by Ramona Collins, Miss March 2016

My days vary a lot. As a social media manager, I am often researching trends, writing content and touching base with those inside and outside the company for project issues. I work in the retail industry with a primary focus on social media and digital marketing.

Although there are various responsibilities in my professional life, a few things remain the same: 

• Arrive at work by 8:30 AM (most days)

• I have breakfast in the company cafe with a coworker before 9:30 AM

• Check the latest industry happenings and trends by reading industry daily newsletters from Smartbrief, MediaPost and others.

• I also take note of what’s happening in pop culture. Who’s tweeting? What are they tweeting about? What’s trending? 

Other duties that I’m responsible for throughout any given day range from content writing, creating editorial calendars, and publishing content on our social media channels. I also research and brainstorm ways to promote our content and products in the fast-moving social media space. It’s not as boring as it sounds. My recent days have included: 

• A visit to the Facebook Headquarters in Menlo Park, CA

• Sitting on a panel at a Northwest Arkansas PRSA event

• Presenting to UofA journalism students on social media and PR.

After work, my hours are dedicated to personal projects and volunteer assignments. In the evenings and late nights I find time to write for my blog, Addicted to Fries; watch webinars or read professional development materials; manage the website and complete graphic design projects for my sorority. I love to read, but don’t get to do as much reading as I would like. I have subscriptions to several blogging and writing publications and several books are my must-read list. I also find time to support my niece and nephew. They are active in sports. I attend games whenever I can. 

The best relaxation for me is watching my favorite TV shows and series. I spend time each night catching up on episodes I missed over the weekend or watching first-run airings of reality shows, scripted series on cable and broadcast networks. My must-watch list includes Married at First Sight, Real Housewives of {All of Them}, Moonshiners and Showtime’s Shameless. New additions that are almost on the must-watch list include Quantico on ABC and American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson on FX.

In a perfect world, my days would consist of hot chocolate, sunny skies and lots of writing and reading by a beach. The Bahama Islands are calling my name. It’s time to book a trip.