A Marketing Odyssey

As Amber Tapscott ’20 embarked on her first year at the University of Pennsylvania, she knew she would need to be flexible and adaptable, and to expect the unexpected. After all, she was beginning her undergraduate experience with the weight of the pandemic affecting many areas of life.

Tapscott was prepared, with strong values and perseverance that helped her thrive during the next four years. She explored various areas of interest and internships, and got the most out of her experience.

Tapscott was studying communications with her eye on the fashion industry when she pivoted to marketing and entertainment. She began taking a broader range of classes, including political communications, which she found particularly fascinating. At the same time, she began an internship at MediaLink, a strategic advisory firm in the media and marketing industry.

The internship exposed her to a variety of companies and brands in the entertainment and consumer product industries. Tapscott was particularly drawn to entertainment and culture marketing and began to build a network as she learned more about the agency side of the industry.

“I realized that there is a way to combine my interests in entertainment and PR and fashion,” she said, “but instead of working on the brand side, which is what I initially thought I would do, I could work on the talent side, bringing together brands with opportunities.”

Her next internship was with United Talent Agency, which represents artists, athletes, authors, and brands. This experience illuminated a way to unite her love of reading with her strong interest in becoming an agent, and the company hired her as an agent trainee.

Though Tapscott currently aspires to become a publishing agent, she is cultivating skills in the trainee program that will give her familiarity with many different areas. She hopes to become an agent in New York City representing people from all walks of life, with a variety of stories and experiences.

“The four virtues that King instilled in me — integrity, kindness, perseverance, and respect — continue to guide me,” she said. “The past four years, filled with uncertainties like the COVID-19 pandemic, have tested these virtues, especially perseverance, which has helped me navigate and overcome challenges that come my way.”

While at King, Tapscott developed a strong interest in leadership. On a whim with friends, she took a class called Leadership Foundations and discovered her passion. It culminated in her capstone project, “Leaders in Public Relations,” for which she interviewed PR executives.

Tapscott emphasizes that she leads her life with ambition and integrity, knowing what she wants and actively pursuing it. Acknowledging life’s inevitable changes, she strikes a balance between adaptability and perseverance. She credits King with instilling the values vital for success.

Additionally, she believes that maintaining optimism and gratitude is essential. “These are the ways I lead my life, and it never lets me down,” she said.

In her free time, Tapscott enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She expects to move to New York City soon and is excited to explore the many neighborhoods, museums, and restaurants, and to browse independent bookshops as she goes.

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