Discovering a Passion for Marketing
In 2018, I could barely define marketing. Yet in that same year, I joined Towson University’s American Marketing Association (AMA) Chapter—a decision that ignited my passion for marketing and set the stage for my career growth. From applying for the Eileen Gwin Undergraduate Marketing Scholarship to serving on the Collegiate Executive Board, AMA didn’t just help me define my career path—it helped me define myself. Seven years later, as I continue to grow in my marketing career at Precise Systems, AMA Baltimore remains a driving force in my professional development, expanding my network and deepening my industry insights.
Finding My Place in AMA
My AMA journey began at Towson University in Fall 2018. Coming from a community college that didn’t have any student-run marketing organizations at the time, I was eager to immerse myself in a business field that genuinely excited me. Towson’s AMA Collegiate Chapter became the perfect place to channel that passion. After one semester of feeling motivated to engage more deeply with the Collegiate Chapter, I took on the role of Event Coordinator, spearheading professional development initiatives and forging connections with industry professionals.
My developing networking skills led me to two key individuals who opened the door to AMA Baltimore: Past Presidents Dov Hoffman and Anne Matzke. Their energy and enthusiasm for the AMA and marketing in general were simply put—contagious.
A Pivotal Scholarship Opportunity
When Anne visited our chapter to introduce the 2019 Eileen Gwin Undergraduate Marketing Scholarship, I knew I had to apply—not just for a shot at financial support, but to push myself beyond my comfort zone. Although I don’t recall the exact questions on the application, I vividly remember how they fueled my excitement for the career path I had chosen. Spoiler alert—trust your intuition, because the marketing field is even more dynamic and exciting than I ever imagined.
After submitting my application (hoping for the best, but not having any high expectations for being selected) Anne set up a phone interview. I still remember pacing around my college apartment, thrilled to be speaking with a professional I admired. Of course, I wanted to obtain the scholarship, but beyond that, I was excited to strengthen my connection with Anne and AMA Baltimore.
A few weeks later, I was notified that I was the first-place recipient of the scholarship, and the apartment pacing turned into gleeful jumping. Much like life’s most unforgettable surprises, I did not see that one coming. Little did I know this award marked the beginning of a relationship with an organization that would help shape me into the marketer I am today.
From Nerves to Insight: A Night of Marketing Magic
In May 2019, I attended the 34th Annual MX Awards to graciously accept my award. Was I a bit nervous to be surrounded by so many seasoned and talented marketing professionals? Absolutely. Did I know exactly what to expect? Definitely not. Did I go anyway? You bet I did.
As the renowned keynote speaker David Rendall presented the well-deserved MX Awards campaign winners, I had a realization: marketing wasn’t just about selling products or services—it was about storytelling, strategy, and targeted creativity. It was the strategic process of identifying customer needs, creating value-driven offerings, and communicating those benefits effectively. And AMA Baltimore had given me the platform to see that up close. The energy, the innovation, and the impact of marketing were all on full display. And so was the deliciously attractive sushi bar.
Leveraging Connections Can Propel Growth
Fast forward to Fall 2021—shortly after celebrating my one-year work anniversary at Precise Systems, Anne reached out with an opportunity to volunteer as AMA Baltimore’s Social Media Coordinator. Instantly, memories of the MX Awards, my Collegiate Chapter, and the invaluable connections I had made came rushing back. It was a near-immediate “yes.” That experience reinforced a powerful lesson: networking is like an unpredictable boomerang—you never know when a past connection will come back at the perfect moment.
A few months later, I eagerly joined the AMA Baltimore Executive Board as Secretary. In 2023, I transitioned to VP of Marketing + Communications, and now I proudly serve as VP of Communications. Volunteering and leading with AMA Baltimore—which all stemmed from a scholarship application—has taught me the power of saying “yes,” of embracing challenges, and of trusting that every step forward is a step toward growth.
Advice to Aspiring Marketers
My advice to students and young marketing professionals? Don’t let the fear of rejection or of the unknown stop you from seizing opportunities. You never know who you’ll meet or, more importantly—what you’ll learn about yourself along the way.
If you are an undergraduate marketing student looking to seize an opportunity that could gift you a priceless career trajectory, apply to the 2025 Eileen Gwin Undergraduate Marketing Scholarship today!
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