Megan Carew, TMP

I attribute my success to the support and trust of my coworkers and leadership who gave me an opportunity six years ago that they did not have to extend, especially as a military spouse. Being in a military family, there is often a misconception that spouses will move frequently, which can create barriers to employment, but I was fortunate to join a team that understood that dynamic and valued what I could bring to the role. I started in February 2020, and shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic began, yet my organization remained steady, supportive, and committed to its staff, which allowed us all to continue growing through a very uncertain time. That period also highlighted the strength of our destination, as Beaufort’s appeal as an outdoor, coastal community helped sustain and even grow tourism, reinforcing the importance of our work and the broader impact it has on local businesses and the community.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to take the time to listen and observe before speaking or offering an opinion. I’ve learned that stepping back and truly understanding a situation first leads to better decisions, stronger relationships, and more thoughtful contributions. Another piece of advice that has stayed with me came from a speech teacher who emphasized the importance of a strong first impression, particularly through something as simple as a confident handshake. Both lessons have shaped how I carry myself professionally being intentional, present, and mindful in how I engage with others.

My advice to young women entering this industry especially those who may also be navigating life as a military spouse is to not allow perceived barriers to limit your confidence or opportunities. It can sometimes feel like being a military spouse may be viewed as a challenge in hiring, but I’ve found that there are always people and organizations willing to support your growth, recognize your value, and invest in your potential. It’s important to approach opportunities with confidence in what you bring to the table and not assume you will be overlooked because of your personal circumstances. At the same time, the modern workforce is increasingly dynamic, and many professionals change roles more frequently in pursuit of growth and better opportunities. Because of that, flexibility and resilience are valuable strengths. My advice is to stay open, stay confident, and don’t let any part of your personal journey discourage you from pursuing roles where you can learn, contribute, and thrive.

The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field today center around education, balance, and transparency. A key challenge is helping stakeholders and partners better understand the value of advertising and the varying return on investment across different marketing channels, which often requires ongoing education and clear communication about expectations and outcomes. In destination marketing specifically, there is also an important responsibility to balance tourism growth with the quality of life for local residents, ensuring that increased visitation supports rather than disrupts the community. In Beaufort, for example, tourism plays a vital economic role by generating accommodations tax revenue that helps fund community priorities such as park maintenance, beautification, and public spaces. This makes it essential to clearly communicate the broader benefits of tourism to residents, business owners, and stakeholders. Ultimately, the opportunity lies in building trust through transparency and collaboration while promoting sustainable tourism that supports both the local economy and the community’s long-term well-being.

Honesty and transparency are the values I prioritize most in both my professional and personal life. I believe clear, open communication builds trust and strengthens every relationship whether with colleagues, partners, or the community. I also place a strong emphasis on accountability; I think owning your mistakes, learning from them, and being willing to correct course is essential to growth and credibility. Those principles guide how I work, collaborate, and show up every day.