Emma Thompson
Strategy-Oriented Professional · WWU Small Business Development Center
Bellingham, WA
In My Own Words
I am a 2024 Master of Business Administration graduate with over a decade of outdoor retail experience and leadership. I am passionate about sustainability and environmentalism and want to work for an outdoor brand that puts those values at the forefront of their decision making.
I have a proven track record for identifying issues and implementing systemic changes. In 2019 during my first year working for a sustainable outdoor brand, I won a company-wide award aptly named the "Bulldozer Award". I was able to recognize areas for enacting more low-waste and environmentally focused practices, rally our team to participate, and successfully and efficiently execute those changes. Our store was recognized for our efforts in sustainability with a certification through the city of Portland, OR.
Work Experience
Business Research Analyst
WWU Small Business Development Center2023 – Present
-Assist with the development of marketing materials, social media posts, website improvements, and branding alignment
-Contribute to the maintenance of the center's client database and provide administrative support to the team
-Provide new clients and community members with access to SBDC resources and economic development services
-Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues
Keyholder
prAna Living2018 – 2020
-Management team member, responsible for training staff and opening/closing store -Elected as the store's sustainability expert--responsible for coordinating with prAna headquarters and management to pass on valuable information about the company's sustainability efforts to staff and customers
Senior Sales Associate
The Trail Head2012 – 2018
-Sales team member with responsibilities that include selling clothing, shoes, rafts and accessories, backcountry ski set-ups, camping gear, and fishing gear, as well as helping in the rental department -Key holder in charge of opening and closing the store -Merchandising team member responsible for dressing mannequins, maintaining store layout, and designing window displays and toppers -Founded and helped run store's Instagram account
Education
Master of Business Administration - MBA
Western Washington University2022 – 2023
Skills: Sales Processes · Customer Retention · Sales and Marketing · Brand Strategy · Analytical Skills · Marketing Strategy · Brand Awareness · Leadership · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Drupal · Web Design · Communication
Bachelor's degree
University of Montana2012 – 2017
Communication Studies Major, Climate Change Studies Minor
