Q: What is your name and your job title? 

Alisa Cerney and I am a web developer and funnel builder.

Q: What event or experience inspired your interest in the arts?

I just remember back in 6th grade and we had to choose which elective we wanted to do in middle school, and we sat through this presentation about all the elective classes we wanted to take and our options were art, band, or choir. And watching people play instruments and seeing how a person could make such a beautiful sound- astonished me. 

Q: When did you become active in the arts and how did you take opportunities to grow your interests and crafts?

I became involved in 6th grade. I started in band at school, playing the euphonium. And in 7th grade I started to compete in regional competitions and when I was in high school I started competing on the state level. When I was 15 I took jazz band I started learning trombone and competed there as well. 

Q: Who were your mentors in the field and beyond?

My band directors, Greg Jones and June Campbell and I took private lessons at Baylor University. 

Q: When did you decide to do performing arts in college?

I decided to get involved as a senior in high school and I auditioned for scholarships. 

Q: Did you have other major interests to study along with Band?

I decided to major in Political Science after taking an intro to American Government Class my freshman year. I ended up loving it and decided to major in it eventually. 

Q: Did you dabble in other industries before you found your fit that engages everyday?

Yes, I got an entry level marketing position at a Chevy Dealership where I learned a lot about digital marketing. 

Q: Did you grow up surrounded by creative energy? 

No, the only creative people I grew up around were the people at school. 

Q: What did you study in college? Which college?

I got a BS in Political Science with minor in International Relations from University of Texas at Tyler and a Master of Arts in Political Science with specialties in Comparative Politics, American Politics, and International Relations. 

Q: What was your career goal after college?

I wanted to work for an interest group or an intergovernmental organization. I want to create an impact through policy.  

Q: Did you work and or perform in college? What did you do?

Yes, I worked as a server all through school. And I performed with the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble.

Q: How did your degree influence your job now?

I learned how to think critically, how to research and conduct analytical tests, and how to draw conclusions from data.

Q: Would working with an educational consultant during HS have helped you understand more? 

Yes, I think working with an education consultant would have helped we hone in on my skills and find the best fit for me. It would’ve been more helpful to have more hands on experience vs sitting and listening to lectures. 

Q: How did you pivot from your initial goal to what you are currently doing with your creative talents?

I realized that I am able to express myself more creatively when I’m working solo instead of in a larger group. 

Q: Are you happy with your career?

Yes.

Q: What would you have done differently if you were to go back to college again?

I probably would have majored in either Marketing or Mathematics or Engineering. The older I have gotten the more I started to understand numbers and math. 

Q: What would you tell other students that are studying in that field?

I would encourage them to get involved in programs like debate or Model UN, and to apply for fellowships and internships to make sure this is the direction you want to go in.