The University of Georgia’s Alumni Association annually recognizes outstanding alumni who have made an impact in their careers through its 40 Under 40 program. Grady College is proud to have seven honorees in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2018: Brooke Bowen (ABJ ‘07, JD ‘10), Chase Cain (ABJ ’05), Meredith Dean (ABJ ‘14), Josh Delaney (ABJ’11, AB ‘11), Ivey Evans (ABJ ’06, BBA ’06, MBA ‘13), Quanza Griffin (ABJ ‘01) and Lauren Pearson (ABJ ‘02).
Selections were based on the graduates’ commitment to a lifelong relationship with UGA and their impact in business, leadership, community, artistic, research, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors. The 2018 Class will be honored at the awards luncheon on Sept. 13 at the Georgia Aquarium.
Grady College will release profiles of the winners leading up to the awards luncheon.
Name: Ivey Evans
Graduation Year: 2006
Current Occupation: Director of digital marketing, Childcare Network, Inc.
Grady College: How did Grady College help prepare you for your career?
Ivey Evans: My experience at Grady absolutely helped me in my career. The capstone advertising campaigns class where we had to create a complete advertising plan from creative concept to placement not only allowed us to put what we had learned into practice, but also how to work as a team to produce a cohesive, impressive final product for a client. Because of the limited work experience you gain in college, this class and the resulting “book” was invaluable and gave me something I could take into interviews to talk about.
GC: What advice do you have for today’s Grady College students/young professionals?
IE: The world is going digital, and employers are looking to you to help navigate that world as digital natives. Employers also love to see real world experience. I personally have a great passion for volunteering in the community, and this is also a great way to get some work experience! Find a local non-profit or small business and help them out! Set up their social accounts and help them create meaningful content. Show how your efforts are helping drive their business results. It shows initiative, which is something I always look for when interviewing/hiring.
One way to stand out in this increasingly digital world is to also go analog. Always send a timely hand-written thank you note after an interview, meeting with a professional in your desired field, etc. That person will likely keep that note on their desk for some time as well, bringing you top-of-mind. You won’t believe the positive impact of this very simple act!
Finally, having a mentor can be critical in times of transition throughout your career. These relationships will form organically as you enter the workforce, but you have to nurture them! You can learn so much from their experiences, but mentors learn from you as well. They will also give you unfiltered advice, which is often necessary, especially in times of strife. I try to have regular phone “dates” with my mentors that are across the country, and in-person whenever schedules allow! Aim for a monthly check-in to keep up-to-date.
GC: What skills and/or values and/or circumstances do you attribute most to your success?
IE: Word hard AND smart. Be committed to what you are doing, and your manager will see that. Always be willing to learn and ask questions, and never be afraid to admit what you don’t know.
GC: Do you have a favorite Grady memory?
IE: I’ll never forget the first time I watched the Apple 1984 Super Bowl commercial in my intro to advertising class. That commercial still goes down as one of the greats, and is one of the key moments where I realized I loved advertising!