I’m pursuing a career in sales or marketing because I’m passionate about understanding people—how they think, what drives them, and how businesses can create meaningful connections with their audience. Sales and marketing sit at the intersection of psychology, communication, and strategy, and it’s that blend that excites me. Whether it’s building trust with a client, crafting a message that resonates, or analyzing data to improve performance, I’m drawn to the challenge of driving results through human connection. I’m currently studying Management with a minor in Finance at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, and I’ve made the Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters—including most recently, earning a perfect 4.0. That academic success reflects not only my work ethic, but also my ability to stay disciplined and goal-oriented in a competitive environment. It mirrors the exact mindset needed in sales and marketing—where persistence, learning agility, and preparation make all the difference. My work experience has reinforced that this is the right path for me. At ACME Markets, I worked as a Courtesy Clerk where I interacted with hundreds of customers weekly. That role taught me the importance of customer experience—not just the service, but how people feel after interacting with a brand. It was in those small, daily interactions that I realized how much impact a single conversation can have on customer perception. I began to think more critically about branding, word-of-mouth influence, and what makes someone choose one business over another. This past summer, I served as a substitute custodian at Cheltenham Elementary School, which may seem unrelated at first glance. But it strengthened my attention to detail, my team collaboration skills, and my commitment to consistency—key traits that transfer directly into a professional sales or marketing setting, where every task contributes to a broader impression and result. Beyond work, my involvement in the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) has sharpened my communication and leadership abilities. By helping organize professional development events and workshops, I learned how to tailor messaging to an audience and create value through strategic outreach. These experiences gave me real insight into marketing execution and the importance of audience engagement. I’m also a committed athlete on the Penn State Track and Field Club Team. Training and competing have built up my resilience, discipline, and competitive edge—traits that are essential for success in sales, where setbacks are common and progress is earned. Just like in sports, sales and marketing demand that you show up, stay sharp, and perform under pressure. At the end of the day, I’m motivated by the opportunity to make an impact—by helping a brand grow, solving problems for customers, and driving business results through insight and persuasion. I’m excited to channel my academic excellence, professional experience, and drive into a sales or marketing role where I can continue to grow and make a difference.