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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Maddie Thompson '20

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Posted on Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Since graduating from Westminster in 2020, Madeline (Keenan) Thompson has experienced a dynamic career journey shaped by opportunities, adaptability, and a passion for learning. From radio host in small town USA to protocol officer for the US federal government, Maddie credits the ample opportunities to get involved in Westminster activities as the foundation for her professional curiosity, determination, and work ethic.


1. Tell us about your career path since graduating from Westminster.


During the summer of 2020, I was recommended for an internship at C93 Radio in Clarion, Pennsylvania, by my mother-in-law who listened to my show. I worked as an on-air host, in the sales/marketing department, and filled in anywhere that the station needed, trying to learn as much as possible. Once Westminster classes resumed in the fall of 2020, I continued to work part-time at the station while attending class full-time. Upon graduation in December of 2020, the radio station offered me a full-time position as one of their on-air hosts and sales associates. I eagerly accepted the position and worked at the radio station until August of 2021.
 

I was looking for a new adventure in the summer of 2021, when my twin brother was offered a teaching job in Virginia. I, too, moved to the area and accepted a position with Flair Communication as a digital marketing associate, building websites and managing clients’ social media channels. While at Flair, I came across an opportunity to work at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) as a communication assistant on a contract with Stracon Services. Through this position, I was able to branch out creatively and try a variety of different things, and also get back into my broadcasting roots. I never imagined myself working for the federal government, so this was a huge adjustment, but I absolutely loved it from my very first day. I was able to do things like writing, photography, event management, video production, marketing, and strategy. I had a very large support system and am grateful for the mentors at NSWCDD.
 

In December of 2023, I was offered a civilian position at Marine Corps Base Quantico with Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) as their community relations lead. I was so nervous as this would be a huge leap in my career, but I have always wanted to take on challenges and adventures, so I accepted the position.
 

During my time with MCSC, I plan and execute events, including a Change of Command for a Brigadier General. I have had incredible opportunities to travel and meet some of the most influential figures in the Marine Corps/DoD, stretch my abilities, and put my DoD knowledge to the test. I have also added protocol officer at MCSC to my professional portfolio, which has increased both my role and skill set.


2. What activities were you involved in at Westminster?

At Westminster, I didn't want to waste a single second of my time as a student, so I made my schedule very efficient to maximize my experiences. I was a three-sport athlete involved in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field. I was a resident assistant (RA) for two years and was a work study student with Titan Radio 88.9 FM. I wanted to make sure my educational portfolio was as well rounded as possible, so I also was heavily involved with the remote broadcast team at Westminster. I also served as the marketing chair for several Theater Westminster productions, including my favorite, “Hamlet.” Something that I felt was very important for me to experience at WC was Greek life. I was in Phi Mu sorority where I served as 2020 chapter president. I also participated as a Titan tour guide and overnight host. My broadcast career almost didn’t happen, as I seriously considered majoring in music at Westminster. The music department provided wonderful experiences for students, and even though I wasn’t a music major, I still had the opportunity to tour with the choir in Florida and even sing for my grandparents who lived nearby!


3. How did your experience/education at WC help prepare you for your current profession with the Marine Corps?
 

Westminster really challenged me to think on my feet. Working for the Marine Corps, especially in protocol and community relations, you really have to think ahead and have three backup plans. I think back to a time that I was a sideline reporter for a football game at Westminster. I had all of my post-game interview questions set to go. About 10 seconds before the game was over, the other team scored and won the game, and I still had to interview Coach Benzel. It completely flipped the interview on its head, but it taught me to think on my feet and be prepared for any outcome.
 

Every day with the Marine Corps, I'm challenged to do something new and different, and from all of my extracurricular activities at Westminster, I was able to learn a multitude of valuable skills that are not necessarily taught in the classroom. For example, you can go to class and you can do your homework. But broadcasting isn't just about knowing the basic fundamentals of how to use a camera. It's about knowing how to do an interview, knowing how to market yourself, learning how to speak concisely, networking and having that core connection base, creating a stellar portfolio reel, knowing how all the equipment works and how to troubleshoot when it eventually doesn't work. But it’s also about knowing how to make a connection with someone you might not necessarily know very well, conflict management and resolution, professionalism, how to balance two conflicting events, and so many more professional skills. The extracurricular activities helped me become a well-rounded and versatile professional.


4. What kind of advice would you give other young alumni in pursuing their dreams?
 

If I could go back and give young Maddie one piece of advice I would say, “You are only limited by your no.” Start your adventure, take a chance, figure it out, and then figure it out again. There is a crazy world out there full of opportunity for those who want to take advantage of it, especially for young professionals looking to start their career. It is very easy to make excuses as to why you are not ready for that new job, or why you should not move to a more profitable area, or why someone else is succeeding. I have found that the harder I work, the more opportunities present themselves.
 

5. Share a memory from Westminster that you’ll never forget.
 

Every single bridesmaid in my wedding was a Westminster graduate. I’m fortunate to have met a great, core group of friends on campus in New Wilmington. From choir tours, to sorority events, to traveling to track meets, I have so many special moments and memories during my time at WC.
 

Connect with Maddie on LinkedIn here.