Rachel Baquet

I started out as a journalism major because I've always had a passion for writing and wanted to build a career around it. But it was during college that I discovered my true calling. While working an entry-level marketing role at a local apartment complex handling social media and event planning, I fell in love with marketing. I also worked at the Carbondale Times doing both reporting and sales, and that experience helped me realize I had far more passion for marketing than traditional journalism. After graduation, I moved to Chicago and landed a job at Yelp in sales. While it was a valuable experience, it wasn't the right fit. There was a lot of cold calling and micromanagement, and I wasn't finding the room to grow and learn which is what I was really craving. That's what pushed me to look for something new, and that's how I found Matchbox. I was thrilled when I first joined the team because my role finally felt aligned with what I wanted to do. Despite my excitement, I dealth with some imposter syndrome those first few weeks at the office. Stepping into a new field, especially as a young woman, brought up some uncomfortable feelings. I remember thinking, "What if they realize I'm not as qualified as they think? Am I a fraud?" What helped me push through those thoughts was apprenticing under James, the current lead digital strategist at Matchbox. It was a learning role and they didn't expect me to know everything on day one. Once I embraced that truth, I was able to focus on growing my skill set and building real confidence. My biggest achievement has been earning my promotion to Content Manager. I came in as a junior digital strategist, not even sure which area of marketing I wanted to specialize in. But once I got comfortable, found my footing, and leaned into what I was learning, it didn't take long to become the lead on the content marketing side of the business. Now I oversee that entire division and we're actively looking to bring on junior team members that I'll be managing. Going from that junior version of myself, uncertain, a little scared, battling imposter syndrome, to confidently leading a whole production team is something I'm incredibly proud of.

Mentorship has been huge for me. James, the lead digital strategist, was definitely a mentor for me. James, the lead digital strategist, was one of my earliest and most impactful mentors. Writing had always come naturally to me, but the strategy and data side of things was intimidating. James helped bridge that gap, showing me how to analyze data and think strategically, which is an invaluable skill set to this day. I also had another mentor, Colby, who was in an account management role. Her career path resonated with me because, like me, she had started in a position she didn't love and successfully transitioned into digital marketing management. As a woman in tech, she had navigated many of the same insecurities I was facing, and watching her work through them and grow professionally was incredibly valuable. Even after she left the company, I made a point to maintain that relationship, and we still keep in touch to this day. Beyond my direct mentors, I took a proactive approach to my own development. I regularly read industry publications like Search Engine Journal (SEJ), which consistently puts out strong content on SEO and digital strategy. I also made it a point to tap into the knowledge of colleagues across different disciplines, including our graphic designers and developers. Those conversations gave me a much broader perspective on what goes into a finished product from both a design and development standpoint, areas I hadn't been exposed to in school. There are so many tools and resources available as well. Platforms like SEMrush and Yoast both offer extensive educational content that I've found really useful throughout my career.

My biggest piece of advice is simple: don't let fear hold you back. Put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable. When I was in the thick of imposter syndrome, I constantly felt like a fraud, like the people around me had high expectations I wasn't going to meet. Unfortunately that feeling is incredibly common, especially for women entering male-dominated spaces in tech. I was fortunate enough to have other women at my company I could look to for guidance, but not everyone has that. If you're navigating a very male-dominated workspace remember to have confidence in yourself, even if you have to fake it a little at first. When a company hires you, there's a reason they chose you. Even if your skill set isn't fully developed yet, they're betting on your potential. They see someone who is open to growth, open to learning new processes, and ready to step up. One of the most exciting parts of joining a company early in your career is that you get to grow into the role and truly make it your own. There's so much room to learn, evolve, and find your footing in a way that feels authentic to you. So whether you're a young woman entering the tech world or an older woman transitioning into a new role, remember that you are where you are for a reason. Lean into that. The opportunities to grow are always there if you're willing to reach for them.

The biggest challenge in our industry right now is the sheer rate of change, especially with the rise of AI. AI is a groundbreaking technology that I see as both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it can be an incredible tool for productivity and brainstorming. On the other hand, there's a real risk of leaning on it too heavily, to the point where it becomes a crutch rather than an asset. For me and many of the women I know in this industry, the ongoing challenge is finding that balance, using AI to improve your workflows but not allow it to replace raw brain power. On top of that, the sheer volume of tools available in the marketplace these days is very overwhelming. There's constant pressure to learn the latest platform, adopt the newest feature, and stay ahead of what's coming next. It's a lot to navigate. But here's the thing, those same challenges are also some of the biggest opportunities. The rate of change means there's always something new to learn and a chance to differentiate yourself by staying ahead of the curve. And while the number of tools can feel like information overload, it also means we have more resources at our fingertips than ever before. AI and automation features, when used thoughtfully, can free up significant time and energy that we can redirect toward higher level strategy and creative thinking. It's a lot to juggle, but it's not a bad problem to have.

One of the values I hold most deeply is a commitment to quality work. I joke that it's classic eldest daughter syndrome, but in all seriousness, I bring that same drive into everything I do professionally. Every project I take on, I put my full effort into, and I'm always focused on making sure the work I put out is something I'm genuinely proud of. Being a strong communicator is another important value, not just in the workplace but in every area of life. It's something I've worked hard to develop and it has made a meaningful difference in how I show up in my role and in my relationships. Outside of work, giving back and staying connected to my community is really important to me. I volunteer at Tower Grove Park, participating in the seasonal cleanup and planting efforts, which is a great way to connect with others in my community. I'm also involved with STAR Avian Rescue, where we foster parrots. We actually have a parrot named Charlie who started off as a foster but quickly became a permanent member of the family, a classic foster fail. He has quite the vocabulary, about 10 words including "good boy," "pretty bird," "love you," and "Char Char". He brings so much joy to our home. On the professional development side, I'm currently exploring getting more involved in bank and credit union marketing through industry groups and associations, which feels like an exciting next chapter.