Grace Markarian
Content Manager, E-Community Department
The Humane Society of the United States
Washington, D.C.

How long have you been working in your current career? What did you do before?
More or less since 1995. Before I had a brief stint on Capitol Hill and I was a paralegal for about three years.

Why did you decide to pursue this career?
I’ve always had an affinity for animals and nature. I loved watching nature programs and my dad and grandparents encouraged my love of animals and respect for their amazing abilities. As I grew up, I felt that if I could increase compassion and understanding for animals, then others would understand why it is simply wrong to mistreat them. It’s sometimes hard to really articulate the drive behind why I choose to work as an animal advocate, but I’ve heard leaders in the movement frame say that as the dominant species, we humans have an obligation to ensure that animals are treated humanely and to do all that we can to end cruelty and suffering.

What traits would you say make your job “humane”? 
My job is really a behind the scenes job. I support our humane message by helping to get the word out and ensure that the information available is compelling and useful. So that when a visitor comes to our website (s) there is something there that could grab them. Whether it’s a photo, or a clever phrase, or just the facts that finally help them to “get it.”

What kind of education and training did you get before you started your first professional job?
I went to school for political science which gave me a good foundation in writing, critical thinking, and researching. I also had a work-study job as a tutor which helped me to see the difference of “teaching” vs.  “preaching.” As a tutor, you need to lead people to the answers, not just tell them. 

How did you find your first job in your profession?
I was working on the Hill on the House side and saw a very small ad for a “front office person for small animal welfare organization.” My Hill job was not what I hoped it would be and I was looking for a chance to really do something different, and meaningful.

What are your duties in your current position?
I support the Government Affairs department and our new lobbying organization with web content, online advocacy materials, and action alert emails.

What do you like most about your job?
Knowing that I’m making a difference for animals when I do the best that I can.

What do you like least about your job?
Telling people who have problems or issues with using our online tools that I just can’t help them. We have so many people who want to help animals. But if they are having a computer issue at their end, I can’t crawl through the wires and help them fix it. It’s frustrating.

What’s a typical workday like for you?
It really varies. I always start out with my own goals for the day like updating content and trying to come up with ideas and plans to support our outreach efforts, but with legislation, things can change so quickly and I have to be ready to respond and dig in and take care of what needs to be done.

What types of training or experiences do you need to keep up-to-date in your field?
Since I work on the web all the time, I need to be up to date on new technologies, new software,  and trends in online communication.

What keeps you motivated to keep doing your work? 
The success we have when we do our job right. Every bill that passes, or campaign that raises awareness, or animal who we’re able to rescue from abuse and find a life long home in a sanctuary reminds me that we are fighting the good fight.

What personal traits do you think someone needs to be successful in your field?
You’ve got to be passionate, determined, and strong in your convictions. But at the same time, you’ve got be professional, patient, and pragmatic to a certain degree.  You do not want your beliefs to lead to burn-out.

What advice would you give to a college student or other young person considering entering your field?  What advice would you give to someone who’s changing fields and is interested in a career in your profession?
Like any career or profession, it’s important to realize that this is a job. So you need to be ready to deal with regular work-related issues.  And you need to have better than average skills (writing, communicating, computer) to get a good job. However, this career is also a mission. And that’s what make it so compelling. Good, motitivated, and creative people are so valuable because we’re working to change people’s hearts and minds and that takes real commitment to the issues and a sharp mind.

Anything else you’d like to add about your work or about careers helping animals?
There is no moral justification for cruelty to animals. Knowing this will be a beacon on those dark days when you wonder if you are doing any good. Because the answer will always be yes.

July 2005