Every day is different for Media and Communication alumna Erin Devost '13.
As the Social Media Manager at Teak Media + Communication, it is her job to connect with public relations account leaders, leveraging all aspects of digital marketing to advance the missions and fundraising efforts of various nonprofits and sustainable companies. With boundless energy and commitment to her clients, Devost helps organizations expand their social media networks and improve their ability to raise funds through enhanced SEO and digital campaigns.
“Every day at Teak we make it matter, make a difference, and make it happen for our clients,” explained Devost, whose responsibilities also include managing social media accounts for her array of clients, creating copy and graphics for content calendars, and staying abreast on the latest digital trends.
Alongside her position at Teak, Devost hosts a podcast focused on health and wellness, mental health, and social stigmas. She finds her experience as a social media manager and podcast host go hand in hand.
“The benefit is I can apply what I am discovering on social media to how I manage my podcast and vice versa," she said.
Devost credits her experiences at Castleton as being a monumental part of her life and professional career.
“Castleton helped me learn how to find my purpose and network in the communications industry,” said Devost, adding that she participated in the first social media course ever taught at Castleton. “It was the first stepping stone in my career.”
After graduation, Devost went on to pursue a master’s in communication at Newhouse School at Syracuse University. She stated that Castleton prepared her to continue her higher education journey by teaching her how to be an effective communicator, a creative storyteller, and broadened her perspective of social issues.
While finishing her master’s degree, Devost worked full-time as a Division Administrative Assistant for the State of Vermont, and then Digital Campaign Coordinator promoted to SEO Analyst. She also held part-time internships as a Public Relations Assistant for Campaign for Vermont and a Media Relations Apprentice for Ludington Media in NYC.
To this day, Devost still draws on her Castleton education experience.
“Castleton taught me confidence is not all based on your ability to succeed, but your belief in your ability to succeed,” she said. “Castleton gave me the confidence to believe in myself because that is the place to start.”