Name: Megan Wells (Bernardy)
Graduation Year: 2005
Major: Electronic Media
Current Position: Digital Marketing Manager, Twin Disc and Business Owner of Rhea Lana’s of Pleasant Prairie
City and State: Racine, WI
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
My current “day job” began in May of 2022 at Twin Disc, a power transmission technology manufacturing company headquartered in Racine, WI. My role includes being responsible for coordinating and executing digital marketing communication strategies with a focus on website management, email marketing, social media initiatives, data analysis, and driving traffic to the company pages to increase engagement and fill the company’s sales funnel.
Prior to this role, I’ve primarily worked in marketing, starting off at the Assemblies of God National Office after graduating from Evangel. After 5 years there, I moved home to Wisconsin and worked as a brand strategist at an internal marketing agency in the tradeshow industry working on major brands in the aviation, pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods space. I also spent 4 years as the marketing director for a K-12 private Christian school as I took a break from the corporate world to grow our family with our daughter Emerson in 2018 and son Lincoln in 2020.
In 2021, alongside our full-time jobs, my business partner Sarah and I launched a children’s consignment franchise, Rhea Lana’s of Pleasant Prairie in Wisconsin. Founded in Arkansas 25 years ago, we are franchise #127 and provide bi-annual events for the community to sell and shop high quality baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and furniture. Additionally, at the end of each event, consignors can donate their items that don’t sell to local foster families who get to come and “shop” for free. Any remaining items are then donated to a local charity.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
Definitely playing basketball! Not only the experience of playing at a high level on such a successful team, but the relationships I made with such an amazing group of women- many whom I keep in touch with today almost 20 years later.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
I always felt that God had called me to do something great- to impact people. Even though I didn’t, (and some days still don’t) know exactly what that meant (or means), Evangel provided such a spiritually sound and supportive environment with encouraging faculty and friends to inspire and challenge us to not give up on that calling on our lives.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
Evangel exposed me to such a variety of topics and professional opportunities that I didn’t even know I needed back then. At the time I was focused more on broadcasting and was able to host, produce, and write, but because of the thoughtfulness put into the curriculum, I was challenged to take classes within my major that weren’t necessarily part of my “focus.” These are the courses that ended up providing me with tools relevant to my current employment that at the time I didn’t even know I would eventually need.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Doing well in your studies is obviously important, but so is being well rounded. Don’t skip out on the “fun” stuff. Developing social skills, having high levels of emotional intelligence, being involved, and showing overall compassion and passion for your community and your work are things employers are looking for. Be flexible, but also have confidence in your worth and what you bring to the table. And always counter!
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
Soft skills. The resume will get you through the door, but things like non-verbal communication, examples of critical thinking, time management, and problem solving are just as important. These are the differentiators that will set you apart in an interview