Jan. 4, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Erin Smith, a media specialist at POET.

Name: Erin Smith

Age: 22

Hometown: Groton

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I got my degree from South Dakota State University but wanted to live and work in a place slightly bigger than Brookings. Coming from a small hometown, I still wanted a close-knit community but also desired the opportunities that a city like Sioux Falls brings. I have family and friends in Sioux Falls who spoke highly of the city, so I knew it was a community I wanted to be a part of and a place I could call home.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I have a job that makes me enjoy going to work every day and people I care about who live in the same community as me. The community I’ve built here in Sioux Falls is what keeps me here.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

It’s easily my team. I have learned an incredible amount from the team that I’m a part of, and each one of my team members is exceptionally talented at the work they do. We work in a fast-paced environment where circumstances can change quickly. This team takes every challenge head-on while maintaining a friendly, communicative environment. 

How did you get connected to your industry?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in English from SDSU, and I knew when I graduated that I wanted to pursue a career in public relations. However, I never thought I would find a job that allowed me to use my editing and publishing skills as well. Actually, a good friend of mine, an engineer for POET, knew company culture would be important to me and recommended I look into POET for communications opportunities. I applied for and accepted POET’s public relations specialist position. That has grown into me taking on both a public relations role, as well as publishing POET’s magazine Vital. These two opportunities converted into the role I’m currently in as a media specialist.

Describe POET in three words.

Community. Fast-paced. Innovative. 

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I love being outdoors, which is pretty standard for a South Dakotan. What surprises people is that I enjoy hunting and fishing. My greatest catch was this past summer when I reeled in a 28 ¼-inch, almost 10-pound walleye.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

It’s definitely volunteering. I think that giving your time is one of the best ways to give back to your community. Many places need people to step forward and take the initiative to help out, even if it is just for a little while. Whether it is spending time working with individuals at a shelter in town, serving a meal at The Banquet or seeing what volunteer opportunities your church has to offer, there are so many ways to be able to give back to our community here in Sioux Falls. 

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Four months ago, I would’ve said Chick-fil-A, but that wish was granted! Now, I think it would be great to have a Trader Joe’s. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I’d like to be able to look back and be proud of the foundation I’ve laid for my career. I want to still be working a job that I enjoy and that gives me the opportunity to help change the world for the better. I would like to have established myself as a valued team member who brings fresh ideas and helpful input to the table. Most of all, I see myself continuing to be happy and working to brighten the lives of others.