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Erica Lake serves SoACE as the Director of Targeted Knowledge Groups. She is the Director of Corporate Engagement in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina. Throughout her 15 years in higher education, her career has spanned Career Services, Greek Life and University Housing. Erica has been involved in SoACE since 2011 and was the 2012 New Professional of the Year. She is a two-time graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Science in Counselor Education and Student Affairs. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and spend time with her husband, Dietrich, and two sons, Sebastian and Austin. You can connect with her on LinkedIn @EricaJamesLake.
How did you get into the Career Services profession?
I became intrigued and passionate about the job search process after obtaining my undergraduate degree. Like many of our students, I did not take full advantage of my university Career Center. As graduation approached, I was not able to find a desirable position, so I decided to pursue graduate school.
Fortunately, I obtained a graduate assistantship and later a full-time internship at Millsaps College. The experiential education positions that I held in Career Services, University Housing and Greek Life helped to direct my professional career. I found a home in Career Services because of the tremendous support that I received from former supervisors and mentors who invested their time and resources into me. In addition, the relationships that I have developed through SoACE and NACE have been extremely rewarding. Currently, I have the pleasure of facilitating career and corporate connections between students, faculty, and employers for the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.
Describe your SoACE Experience. How did you get involved?
I began my SoACE volunteer journey in the Employer Relations Knowledge Group, after meeting current president, Mark Colvenbach, at the 2012 conference in St. Petersburg, FL. He invited me to volunteer with the Employer Relations Knowledge Group as a Program Coordinator. I was involved with the Knowledge Groups for about three years and eventually progressed to the Chair role. Then I ran for a board position, but did not win. However, I stayed involved and volunteered on the 2016 conference committee in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. After that experience, I moved into my current board position, Director, Targeted Knowledge Groups. This position has allowed me to work closely with some of the most involved members of our association. I am eager to serve as President-Elect beginning in July 2019 and to continue our legacy of excellence.
What advice do you have for new professionals who aspire to get more involved in the profession?
Get involved. Just do it. We are always looking for good people to serve. Remember, we are all professionals with many responsibilities. We appreciate any time you can dedicate to SoACE. Involvement is very rewarding. We have a special community of members and volunteers. The relationships that you develop through our association are priceless.
What is your favorite quote?
“People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
This quote resonates with me because I always strive to uplift others. Encouragement goes a long way in building strong relationships.
What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
Being chosen as president-elect of SoACE is a huge honor. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve this amazing association of my peers and employers. I look forward to working with our members and the board of directors to prepare the leaders of the next generation. SoACE has given me so much professionally and personally. I am eager to contribute in a larger capacity.
What are some of your hobbies when not working?
I love to read and am always seeking ways to make a positive impact on the community. Additionally, I like doing Zumba exercise classes and working out. My family and I enjoy traveling and attending Gamecock football and women’s basketball games.
