She’s a thespian, chef, adventurer, and lifelong go-getter with a passion for people and new experiences. Her name is Rachel McIntyre, and though her new role as a McCullough Creative Account Assistant keeps her plenty busy, she took time to field a few questions about her background and first impressions of working at McCullough. See what she had to say. 

So, tell us a bit about yourself…
I was born and raised in Galena, Illinois, and spent the last four years studying at Ball State University in Indiana. I was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising this past May. And now I’m living back in Galena with my family—and working here!

What compelled you to major in Advertising?
I actually started off at Ball State as a theater major. I’ve been involved with theater since I was very young, and making it my career was always a dream of mine. But a few summers ago, while working for a theater company in Wisconsin, I realized that theater would probably make a better hobby for me than a living. So I began looking for other career options that still allowed me to be creative and work with other creative people. I had a lot of friends in the Advertising program. They loved it so much, I decided to check it out for myself. And then I fell in love with it, too.

 

Did you always plan to return to the Dubuque/Galena area?
Me returning to the area was more about the opportunity rather than the location. Coming out of college, I was focused on finding the very best environment in which to grow my career—the right mix of people, culture, and creative challenges. And that place just happened to be really close to home (smiling).

What are your impressions of McCullough so far?
I’m absolutely loving it. Everyone’s incredibly friendly and welcoming. Plus, there’s an amazing amount of creativity and collaboration happening all around me. It’s truly inspiring. McCullough’s “work-hard, play-hard” atmosphere just really suits my personality well.

You’re a member of the millennial age group—tell me something about yourself that will make everyone over the age of 28 feel old.
Netflix has been around for all but the first 3 years of my life.

 

What do you hope to accomplish in your career?
College introduced me to multiple aspects of the advertising industry—from communications and design, to marketing, media buying, and account services. My immediate goals are to keep growing professionally and to keep learning as much about the industry as I can. Beyond that, I’m really looking forward to someday having clients of my own and providing them amazingly creative solutions to their challenges.

What hobbies do you have away from work? Do you think they influence your work?
Most of my hobbies serve as personal creative outlets, so yes, I absolutely feel that they influence my work—in very positive ways. I’m really looking forward to getting back into the performing arts. And I love the improvisational and creative freedom of cooking and baking.

What’s your favorite thing to cook and/or bake? Why?
I don’t like following recipes because I think they are too inhibiting. So some of my favorite things to make are marinades and sauces because I can play around with spices and different liquids until I come up with something I like. I also own an ice cream machine so messing with flavors for the crème base is always fun. I recently made some infused lilac and lemon zest ice cream. It was really good!

 

What do people find most surprising about you?
My ability to adapt and make the most of any situation. I feel as comfortable hiking in the wilderness as I do staying in a luxury hotel. It doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing, if I’ve got good people around me, I’m content.

Do you have a role model? Who? Why?
My mom. She’s travelled the world. She’s an accomplished businesswoman. And she still finds time to be a rock star mom. She taught me that I have ability to do whatever and go wherever I want, and she helped me develop the skills to make things work in most any situation.

Okay, former-theater-major, how about a final grand soliloquy before we close the curtain on this number?
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”- Roald Dahl

I’m a girl with a creative fire within me, always looking for life’s magic. I try to surround myself with similar people and I believe that’s what led me to McCullough Creative. Let the adventure begin!

 

 

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