Toward the end of my first year, a close friend of mine told me that a club called American Marketing Association was looking for candidates for their next Executive Board. I jumped on the opportunity to get involved and my persistence landed me a position as the social media chairman for the following year. I was intimidated at first considering the majority of the board consisted of Eller upperclassmen and I was still an undecided major living in a dorm. Rather than shying away, I invested myself in the club and looked to the older members for guidance and mentorship. One semester into my sophomore year and my position as social media chairman and I knew I wanted to be a marketing major in the Eller College of Management.
As I spent the next several months catching up on the course prerequisites for admission into the Eller College, my eagerness to contribute to AMA never dwindled. This dedication identified me as a candidate for the role of executive vice president, which I took on during my junior year. As EVP, I worked closely with the president to restructure the club to improve the experience of each member. It was a rigorous year full of successes and failures, but was essential in preparing me for my next role in American Marketing Association as president.
Entering my role as president, I was unsure what to expect. It was hard for me to believe that I was no longer that slightly intimidated first year, but a senior of the Eller College of Management about to take on a very substantial position in a widely recognized organization. It did not take me long to realize that being president of American Marketing Association is much different than my other roles. While it may be more challenging and require more of my time, it is also the most fulfilling role I have held. I sincerely enjoy working hard every day to develop each member professionally through providing them with valuable opportunities and experiences.
As I approach my May 2016 graduation, I largely credit my successes so far to my experience in American Marketing Association and those I have met through the organization. As I continue my role as president, I strive to positively impact the experience of the members in the same way that American Marketing Association has positively impacted my experience.