student Member Spotlight

Meet SMPS OC’s First Student Member, Britnie Ball!

Britnie has been involved with SMPS from the time she was a college undergrad through her Master’s program and beyond. She has been working in the A/E/C Marketing industry for a few years now and is a Marketing Specialist at Stantec.

How were you introduced to SMPS?

When I was an undergrad, one of my marketing professors brought in a guest speaker from SMPS to share how this marketing industry organization was available to us. It was the first I’d ever heard of A/E/C marketing. It was a career path I never knew existed, but since I was always interested in architecture and infrastructure, learning about SMPS and this type of Marketing intrigued me. So, I switched gears a little and decided to follow this not-so-typical marketing career. I am so glad I was introduced to SMPS as a college student.

How did you engage with SMPS?

I initially engaged with SMPS by becoming a member of the on-campus chapter so I could get a better understanding of the industry. Once I moved to California, I joined the Orange County Chapter and started attending events. Then my boss encouraged me to join the Mentorship program and—hands down—it’s the best thing I have done. It’s so nice to have someone who can give me advice, feedback, and serve as a sounding board in a safe space. In addition to participating in the Mentorship program, I am also on the Student Liaison Committee.

How has your SMPS involvement benefitted you in both your work and education efforts?

In my education, SMPS has helped me focus more on the topics that I need for this niche work we do. My connection with SMPS also helped me find an internship in the A/E/C industry while still in school. It has helped me grow my network, which is very helpful since I am still somewhat new to the industry. In terms of career, SMPS has helped me identify new opportunities, educated me about new areas of our industry, and connected me to the right people who are now helping me develop and refine my skills and grow my career.

What would you tell potential student members about SMPS?

My advice to students who may thinking about joining SMPS is: Just Do It! It opens your eyes and opens so many doors. It’s low commitment and high reward. It’s inexpensive and there are so many informative events and networking and educational opportunities. And if you’re like me…you’ll fall in love with both SMPS and the A/E/C marketing industry.

How do you plan to stay active in SMPS?

Next year I am going to help with Communications and serve as the Email Blast Chair and will also stay involved on the Student Liaison Committee. I will continue attending luncheon and educational events, as well. And maybe in a couple years, I’d love to pay it forward and serve as a Mentor in our Mentorship Program and help the next Britnie!

SMPS OC’s 2024 Mentee Spotlight

Meet SMPS OC’s Mentee Spotlight, Kari Seekatz!

Learn more about Kari's experience in SMPS OC's Mentorship Program!

What was it like meeting and working with your mentor?

Meeting and working with Shannon has been an incredible experience. We share a lot in common, and she's offered invaluable advice along with some creative suggestions for dealing with job-related challenges.

How often did you connect with your mentor? What did you usually discuss?

We meet for lunch every other month, and I also volunteered for a committee for the 2025 SMPS PRC Conference that Shannon is leading. This means I see her virtually almost every week. Our conversations mostly revolve around our current roles and past experiences, and we've shared some insightful and humorous stories about navigating challenging workplace cultures.

What were the biggest takeaways from your time with your mentor?

Connecting with someone outside of my firm, who I can speak to candidly and get great advice from, has been invaluable.

As a mentee, how did you grow from the experience? 

This experience has encouraged me to try to become more involved with SMPS and finally, after more than 20 years as a member, to attend a conference!

 What was something that surprised you about the experience?

I was pleasantly surprised by how much we have in common and how comfortable I felt with her right from the start. She's incredibly kind and intelligent, and we've already decided to continue our lunches even after the mentorship program ends.

 Any final thoughts?

I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this mentorship program! Thank you for running the program, I know it’s not always easy!