Missouri State University

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Marketing Department 

Student Profiles

Get an inside track on what it is like to be a Marketing student at Missouri State. Meet current students in a brief Q&A session concerning everything from where they came from, to why they are here at Missouri State and what the future holds for them. Get to know them, they are just like you!

Charlie
  Charlie Runnels

     Year: Senior
     Hometown: Marshfield, Missouri
     Concentration: Marketing/Retail Merchandising

 

  

Tell us in just a few words some things that help us know you a little better.

I am a senior majoring in Marketing/ Retail Merchandising. I transferred from Drury last spring where I spent two years studying theatre and vocal music. I am an aspiring country music singer/songwriter and I also compete in Miss Missouri/America Pageants. I currently live in Marshfield on an angus cattle farm with my family and work at White House Black Market.

Why did you choose Marketing as your academic interest?  

I am a creative person with a vivid imagination and I have always been interested in the production/marketing side of entertainment. I currently market my music through my websites and other internet services and it is my goal and dream of being successful in the music business.  I have learned, however, it is easier said than done. I am majoring in the area of retail because I am considering opening my own bridal/evening gown boutique. I have also considered using my entertainment experience and possibly working with a talent agency for record labels and television networks.

What are your favorite things about being a Marketing student at Missouri State?

I really enjoy the classes and learning about business in today’s society. I have enjoyed all of my marketing professors and I think the expertise and real world experience they bring to the classroom helps students grasp the reality of what is expected in the workforce.

What has been a highlight of your college experience?

I’ve enjoyed getting to meet so many people from all over the world and learning about their cultures. By attending two different colleges, it has given me the opportunity to learn from people and professors that have different values and outlooks on life which has helped me broaden my perspective.

What has been a favorite marketing class and why?

I have enjoyed all the courses so far but I think the most beneficial course that the major offers is Marketing Yourself which is what I am currently taking. I highly recommend this class because it will help you learn how to conduct yourself professionally in today’s business world as well as establish valuable contacts and skills that you can use to help build your career. I have already learned what some of my strength and weaknesses are and how to improve them. I really enjoy the guest speakers and am looking forward to the field trips. I believe these experiences will help me in my future endeavors.

What advice would you give students looking at Missouri State and particularly the Department of Marketing?

I know at first I was a little scared to come to MSU because it is a lot bigger than what I was used to but once I walked around campus a couple of times it didn’t seem so intimidating. The student class size also dwindles once you start taking the classes in your major which makes it easier to talk to the professors and get one-on-one help. Why I recommend the Department of Marketing is because the staff is top notch…the professors are very helpful and want to see you succeed but you have to be willing to put forth the effort.

Steve Rocks!

   Steve Palubiak

     Year: Senior
     Hometown: Des Peres, Missouri
     Concentration: Marketing Management

 
 
  
 

Tell us in just a few words some things that help us know you a little better.

I was born and raised in St. Louis.   I graduated from Chaminade College Prep in 2005 where I was on the Cross Country team and the Lacrosse team.  Now a junior at MSU, I’m studying economics and marketing with an emphasis in marketing management.  In addition, I have been involved in Student Government, on the Lacrosse team, a sales consultant for Kirkwood Mitsubishi in St. Louis, and I'm currently the President of MSU’s Marketing Club

 Why did you choose to come to Missouri State?

I was looking for a university with a good reputation in a larger town.  Springfield and MSU complimented each other perfectly for me.  Springfield is a fast growing, but close-knit community that is a great place to make friends and find jobs.  The university as well, with nearly 20,000 students offers a great place to learn from knowledgeable professors and provides students with the opportunity and support to succeed academically, professionally, and socially. 

 What are you involved in on campus and how has the involvement enriched your life?

I’ve been involved with the Student Government Association, Lacrosse team, and Marketing Club.  As President of the Marketing Club, I have inevitably spent lots of time with the executive board building it into something well respected and beneficial for all students.  Through this process, I have met hundreds of people and made several close friends.  I have learned more about working with a team and the importance of everyone sharing their thoughts and visions in order to make something work.  After a year of being President, I have seen countless improvements and know that my team and I are able to leave something good behind us at MSU.  I strongly encourage all students to join Marketing Club and other organizations as well.  It will allow you to meet awesome people, build your resume, and make a mark at MSU.

 What has been a highlight of your college experience?         

Aside from meeting people, one of my many great experiences at MSU has been working on the Marketing Club.  This was a highlight because it taught me things the classroom doesn’t.  It also gave me experience that I will need to have when I graduate next year.  I will need to have experience in order to get a better job and have a sense of what I’m doing.  This organization has taught me a lot about communication, delegation, networking, failure, and success.

 

Linnens Golf

 

  Melissa Linnens

     Year: Senior
     Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
     Concentration: Sales/Sales Management

 

  

Tell us in just a few words some things that help us know you a little better.

I am from Wichita, Kansas.  I play golf for Missouri State and love to do anything outdoors.  I enjoy spending free time with my friends, I love to ski and ride my bike. 

Why did you choose to come to Missouri State? 

I chose Missouri State because I wanted to go out of state to college and play Division I golf. 

Why did you choose Marketing as your academic interest (and what area of marketing are you concentrating in)?

I chose marketing because I wanted a degree in a business related field but also wanted the creative aspects that marketing offers.  I enjoy working with others and bringing ideas together which I think is a significant portion of what marketing is all about. 

What are you involved in on campus and how has the involvement enriched your life?

I am involved on campus as a student-athlete.  As a part of the Missouri State golf team, I am able to travel around the country and play a sport that I love.  Through sports, I have developed close relationships with various other student-athletes.  My two best friends are from Venezuela and Minnesota.  So, I think being involved on campus has provided me with the opportunity to understand and become interested in other cultures.

What are your favorite things about being a Marketing student at Missouri State?

Developing relationships with professors—I feel like the professors are interested in your life outside of the classroom and are willing to help you succeed.  Also I’ve developed relationships with other marketing students through the various projects that are required in the classes.  The class sizes are small and the professors are very knowledgeable in their areas.  They also have experience outside of teaching and apply it to their classes.

What has been a highlight of your college experience?

Representing Missouri State at the NCAA Leadership Conference last spring.