Get to know about the ICLA membership through the monthly 20 Questions segment. This month the spotlight turns to Rachel Skipworth, bookstore & licensing program manager at UNC Charlotte.

Name:  Rachel Skipworth
Position/Institution: Bookstore & Licensing Program Manager, UNC Charlotte
Number of years in your position: 2
Alma Mater(s): Faulkner University and Troy University         
Hometown:  Bay Minette, AL
Twitter (licensing): 49ersLicensing
 
1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?
I wanted to learn more about licensing and see what other universities deal with.
   
2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
In the short amount of time I have been involved with ICLA, it has given me the opportunity to meet with others who work in the licensing world and it has provided me a better understanding of how the industry works.

3. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
A window in my office :)

4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment? 
There is a lot of red tape to work through when introducing new projects/programs.

5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The ability to collaborate with others to help achieve goals. This carries into licensing as it is essential to work with different individuals to create a thriving program.

6. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
I would love to learn how to do pottery, painting, and to be able to travel all over the world.

7. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
Departments are usually asking how they can get their designs approved for promotional items.

8. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
Two years ago, I decided I was ready for change. I accepted a job as the Bookstore and Licensing Program Manager at UNC Charlotte. I did not have previous experience in licensing, but I accepted the challenge and learned all about licensing. It has been an interesting experience.

9. Who has been the most influential person in your career? 
At the previous institution I worked at my former boss, Sohail, took the time to show me the ropes of Auxiliary Services. He provided advice on how to handle situations and professional guidance. 

10. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would probably explore more areas of North Carolina and possibly read more.

11. Who's your role model? Why?
Like a lot of people, my dad is my role model. He is a great communicator and is very open-minded. He is the person I go to for advice because he thinks things through before making a rash decision. He is very caring, honest and can be depended upon to follow through with what he says he is going to do. He is a rarity in today's world.

12. What's your favorite quote?  
Ugly Sells - Rick Torres, UNC Charlotte

13. What is your biggest pet peeve?  
People who are lazy and always indecisive

14. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal a for? 
Losing stuff at home. I put things in places for safe keeping, but forget where I put them in a matter of minutes.

15. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing? 
The best advice I have received is to always ask questions and to keep trying. Licensing is constantly changing. The advice I would give someone entering the field is to always ask questions and think outside of the box.

16. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future? 
Universities are constantly trying to find ways to increase revenue. I think the licensing world will expand into other areas that may currently be excluded from licensing in some schools, like alcohol.

17. What is your favorite family tradition?
Traveling to Tennessee to see family for Christmas

18. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?
I am not sure if this qualifies, but I can be very persistent when I need to be.

19. What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
I average around 75%

20. What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium?
I am excited to learn more and meet new people in the licensing world.