Courtney Bourne '23, is a marketing major with a minor in graphic design, and she is President of the USI Marketing Club. In our interview, she talks about USI and Romain College, and why she chose to get involved with the club.
What makes USI and the Romain College of Business special to you?
USI and the Romain College of Business is special to me because I can interact with the professors and get to know them personally. USI felt like home to me compared to other universities; you rarely feel like a stranger on campus, because there are many opportunities to get involved and build relationships.
What are some of your favorite classes at Romain College and why?
One of my favorite classes at the Romain College is the consumer behavior marketing with Dr. Peggy Shields – she has retired now, but she did an excellent job teaching us how marketing is applied in the real world. She tied in real life examples with every lesson to help us relate to the topic more. I enjoyed the class and topics that we went over.
Why did you choose your current major and minor?
I have been passionate about marketing since my junior year of high school. I took many marketing classes in high school and continued my education outside of school by reading books about marketing. I have always enjoyed science, and to me marketing is a science because it is always evolving. Although, with marketing you can be as creative as you want to be!
In high school I took one graphic design class and really enjoyed it. I started doing many projects for the high school I went to, but it wasn’t until I was competing in an Integrated marketing campaign and I created an entire product line in Photoshop that I realized that graphic design and marketing work seamlessly together.
What has surprised you about college?
Before college, I always heard “you’ll never use what you learned in school.” But I have found that to be a myth. During my internship, I have been applying the knowledge I learned from my college classes as a daily routine.
What do you wish you had known as an incoming freshman?
As an incoming freshman, I wish I would’ve known the importance of being involved with the campus. Being involved allows you to meet more people that have similar interests.
What attributes make a student successful in college?
To be a successful student in college, one should be very ambitious – ambition will drive you to success. Other important attributes: integrity, organization, time management, tenacious, punctual, and reliable.
How do you stay focused when the demands of school, work, etc. seem overwhelming?
I am the type of person that is constantly busy, so I do have to prioritize my time organizing my schedule. I have two planners; a physical planner and a planner on my computer, so I can be reminded of upcoming events or assignments. I also workout 5-6 times a week to keep stress levels down and because I thoroughly enjoy it.
As USI Marketing Club's president, what are some things you hope to achieve?
As president of the Marketing Club, I plan to equip students with the resources to become confident in the professional world. This year is an exciting year because we have the opportunity to be a Collegiate Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). Being a part of AMA will help students gain real world experience before their professional career.
What made you decide to pursue being an officer of your organization?
I am passionate about marketing, and I have always enjoyed helping people. I have a lot of ideas for this club, and I am excited.
Tell us more about your student organization and why USI students should get involved with it!
The Marketing Club is a club that allows students to prepare for their professional career. This club allows students that share the same interest a chance to come together and build relationships that will last a lifetime. This year is a going to be an exciting year for members because being a collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association gives this club resources we didn’t have in the past. It’s going to be a great experience every student involved with this club.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years I see myself having my dream job as a marketing director for a retail or possibly insurance company. I can see myself living in a different city and state, but I am not opposed to staying in Evansville.
Published August 19, 2021