Neal Hartl Memorial Sales/Marketing Scholarship

My decision to pursue a career in marketing stems from a deep-rooted passion for creativity, communication, and the art of storytelling. The ability to connect with people and influence their perceptions through strategic messaging is incredibly inspiring to me. My journey as an athlete has taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience, and leadership, qualities that are essential in the dynamic world of marketing. Over 15 years of rigorous training and competition have shaped me into someone who thrives under pressure and excels in collaborative environments. My inspiration for entering the marketing field comes from the ever-evolving nature of the industry. The challenge of staying ahead of trends, understanding consumer behavior, and leveraging digital platforms to create impactful campaigns excites me. Marketing is a unique blend of art and science, requiring both analytical thinking and creative strategies to solve problems and drive results. This duality appeals to my love for both logical analysis and imaginative thinking. Moreover, my intrinsic motivation lies in making a tangible difference. Marketing, at its core, is about understanding people's needs and crafting solutions that resonate with them. The potential to influence positive change, whether through brand messaging, social campaigns, or innovative product launches, fuels my ambition. I am particularly drawn to the ability of marketing to build connections and foster relationships. By creating compelling narratives and engaging content, marketers have the power to inspire and influence public opinion and consumer behavior. In addition to my passion for marketing, my personal experiences have significantly influenced my career choice. As a dedicated student, my academic journey in Marketing and Communications has been marked by a commitment to excellence. Consistent placement on both the President's List and Dean's List is a testament to my dedication and hard work. My education has equipped me with a solid foundation in marketing principles, consumer psychology, and digital media, all of which are crucial for a successful career in this field. Another aspect of my motivation comes from the satisfaction of seeing a campaign come to life and succeed. There is a unique thrill in the process of developing an idea, refining it, and finally executing it to see it resonate with the target audience. This entire process, from conception to realization, is incredibly fulfilling and drives me to constantly seek new and innovative ways to engage and captivate consumers. Ultimately, my interest in marketing is driven by a genuine love for learning and growth. The field offers endless opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and push boundaries, making it a perfect fit for my skills and aspirations. Outside the realms of marketing and sports, I indulge in my passion for iced coffee – a true enthusiast at heart. This small detail reflects my personality and serves as a reminder that finding joy in the little things is just as important as achieving professional success. In conclusion, my pursuit of a career in marketing is fueled by a combination of personal passion, academic achievements, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. I am excited to bring my unique experiences and skills to the field, contributing to the dynamic and ever-changing world of marketing.

It absolutely baffles me how unaware most people are about how marketing influences and impacts their lives on a daily basis. Marketing has gained a poor reputation with many people because of this powerful influence. Whether good or bad, it has such a profound relevance in our world today, I found it hard to ignore the calling I felt to it. The center of marketing and sales is the ability to communicate effectively and build meaningful relationships. Since I was young, I have always been passionate about interacting with people and understanding their needs. This passion moved me across the world to The USA from Poland, and my first goal in moving here was to learn English. What better way to communicate with people than the most universal language in the world? I have learned so much about consumers, communicating, business, and building and maintaining relationships, since being here and working service-industry and sales jobs. Everything I learn makes me want to grow my understanding and use this knowledge for the benefit of the industry. I've been inspired by so many success stories of people in the marketing industry. The reach of so many companies and successful campaigns inspires me to see just how far I can go and how many people I can help. I’ve watched my dad build his business for over 10 years- an environmentally friendly, sustainable, non-allergenic alternative to cat litter (Naturally Non-Allergic Cat Litter.) His product is incredible, and everyone who has sampled or tested it has been impressed, however his marketing for his product is subpar, and his growth and sales have suffered for it. This revealed to me that marketing is more than just selling products, it’s about creating experiences, building brands, and showing consumers how and why a product can improve their lives. Thus, I believe that a job in marketing is never boring. It requires keeping up with changing trends, consumer behaviors and technological advancements. Environments where I can use my creative nature to develop new strategies and solve problems are where I feel most engaged. This field is so dynamic and ever evolving that it feels right at home to me. Technology and the digital transformation of businesses is changing everyday and I know that my studies will put me in a position to utilize these changes in powerful ways. Being far away from my home in Poland is not easy, however The USA is to the world how marketing is to consumerism- a powerhouse. Ultimately, my desire to pursue a career in marketing is driven by the potential to make a difference and use the power of marketing for good. Effective marketing has the ability to sway consumer behavior and create positive impacts on society. Specifically, I want to focus on the power of digital consumerism and help drive the world to a more effective and safe path. I intend to help small businesses and businesses that leave a positive impact on the world have a fair shot of competing within the chaos of e-commerce. The nature of marketing is understanding people and I know that I can use my skills and understanding to do good. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a career in marketing is established in my passion for creativity, inspiration and desire for growth. I'm excited about the opportunities this career path offers and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me. Thank you for your consideration!

From an early age, I have been immersed in the world of business. My peers grew up with chores and an allowance; I grew up with a job and a timesheet. Hard work was not seen as exceptional, it was the expectation. Instead of house rules, I was raised by “The Sage Way”, our corporate mission statement and values. These guiding principles taught me the importance of commitment to both the self and the organization. Through labor and diligence, I have cultivated a profound passion for business. My family owns and operates a small, versatile, entrepreneurial business that specializes in real estate and development. Eager to pursue knowledge and gain experience, I have worked closely alongside my family and mentors. I have been provided with countless first-hand opportunities, ranging from digital marketing, heavy-equipment operation, large-scale landscaping, payment collections, bookkeeping, and the management of real estate closings. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that knowledge is cumulative. I aspire to continuously form and strengthen the building blocks of my organization and myself. I am driven to select a career path that allows me to pursue new and challenging opportunities. As the daughter of small business owners, I believe that the customers should be held at the heart and soul of a company. Through experience, I have learned the value and importance of connecting with customers. Witnessing the joy and excitement of customers as they sign their property agreement, lease, or deed, has left a major impact on my professional and personal development. For me, the foundation and maintenance of relationships are the most rewarding aspects of a business career. It is through these connections, these bridges that we form, that we forge a reliable path toward profitability and expansion. I aim to provide value to customers, providing them with new opportunities and possibilities. Success in sales and marketing hinges on the support and satisfaction of clients and customers. I am determined to refine my interpersonal communication skills as I pursue a degree in sales, marketing, and business. The unwavering commitment that has always surrounded our family business has been a true source of inspiration. Following in the footsteps of those who have guided me, I have developed an innate desire to connect with, inspire, and lead others. I believe that a business-oriented career in sales, marketing, advertising, or international business would allow me to utilize my creative mind. The opportunities for growth, expansion, and positive change in sales and marketing will push me to improve as I strive for results. Now, more than ever, a path in sales or marketing holds the potential to shape the world, one client at a time. The word “passionate” fails to adequately describe how deeply I desire to provide value to the lives of future clients and customers. By making waves, fostering connections, and spearheading change, I know that I hold the power to transform the lives of those around me. I am motivated to pursue more knowledge, strengthen my existing skills, and learn new marketing strategies. A career in sales and marketing would allow my family’s corporation and me to reach new heights. Until then, I will set my sights on the horizon.