Jake La Verde ’24

Marketing
Writing

Jake La Verde ’24

When Jake La Verde ’24 was searching for a part-time job on campus, he knew he wanted to apply and hone his creativity and digital marketing skills. By happy coincidence — some might call it providence — PC Dining Services was looking for a student worker to elevate its online presence. Between classes, studying, and managing the PC Dining social media accounts, Jake had much to keep him busy.

But college life wasn’t all work. Even under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in the fall of 2020, he joined PCTV, The Cowl student newspaper, and the college’s art club. By sophomore year, he was a social media ambassador for the college. Through it all, he realized his aspiration to do work that is both creative and analytical.

“I had to meet people unconventionally through virtual classes and club meetings in that first semester, but campus was the best place to be. College life was a blank canvas, and I was determined to be as active and involved as possible,” Jake said.

Jake took classes in English and creative writing which, along with his core requirements, helped him develop writing skills and a distinct voice. When he decided to major in marketing and minor in writing, he saw a natural cohesion in his studies.

“I’ve had so many ways in and beyond the classroom to apply what I study in business and the humanities creatively and practically,” he said.

He’s taken those skills into the field as a marketing projects coordinator for New England-based digital marketing agency ERI.

Jake enjoys expressing himself through fashion, dressing for “a timeless look” accented by jewelry and other accessories. He became an ambassador for the shoe and clothing brand Allbirds. His TikTok account features #getreadywithme videos highlighting his outfits for campus living and other videos that have earned more than 400,000 likes.

Jake, from Saugus, Massachusetts, is honored to be a first-generation college student — “my parents’ American dream come true.” At the end of his junior year, he traveled to Italy, where his father’s parents were born, on a Maymester trip — a program combining a short course on campus with international travel. He reflected on his family’s journey and all he’s experienced as a Friar.

“Providence College has helped me become the man that I am — the man that I am continuing to become. I’m cutting a path that others in my family can follow.”

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