Exploring Ann Arbor

These past couple of weeks, I have had the pleasure of exploring one of the coolest cities in the U.S: Ann Arbor. Did you know that Ann Arbor is one of the 20 best vacation spots in the country? It’s also been named the 5th happiest city in the U.S., the best place for singles, AND one of the best towns for recent grads. (Thanks AnnArbor.com for the info). Not to mention, it’s the 16th most geekiest city in America (Forbes, 2011). 

My family relocated to the Ann Arbor (from South Lyon, MI) area a few years ago and now I am back after graduating from Wingate University for undergrad and Elon University for grad school in North Carolina. I wanted to come back with my fresh new master’s degree in Interactive Media not only because my family is here, but because I love this state and I recognize the need for more graduated individuals such as myself to help build back up this state’s economy. As far as I’m concerned, I see that Ann Arbor is thriving and I most definitely feel that I’m in the right place at the right time with the right degree.

For the past two weeks after adjusting to returning back to the Mitten, I have been keeping myself busy with job hunting and also, just as importantly, networking. I had the chance to attend the last two LA2M meetings, or Lunch Ann Arbor Marketing, run by Ingenex Digital Marketing. LA2M meetings are for individuals who are more interested in learning about marketing in the Ann Arbor area. This past week, I listened to Steve Sadler, author of Exposure to Closure and founder of Buz.fm. He discussed how to be present as a business in social and in search, two major things that help drive successful businesses. By listening to Steve, it made me realize how much I really need to learn about SEO and SSO (social search optimization).

Though I have had my final matriculation, I am finding that I still thoroughly enjoy learning! I also had the chance to listen to Bud Gibson at the last LA2M meeting discuss more about SEO and search marketing. Bud created the first and only search marketing program at Eastern Michigan. He, and his students, make me really want to sign up for this! 

On Monday, I attended my very first Ann Arbor SPARK meeting about creative marketing for entrepreneurs and businesses. It was great to be able to see what SPARK does and get plugged in! I recently created a job profile on their site. I would recommend it! Seems like there have been a lot of people who have experienced success with their assistance. 

Ann Arbor may seem like a big town, but it definitely has the small town feel. I’m happy to be in a place that has so much going on, but I’m also willing to explore Michigan more! We’ve got lots going on here, so give us some more credit :)

If you are looking to hire, shoot me an email at me@kelseytrabue.com and check out my portfolio. I have a wide range of skills that I just can’t wait to start using!

-Design: print, web, mobile, UI
-Strategy: digital marketing, social media 
-Social Media: planning, strategizing, campaigning
-Project Management
-Dog walking ;)