Our SMS professionals serve as ambassadors for our certification program here at NISM. Not only are they knowledgeable about our curriculum, but they also share our passion for social media. Best of all, their stories help shape our organization and the work that we do here.

Our “Meet and Greet” series introduces you to one of our SMS professionals and shares their story. We hope that by sharing these stories, not only will you learn more about others who share your passion for being an SMS professional, but you also will want to connect with them further. We encourage you to “meet” this featured individual by reaching out to them through your favorite social media platform or by commenting in the section below this article.

And with that, we’d like to introduce you to Charice Patterson and her story.

Hi, Charice! Please tell us a little about yourself and the work you do.

I’m Charice, born and raised in Louisville, KY. I graduated from the University of Louisville in 2009 with an Associates in Paralegal Studies and again in 2020 with a Bachelors in Communication after returning to the university to work full-time. Currently, I work in the University Career Center as the Sr. Program Assistant (or Office Manager, in plain terms). One of my duties is leading our social media team, where we create content centered on our student population, informing career-related tips, advice, events, career fairs, and more.

So was it your current role that prompted you to seek SMS Certification?

Yes! When I first inherited the role of creating graphics for our online platforms, there was very little structure and inconsistencies in our presence. With limited knowledge of social media prior to the NISM, I revived our channels to the best of my ability. Now certified, I’m hoping to utilize my learnings to create a more solidified presence that others may follow in my absence whenever that may be.

Well then, we’re so glad you found us! Did you go through a prep course or complete the self-study program?

I had a 6-week one-on-one tutoring session to prepare for the exam. I loved talking with my mentor who went through the same experience and was able to aid me based on her time in studying and taking the exam. The amount of information surprised me. Social media has such detailed information and intricacies, like a 1000-piece puzzle, but more pieces are added as social media evolves.

That’s a great analogy! Speaking of puzzle pieces, the SMS exam is focused on 6 different content domains. Which is your favorite and why?

Marketing and Communications was my favorite. I fancy myself as creative, so I found this domain to be intriguing and inspiring. I’m always thinking of ways to convert our student’s engagement into physical presence at our career fairs and events, and this domain gave me great ideas I plan to execute.

What is your favorite social media platform?

I love Facebook. I’ve been on since 2005, so I’ve seen the evolution of its beginning to what it is today. I find it better to connect with friends, family, and others than on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc..

Before we go, we like to end things with a fun fact. Can you tell us something about you that not everyone would know?

I am a HUGE Golden Girls fan. I’ve watched it so many times I can usually tell what the episode is within the first minute or two.

The Golden Girls are so much fun! To end things on a really fun note, Charice sent in this photo of her holding an alligator during a swamp tour in New Orleans on her birthday last year.

Thank you for your willingness to share your story with us. Keep up the excellent work!

If you’d like, you can connect with Charice on LinkedIn.