Success Story
Bearkat Success Story: Emily Acker
From Classroom to Corporate
Mar. 18, 2025
Media Contact: Enrique Paz
Social Media Coordinator
Quanta Services, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Navigating post-graduate life can be daunting, especially for first-generation students. Emily Acker’s journey was filled with unexpected turns, yet each step played a crucial role in shaping her career. From earning a degree in Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University to stepping into the world of education and finally transitioning into corporate marketing, her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and growth.
“I had family support in the ways that they loved me and supported me, but as far as knowledge of how college went, I was really doing it on my own, so I didn’t know what post-grad life entailed,” Acker said. “I really wanted to get into the marketing industry, and I was working for a school district in their communications department. That led me to be interested in education, so I ended up becoming a teacher, which was way off the path that I thought I would be in, but it all worked out.”
While teaching provided Acker with invaluable skills, she realized she missed the creative aspects of marketing. After five years in education, she sought a way to combine her passion for communication with her experience in the classroom.
“I wanted to merge those two together, and I found the perfect job for right then, which was working for Sam Houston State University’s Career Success Center as their Marketing and Events Assistant Director,” Acker said.
This transition allowed Acker to rediscover her passion for marketing while leveraging her teaching background. Working at SHSU provided her with hands-on experience in a professional setting, honing her skills in event planning, social media management, and outreach. The experience proved to be a turning point in her career. It offered her a space to grow while gaining the confidence to take on more substantial roles in the field.
“I really appreciate my time there. I got so much experience doing all things marketing, and it was just a really wonderful two years,” Acker said. “A very growing two years because I learned so much within that time, and it led me to where I am now."
With a strong foundation in both education and marketing, Acker was prepared to take the next step. That opportunity came with Quanta Services, where she now works as a Social Media Coordinator.
“I know that without my early career in education and my career transition with Sam Houston, I wouldn’t have been able to land the job that I have now,” Acker said. “This has been the right job and a dream job for me.”
In her role at Quanta, Acker handles various responsibilities. Her tasks range from content creation to event planning, keeping her days dynamic and engaging.
“I handle all of our social media accounts for Quanta Services in addition to our podcast Powerline Podcast, so each day’s a little different but a lot of it is making content, writing captions... looking for different opportunities for future posts,’ Acker said. “In addition to that, I work on our marketing team, so we have a lot of great events that we’re planning.”
"This has been the right job and a dream job for me"
One of her recent projects included organizing Quanta’s president’s meeting, a large-scale gathering that involved extensive preparation and graphic design work. Reflecting on her journey, Acker emphasizes that career paths are rarely linear. Each experience contributes to future growth, even if it doesn’t seem to fit the initial plan.
“For most careers, there’s a lot of fluidity, and there’s a lot that you can do,” Acker said. “I think that you have to realize that your career is like a fingerprint. It’s going to be very unique to you and it’s going to be changing... so just be open to what is best for you at the time and see a future vision from what you could build upon.”
Having navigated her own career transitions, Acker encourages students and recent graduates to take advantage of the resources available to them.
“Seek out the resources that are available to you, for free, most of them,” Acker said. “Seek out community within not only your peers but professors and staff members... I’ve seen just how willing all staff and faculty are to help their students. If you are wanting to go the extra mile, you’re wanting to invest in yourself, they will really help you and bring that to fruition for you.”
She also emphasizes the importance of networking and taking initiative in personal and professional development.
“There’s so many opportunities for personal and professional growth,” Acker said. “Don’t be afraid to make friends. It really is just the friendliest campus, and I think that what you put in is what you’re going to get out of it, so really put in the effort to build yourself up.”
Acker believes that the Career Success Center and other university resources play a vital role in setting students up for success.
“I realized there really is so much, not just for first-generation students, there’s a ton there, but for every student there’s so much opportunity,” Acker said. “If you really dive in, you’re going to get so much out of your experience rather than just going to class and getting your degree.”
For Acker, every career step—whether expected or not—has contributed to her current success. She advises graduates to stay open-minded and focus on finding the right opportunity for the present moment rather than seeking the elusive “perfect job.”
“Don’t always look for the perfect job or your dream job, especially when you’re first graduating,” Acker said. “Look for the job that’s right for you right now. Even though as my career went on, I’m no longer in education, the skills that I learned in my early career have been pivotal for everything that I’m doing now.”
Now fully immersed in the marketing industry, Acker is excited about what the future holds.
“It’s always changing, there’s always something new coming, but it’s really exciting every day,” Acker said.
To stay up to date with Emily's journey, follow her on Linkedin!
- #BearkatsGetHired -