LACEY GOLD BAKER

DESIGN PROJECT COORDINATOR ASSISTANT

FROM: Poplar Bluff, Missouri

THEN: Bachelor’s in Interior Design, Minor in Construction Management – May 2018.

NOW: At Bass Pro Shops Fabrication/Design Development in Nixa, Missouri. Completing a master’s in Project Management from MSU (May 2019). 

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT & CAREER PATH:

Lacey’s greatest accomplishment is her work on the award-winning Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium. This project is a USA TODAY’s Top New Attraction for 2018 and the Best Aquarium in the USA. Lacey began her journey with Bass Pro as an intern in their Fabrication/Design Development Shops, summer of 2017. Upon completion of her internship Bass Pro Shops offered her a part-time position, during her senior year. After graduation this alumna accepted a full-time newly created position as a design project coordinator assistant.

HOW MSU EQUIPPED LACEY FOR HER CAREER:

“My education at Missouri State University set me up for success. The instructors made interactions with industry professionals in the TCM Department easily accessible, allowing students to gain hands on experience. Being involved in campus organizations and having instructors who sincerely want you to succeed was the biggest motivator during my time in school.”   

ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES:

“Treat these classes and presenting exercises as if they were a real-life scenario. Keep in mind that senior shows are a representation of who you are and what you can achieve. If you take time and put effort into your projects during your time in the program, professionals will see that – in return it can land you a job. Make friends within this department, it can and will be so much better. These friendships can result in having even better relationships and references when you start working within the professional industry.”

Lessons Learned:

“Communicate clearly and effectively.” 

“Be organized, keep up with your paperwork and document changes.”

“If you do not know something, ask.”

“The way you approach situations will reflect on your surroundings, have a positive attitude.”