Shelby Foster is an SMU alumna and the voice of an award-winning shopping mall, one of the largest in the United States.

NorthPark Center in Dallas is home to more than 235 stores and restaurants. Foster is responsible for writing and distributing all press releases, media alerts and monitoring all mentions of NorthPark in television, print, blogs and radio.

Many responsibilities result in the need for flexibility. “I was extremely type-A in college, but I quickly learned to be more adaptive and able to shift my focus from one task to another once I started my career,” Foster said.

Foster’s role isn’t only behind-the-scenes. She is the spokesperson for fashion, beauty and lifestyle segments on local television shows, WFAA’s Good Morning Texas and FOX4’s Good Day, and an emcee for fashion presentations held at NorthPark.

“My job is ever-changing. No two days are the same,” Foster said. “It’s also what makes my job so exciting and so much fun.”

Even though her days are busy, Foster always dreamed of a career in journalism.

“From the time I opened my first copy of Teen Vogue as a 13-year-old and thumbed through the glossy pages, I wanted to be a writer,” Foster said. “I never wavered from that.”

During her time at SMU, Foster was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Retail Club, and the fashion and online editor for The Daily Campus.

Initially, after graduation, Foster wanted to move to New York City and work for Condé Nast or Hearst, but after a summer internship, she was ready to come home to Dallas.

For college students trying to find a job after graduation, Foster recommends reaching out to people that are key players in the industry.

“Develop relationships with them,” Foster said. “When the time comes, reach back out to all the connections you’ve made.”