Growing up in Rock Island, Illinois, Taylor Headley’s career aspirations included being a teacher, a cosmetologist or even an artist.
“Even as a kid, I gravitated toward the world of creative business. From setting up pretend stores for my family to shop in to crafting flyers and hosting impromptu hula-hooping contests, in hindsight, I have always had the desire to create and build something.”
After graduating from high school in 2009, Headley took a break to travel and explore, eventually settling back down in the Quad Cities where she went to cosmetology school and worked in the beauty industry for over a decade, until the pandemic hit.
“With salons closed, I decided to finish my associate degree at Black Hawk College. It wasn’t until I took a marketing class that I realized my passion for business. That’s when I found NIU’s marketing program. NIU accepted my community college credits and offered the flexibility I needed as a distance learner,” she said.
Through the Business in Action course at NIU, Headley had the opportunity to execute a business consulting project for Plano Area Alliance Supporting Student Success (PAASSS), which is an organization dedicated to helping all young children thrive, based in Plano, Illinois.
“As part of the marketing team, I developed a deep understanding of their existing marketing efforts,” she said. “Following the course’s final presentations, I contacted my professor, Jacie Collum, who kindly connected me with PAASSS’s chairman, Laurel Mateyka. I was eager to share the refined marketing materials I created and discuss how I could further assist PAASSS with their branding and marketing initiatives.”
At PAASSS, Headley played a key role in strengthening their marketing foundation. She leveraged data analysis to interpret marketing results, implemented targeted campaigns to reach their audience effectively and collaborated on developing a cohesive brand identity across various channels.
“My focus was on empowering PAASSS with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their future goals and endure long-term growth,” she said. “During my internship at PAASSS, a highlight was the opportunity to exercise creativity in crafting email content and event materials. I also gained valuable experience by participating in various processes, including web design aspects and event planning.”
After she earns her marketing degree, she plans to leverage her marketing skills and creativity to focus on brand development, digital marketing and campaign strategy.
“My ultimate dream is to launch my own marketing agency specifically designed to empower small businesses in my area,” she said.
For first- and second-year Huskies considering an internship, Headley says professionalism is key.
“These opportunities allow you to observe how business meetings are conducted, learn to craft effective and respectful emails, and gain a broader understanding of what your desired career might entail,” she said. “[Students should not] be afraid to take steps outside their comfort zone if they see a project that aligns with their interests, even if it’s not formally advertised.”
Marketing students who are interested in finding an internship that fits your strengths and interests can contact Michele Kaczka, marketing internship coordinator, at 815-753-1156 or mkaczka@niu.edu. You can also drop by her office in Barsema Hall, Room 128L, to discuss your options for summer.
