Jacqueline McClay has had an impressive career journey. She is a seasoned associate with SMA: The Program Lifecycle Company and has thrived with the company for over two decades. In this Associate Spotlight, we delve into her journey, trade secrets, and get to know the person behind the work. 

For many professionals, career paths unfold unexpectedly. This was the case for Jacqueline. Her journey into proposal management began by accident. “SMA was working on a project in the office I was working at and needed help,” Jacqueline recalls. “I hadn’t worked on a proposal before, so it was all new to me. When the proposal was over, the proposal manager asked for my resume. I gave it to him, thinking I wouldn’t hear back because I didn’t have any experience. Six months later, SMA called and offered me a job.” 

Initially, she thought that her time at SMA: The Program Lifecycle Company would be short-lived. “I was looking for something new. I thought I would do this until I found something else.” However, after working with SMA, she “liked it and stayed.” That was how a successful, two-decade partnership began. What started as a temporary engagement evolved into a lasting commitment, fueled by her adaptability to varying environments and a genuine enjoyment of the projects at hand. 

To illustrate this, Jacqueline reminisces about her first project at SMA. “They sent me to England with an address and a phone number. I had to use a travel guide to figure out where exactly I was supposed to go. Luckily, I got it right.” Though Jacqueline has certainly worked on many projects with SMA since, that first project holds a special place in her memory. 

Despite her many accomplishments, Jacqueline acknowledges that she couldn’t have done it on her own. She cites the impact of mentors like Lee Manthai, Phillis Paris, Judy Schneider, and many others. These people were her project managers or associates who had helped her or given her tips. She acknowledges the pivotal roles they played in her career journey. 

Looking ahead at the next generation of workers, Jacqueline imparts some valuable advice for those navigating the convoluted roads of proposal management: “Be flexible and adapt to the client culture. Sometimes it doesn’t seem the most efficient way to get things done, but it will get more done than working against it.” She highlights the significance of aligning with client expectations, even if it deviates from the conventional path. 

Outside the realm of proposals and projects, Jacqueline’s interests are diverse. She is “a volunteer transcriber for the Folger Shakespeare Library, reading and transcribing original 16th- and 17th-century manuscripts.” She says the work “is very interesting, and the handwriting can be challenging. It’s also interesting to see how the English language has changed since then.” Additionally, Jacqueline enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and knitting. 

Lastly, when asked if she could have dinner with anyone living or dead, Jacqueline answered that she would like to have dinner with William Shakespeare. Expressing a desire to unravel the daily life and creative process of the legendary playwright, this choice reflects a deep appreciation for literature and the historical context in which it thrived. 

Jacqueline’s story is one of a proposal management professional who has not only weathered the changes in the industry but also flourished. Her story serves as a beacon for aspiring professionals, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and a genuine passion for the craft. If you’d like to learn more about Jacqueline or any of our other associates, be sure to sign up for a TOD account. 

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Tawnia Luong is the Senior Marketing Specialist at SMA: The Program Lifecycle Company. With an MS in Digital Audience Strategy, she blends her academic background with SEO experience to craft compelling content that resonates with wide audiences.