We’re thrilled to see Ali featured on The George Washington University Career Success Blog! Ali has worked with our marketing team all semester & is a huge asset. From creative ideas to always helping us innovate, Ali is bound for great things! Read her story below:

“As a junior at The George Washington University’s School of Business, I’m well on my way towards achieving success.  The road to success is neither short nor easy, but each stop along the way thus far has impacted my future and opportunities.

Right now I’m experiencing an opportunity at the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) as the Marketing Intern, and I’ll tell you how I got here. I began my freshman year at GW with the intention of majoring in Marketing, but also had experience in photography and videography.  I interned for the American Red Cross’ Global Refugee Simulation & Conference team as a Digital Intern.  I then went on to work for J.Crew Factory that summer, and then Jack Wills for the next year.

BP Nov 19 AValentin

This past summer I was given the opportunity to intern at Findly, a small brand/talent advertising agency in New York City.  I worked in the Creative Department and was able to further develop my Photoshop skills from my previous internship. It also sparked my interest in the Market Research industry.  As fall quickly approached, I began to think a lot about pursuing a fall internship when I returned to DC for my junior year of college.  I wanted to continue gaining experience in the Marketing field somewhere I would be able to advance my knowledge and narrowly define my career interests, and NSCS was just the right place.

After interviewing with one of my current supervisors, I immediately felt that NSCS would be a great place for me to thrive.  Not only am I able to advance NSCS’ mission of “[recognizing] and [elevating] high achievers” but I am also gaining the basis of Market Research experience that I wanted. A few examples of how I am able to do so is through utilizing Eventbrite and Excel in order to organize New Member Inductions, as well as aiding in blog ideas and posts for TalkNerdy2Me and ScholarCon.

The things I am learning and doing at NSCS encourage me to take initiative, as I am eager to get the most out of my internship in order to help create opportunities for myself.  I always strive to do my best and enjoy being challenged to better my own skills.  My values are further reinforced at GW, through “Knowledge in Action”.  Throughout my time studying in the School of Business, I have participated in countless hands-on experiences in order to better prepare myself for what lies ahead.

In one of my classes this semester, we will be doing a consumer behavior project at Tysons Galleria in Tysons, Virginia.  This group project will consist of us analyzing shopper trends and data, and my improving Excel skills from NSCS will surely come in handy!  When I’m not studying or interning, I am a member of the Women’s Club Soccer Team and the Event Coordinator for CHAARG (Changing health attitudes + actions to recreate girls).  These extracurricular activities allow me to share my passion for health and fitness.  I also enjoy running, fashion, and meeting new people!”