In a recent interview with HBCU Digest FAMU alumnus Joe Briggs spoke about how his administrative experience on The Hill led him to his current career as high-powered lobbyist on Capitol Hill. He earned his master's of political science from FAMU and formerly served as an executive assistant in the university president's office.Briggs is one of the FAMU graudates who will be honored at this homecoming's "Young Alumni Awards: A 40/40 Celebration."
From HBCU Digest:
Very little of Joe D. Briggs’ professional success falls into the ‘average’ category. The Florida A&M University alumnus serves as Public Policy Counsel of the National Football League Players’ Association, and is a Founder and Director of Strategic Partnerships for IMPACT, an organization connecting and developing a new generation of leaders in cultural, economic and political fields.
Briggs recently shared his perspectives on being an HBCU graduate alumnus, the responsibility of HBCUs to market their athletes, and what fans can expect in player/owner negotiations in the NFL next year.
You are a graduate alumnus of Florida A&M University. How do you think the graduate experience compares to the undergraduate experience in creating alumni pride and loyalty to an HBCU?
The experience was different and even moreso for me. At the time I was working in the president’s office at FAMU. I think the work I did with the administration, especially traveling to the football games and alumni meetings, helped put in to clear focus for me the importance of caring for FAMU long after the completion of my degree.
What are some of the experiences at Florida A&M that have shaped your professional perspectives throughout your career?
Working with the FAMU National Alumni Association gave me a chance to rub elbows with the leaders of Fortune 500 companies. Being a student on campus, even in a graduate program, reinforced my understanding of the importance of developing a network of contacts that would be beneficial in future life and business endeavors.
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