How has your undergrad experience at UNLV been thus far?
I have absolutely loved my undergrad experience at UNLV thus far. The community of people is truly so inspiring, and being surrounded by so many people who are passionate about what they’re doing has motivated me a lot. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Nevada Global Business program as an International Ambassador and spend a week in London and a week in Singapore meeting with businesses and learning about international business. In May, I will be spending a week studying abroad in Chile as part of the junior year trip for the Global Entrepreneurship Experience minor. The faculty and staff at UNLV are so dedicated to every student's success and they are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities for students, and I am so grateful to each and every person because I would not be anywhere without them. In that regard, I am incredibly thankful to Dean Hanson for hosting the Critical Languages Scholarship and encouraging me to apply for the nationally competitive scholarship. Thanks to his support, I was one of a small group of students selected across the US chosen to do a language intensive study abroad in South Korea over the summer! School is not truly about knowledge as much as it is about possibility. Author Alex Banayan said, "I've learned that while you can give someone all the best knowledge and tools in the world, sometimes their life can still feel stuck. But if you can change what someone believes is possible, you can change their life." I want to thank UNLV for helping me find that possibility.
What has been your highlight as vice-president of IBA?
My favorite aspect of being Vice President of Professional Development for the International Business Association is the community I am able to be a part of and support. As a member the first year I joined the organization, I learned so much through all of the guest speakers and cultural events, and I wanted to give back to the organization that has done so much for me and be able to help support other students in their personal and professional development at UNLV. I have coordinated events like the Business Etiquette last December, as well as an upcoming Job Shadowing Program and a Fall semester trip to the port of Long Beach to learn more about international trade.
How was your experience in the NV Export Internship Program? And can you explain what it is for those who are not familiar with the program?
The NV Export Internship Program has two components: the IB 350 class taken in the spring with Dr. Nehls and Dr. Jameson, and then a summer internship with a company that specializes in exporting and international trade. I have learned so much the past few months, everything from Foreign Trade Zones to important customs documents to the importance of exporting for all businesses. Through class discussions and lectures, guest speakers, and a tour of a local company, we have been able to see everything that goes into it and all of the resources that exist. Exporting is instrumental in all business, and it has really changed my perspective and helped me understand what international business really means. I am really looking forward to starting my internship this summer and applying what I have learned to the work I will be doing!
What do you think is a strength of UNLV’s Marketing department?
UNLV’s Marketing department is incredible because every single person in the department has so much real-life experience, and you’re learning through that experience. Through my classes and professional development events, I have been able to learn so much and apply it to the work I am doing. The dedication and support of UNLV's Marketing department is incredible, and along with the resources and opportunities that exist, all students are able to succeed!
What are your plans for the future? (Marketing, personal life, and academia)
After graduation, I would like to go to graduate school and get my MBA. I am really passionate about languages, and my goal is to work abroad in the future. I’m excited to see where it will take me next!