Education
I chose UT because:
I wanted to be in a warmer climate with little to no winter. I also wanted to be in a large city with a lot to do. The University of Tampa’s location across the Hillsborough River from downtown Tampa checked these two boxes perfectly. Tampa is also about fourty minutes from America’s best beaches in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, and it is about an hour from the world class theme parks in Orlando.
I wanted to be at a school where I was not just a number. With about 11,000 students, I have been able to get to know my professors beyond the classroom, and they have been willing to get to know and help me.
The Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa is AACSB accredited. This means the school has been thoroughly evaluated at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Employers stress hiring from AACSB institutions due to the rigorous standards.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International ensures that business schools meet the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.
The Sykes College of Business has been rated as one of the best business school in the Southeast for the fifth consecutive year. UT separates itself with its small class sizes and outstanding faculty.
The University of Tampa was named 21st best university in the Southeast for the 2022-23 school year. It was also named the 34th best value school.
Relevant Coursework
Digital Marketing
I learned about social media, email, content, and inbound marketing. In addition, I learned about search engine optimization, search engine management, and video marketing. I gained experience with WordPress, Google Analytics, and HubSpot.
Professional Selling
I participated in a reverse career fair where I was responsible for selling myself to potential employers. I also had two extensive role plays where I successfully sold the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hall of Fame Ticket Package to one of the school’s corporate partners.
Federal Taxation
I completed three research problems that required me to look at the Internal Revenue Code and related federal cases. The course had a semester long project where I had a fictitious individual’s portfolio. I prepared the correct tax returns and wrote a letter giving recommendations for how to decrease their tax liability.
Marketing Strategy
This is the capstone course for all marketing majors. I implemented everything I have learned in all of my marketing classes to write a marketing strategy plan for Airbnb.
Club Golf
Club golf has been the highlight of my college experience. As a team, we had a lot of close calls at nationals, placing third, sixth, and ninth before finally breaking through in April 2023 in frigid West Lafayette, Indiana. We captured the club’s first national championship. Individually, I have an title at a regional event in Florida as well. This club has brought me so much joy and happiness. After not being given a spot on the NCAA team, this situation worked out perfectly. Golf has always been one of the most important parts of my life, and it will continue to be!
Volunteering
I believe it is important to give back to those in my community. I served as a volunteer for VITA this past tax season at sites across Tampa Bay. I prepared tax returns for both individuals and families who qualified. Taxes often make people upset, nervous, scared, or a little bit of all three. I would leave each site feeling great about having the opportunity and ability to help people in my community in need. Even if I choose to not do something accounting related for my job, I plan to continue to volunteer for VITA every year!
