When I was looking at transferring schools, the main thing I was looking for was connection. I didn't just want a place to earn a degree; I wanted a community that would see my potential, invest in it, and help me grow into the professional I hoped to become. Through professors, peers, and institutional resources, SAU didn't just offer classes; it gave me a community that propelled me into real-world opportunities. Looking back, I can trace my internship at BluFish Branding Agency and my professional growth directly to the relationships and values I developed at SAU. Looking ahead, I can confidently say that the qualities SAU helped cultivate in me will continue opening doors long after graduation.

From early on, I had a professor who invested time and energy into her students, and her focus was on setting them up for success! She brought us on field trips, introduced us to her own professional network, and created space for real-world projects that stretched our creativity and communication skills. This has impacted me greatly on how I carry myself professionally. Her
belief in my potential motivated me to apply for opportunities that I might have otherwise considered out of reach.

Thanks to those conversations and SAU's encouragement to be proactive, I landed an internship with BluFish Branding Agency. At BluFish, I got hands-on experience in content and campaign strategy, social media storytelling, digital design, and communicating professionally with clients and the internal team. I saw firsthand how the principles I learned at SAU could be applied to a real marketing firm. Working at BluFish wasn't just a resume booster; it was a valuable learning experience. I was surrounded by professionals who believed in socially conscious branding, and during my time there, I learned how to ground creativity in purpose with effective research and personal client communication.

If there is one thing I've learned, it's that finding experiences, internships, and jobs is all about who you know. Conversations matter. Connections matter. You never know who will see something in you and want to invest in your growth. Even a seemingly casual conversation in the hallway could turn into a lead for a future job opportunity. Outside my internship, three of my personal social media clients came from individuals who already knew me and believed in my potential. They gave me opportunities to grow my skills through real hands-on work, opportunities that I wouldn't have had without investing in those relationships.

Connecting with your professors and advisors, letting them share their knowledge and expertise in your field, is key to building foundational relationships that could lead to the career path the Lord has for you! Don't just attend class; actively seek out mentorship and advice. Start building your community today, because those connections are what will truly propel you into
your future.

Written by SAU Marketing student Makenna Groeneveld