From Student to Social Media Manager: Haley Sutliff’s Journey into Freelancing
Ad management and PR alumna builds a thriving social media business
By: Ellison Cook
Haley Sutliff graduated Michigan State University in 2021 with a degree in advertising management and a minor in public relations. During her freshman year, she secured an internship at a publishing company managing their social media. She continued gaining experience through summer internships, all focused on social media strategy and content creation.
As a senior, Sutliff joined the Women in Advertising and Communications Club (WAC), a move she highly recommends to students looking to grow professionally. Through WAC, she found a mentor who played a pivotal role in helping her land a post-grad internship at the global agency Dentsu. She later expanded her experience as a media apprentice at the communications firm Edelman.
While building her resume, Sutliff knew she had an entrepreneurial drove and had always aspired to start her own business. When the timing felt right, she launched Second Sight Marketing, working as a freelance social media manager. This role has given her the flexibility to collaborate in a wide range of industries, including real estate, beauty, and food and beverage.
Sutliff attributes much of her growth to word-of-mouth referral, which have helped her establish strong and lasting relationships with clients. She credits MSU for laying a strong foundation for her social media career.
“Michigan State was the best school, to be going to, especially with my career in social media,” Sutliff said. “The connections and opportunities at MSU are super valuable, you just have to use them.”
She also wants people to understand that social media isn’t an easy career.
“There is a difference between doom-scrolling for hours and strategically scrolling,” Sutliff said. “Social media isn’t like a crock pot; you don’t set it and forget about it. There is intention and a lot of work behind one post. It takes strategy, timing, audience research and constant adaption.”
For students interested in social media, she emphasizes the importance of having a portfolio.
“Reach out to local businesses and offer to create content, even for free. Companies want to see what you can do,” she said.
She also encourages students to keep learning and stay curious.
“Be a sponge, absorb as much as you can,” Sutliff said. “If you’re open to learning, people will notice.”
Sutliff notes the industry is shifting toward authenticity and micro-influencers. One campaign that stood out to her was American Eagle’s ‘Live Your Life’ campaign, which gave influencers disposable cameras to capture behind-the-scenes moments.
“It felt real and relatable, I haven’t seen something authentic like that in a while,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sutliff says she is excited to keep helping brands connect with audiences in authentic ways. She encourages students to take advantage of MSU resources like WAC and networking events within the AD+PR program to launch their own paths.