The Power of Networking

By Laura Ilioaei ’23, January 13, 2023

TikTok marketing leader Chris Patton ’04 talks to students in the School of Business.

Chris Patton speaking in front of a room

Chris Patton ’04 shared stories of how she used networking and relationships to grow her career.

(Photo by Laura Ilioaei '22)

A collaboration between the Ithaca College School of Business, the Office of Career Services, and the college’s chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) brought 2004 graduate Chris Patton back to campus to speak to students this past fall semester.

Currently the Creative Operations Lead in Global Business Marketing for TikTok, Patton spoke of her path to TikTok, sharing with students the importance of interpersonal connection, networking, and reputation when pursuing professional success.

Ironically, Patton’s college journey began before she even enrolled. As a senior in high school hoping to attend Ithaca, she needed to find some ways to cover the cost of attendance. So, she hopped on a bus and took a trip to South Hill.

“I met with anyone who would spend the time with me, [because I wanted to show them] that I was a student worth investing in. And it worked because I was given a G. Egbert Founder’s Fund Grant,” Patton said.

This financial aid enabled Patton to attend IC, where she earned a degree in Business Administration with a minor in economics.

But, as she shared with the students, it also showed the power of networking to open previously locked doors. And it’s something she never forgot.

“I was incredibly grateful – and am still incredibly grateful – for the faith Ithaca had in me.”

Chris Patton ’04

“I was incredibly grateful – and am still incredibly grateful – for the faith Ithaca had in me, and I immediately started to [reward that faith],” Patton said. “I was very active on campus. I took part in Community Plunge, AMA, and served as the Comedy Chair of the Student Activities Board. I was also active in the Ithaca community and worked with the elderly.”

Although it was only her minor, she shared how she loved studying economics, and had even planned to get a PhD in the field, before a professor introduced her to an IC alum who was working at Ogilvy, a marketing, advertising, and public relations agency.

This connection led to an internship with the company, and, true to form, Patton immediately set out networking.

“I took every opportunity to meet as many people as I could, reaching out and offering to buy them coffee. Anytime a senior leader would come and speak to the interns, I would send them a thank you note afterwards, just looking for ways to connect,” she said. “That work paid off, because I was asked to interview for the Ogilvy associates’ program.”

“It’s okay to think you’re right, it’s okay to feel that way. But it’s not okay to show that in a professional setting. When you enter your job, you need to listen and learn. It’s impossible to learn if you’re talking.”

Chris Patton ’04

She eventually became a project manager at Ogilvy, before branching out and working at companies such as Arnold Worldwide, Tribal DDB, Digitas, and Google before her current role at TikTok.

A final piece of wisdom Patton had for students revolved around being receptive to advice from higher-ups in a professional setting.

“It’s okay to think you’re right, it’s okay to feel that way. But it’s not okay to show that in a professional setting,” she said. “When you enter your job, you need to listen and learn. It’s impossible to learn if you’re talking.”