The NISM SMS professionals serve as ambassadors for our certification program. 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.

In our “Meet & Greet” series, you can get to know more about our SMS community, learn more about these professionals who share your passion for social media and connect with them for collaboration and networking. Have other questions? Ask them below.

And with that, we’d like to introduce you to Erika Voeller and her story.

Erika, tell us a little about yourself and the work you do.

I am mostly a copywriter, who happens to also offer freelance content strategy, social media, and branding services. I’m also a yoga teacher.

Currently, I work at Target as a digital copywriter. It’s my responsibility to craft short, informative, and engaging copy that makes sense to those who visit Target.com. My social media experience has helped me gain an understanding of the type of messaging that resonates best with these consumers.

It’s great your social media skills benefit your work as a copywriter. How did you get started working in social media?

My social media experiences extend all the way back to my time in college. I was involved in many different student groups and organizations, and many of them had pretty lackluster social media profiles. So I started running the social media accounts for groups I was involved in, like TEDx UMN and the College of Liberal Arts. Then, as an intern at Tiger Oak Media, I managed the Facebook and Twitter profiles for Saint Paul Magazine and Plymouth Magazine, before moving into a more professional copywriting and social media role.

What prompted you to explore certification as a social media strategist?

A couple of years ago, I worked for a small brand and marketing agency that was looking to expand its digital marketing and social media services. Since I was already running the agency’s social media, I was a natural fit to offer the same strategic services to our clients. I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what I was doing, so I explored certification.

I knew NISM was a reputable company because of my relationship with its CEO, Jennifer Radke. She helped me understand the different course options and how to go about obtaining my SMS certification.

Jen is definitely a great person to know! Did you go through a prep course or complete the self-study program? What did you like most about that? What surprised you?

I went through a prep course. I went about it at my own pace, which was admittedly a little slower than the actual pace set for the course. I am grateful to NISM and my course instructor, Amy, for their flexibility with me as I juggled work, yoga teacher training, and the SMS course all at the same time.

I was most surprised by the accountability provided by NISM. I thought I’d be just another name on the roster, but Amy checked in with me via email more than once to ensure I understood the material and that I was progressing through the course as I should.

Accountability can make all the difference. How has the SMS certification helped you so far?

I never expected my SMS certification to come with such a vast network of funny, creative, supportive social media strategists. My certification has introduced me to professionals I wouldn’t have otherwise met, and it’s helped me approach job applications and interviews with more confidence. I know what I’m doing, and now I have the badge to prove it.

We’re so glad you love being a part of the NISM community! Can you tell us something about you that not everyone would know? Something unique about yourself.

I play the violin! I started when I was 5, and I’ve never let it go since. My bow has purple horse hair!

Erika, thank you for your willingness to share your story with us. Keep up the excellent work! You can connect with Erika online:

Check out her website: https://www.erikavoeller.com/

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikavoeller/