(June 29, 2012)

Centenary alumnus gets creative with Williams Group

SHREVEPORT, LA — Though Centenary alumnus Marquette LaForest '12 just graduated in May, he has already logged almost two months with his new employer, Williams Creative Group, a marketing/public relations general counseling firm in Shreveport. LaForest routinely makes use of his Communication degree, with a minor in tv/film/video, in his day-to-way work.

"A typical day involves managing the social media presences of a few Louisiana-based organizations, designing websites, and crafting PR strategies," said LaForest. "Clients range from restaurants to tourism agencies to medical industry suppliers."

LaForest credits his Centenary experience for his rapid transition from student to employee:

"I would not have landed this job had it not been for the connections I made during my time at Centenary, and specifically, KSCL."

KSCL, a non-commercial FM radio station, is programmed and operated by Centenary students. LaForest joined KSCL as a freshman and was impressed by staff members and DJs that continued to help out even after they graduated or moved away from Shreveport. During his time at the station, he met Sara Hebert '06, who would be instrumental in his future at Williams Creative Group.

"Sara has been rather successful in her own career," said LaForest. "After I took the Web Design class she taught at Centenary, she offered me an internship at Williams. I was brought in as a full-time employee after nine months."

Looking forward, LaForest hopes to see and experience more of the world:

"Now that I have the time and means, I am planning on taking some vacation days here and there, and racking up some frequent flyer miles."