Spotlight On: Lauren Anderson

The Future of Business and Marketing Has a Name: Lauren Anderson

Lauren Anderson is a junior at Centenary University, who is majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. She dives into her passion for business, and different possibilities for careers with a marketing degree. Read on to learn about this hot degree!

What made you decide to major in business administration?

I decided to major in business administration because it was a general major. I originally joined Centenary as undecided, but in my sophomore year, I declared my major. I really enjoyed marketing/advertising classes in high school, so I felt comfortable with the material.

Can you describe the marketing major and what one can do with it?

Marketing at Centenary includes many areas of business and advertising. The math-centered classes like Principles of Finance and Accounting make up part of the course load, and more creative classes like Sales and Sales Management, fill in the cracks. With a marketing degree, you can do a lot! Businesses are always looking to expand, and therefore need marketing. Students: take note of what you can do with a marketing major! Promoting and selling products, running a social media page, creating content, and doing PR all fall under the marketing umbrella! 

What would you say are strengths of the marketing program?

The marketing program is very supportive. Many of my professors and peers are always willing to help out. They share job opportunities and are always open to questions outside of class. It feels like they genuinely want you to succeed.

What made you choose Centenary?

I chose Centenary because it was so close to home. I was still 17 when I entered college, and I wasn’t ready to move away. Not to mention, the cost of living on campus (at Centenary or any other school) would drown me in debt.

Do you enjoy commuting to school? What are the pros and cons?

I enjoy commuting. The pros are that I have my own space to go back to after class, and I can still see my family and friends who live around here. The cons are that it is definitely harder to make friends/be part of campus life, and of course, having to leave 30 minutes before class starts isn’t ideal, especially with morning classes.

What are some of your favorite courses you have taken?

My favorite marketing courses would have to be Principles of Marketing with Professor Iris and Sales and Sales Management with Professor Lopez. I am also enjoying Business Law with Professor Yacullo this semester, and have enjoyed Global Cinema with Professor Gavrilovic and Art Appreciation with Professor Coco.

What would you like to do as a career in marketing? 

Personally, I think I would enjoy promoting small businesses and/or doing PR for larger businesses.

Do you know how many students are in the marketing major? What school/department is it in?

I’m not sure how many students are in the marketing major, but I think it’s one of the more common majors at Centenary. It falls under the Business Department, and my advisor is Dr. Poisseroux.

Have you joined any clubs or sports teams here at Centenary?

I have not joined any clubs or sports. I plan on joining a few clubs in the fall so I can get more involved on campus! I am considering joining The Cyclone Chronicle next semester as a club member if I have time!

Have you taken part in any internships through Centenary or any other business-related opportunities? 

I haven’t taken part in any internships or job opportunities through Centenary, but I am always looking! Juggling a part-time job and being a full-time student takes up most of my days. I work as a sales lead at Famous Footwear in Flanders. 

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of school? What do you do in your free time?

When I’m not working or at school, I love hanging out with my friends or playing Minecraft (with friends as well). I’m always looking for new restaurants to try out, and I will never turn down a day of shopping or thrifting! I kind of have a burrito addiction. A Chipotle opened right across from my work, and it's so dangerous! I also have two dogs and three cats, so they keep me busy as well.  

What are you looking forward to most going into your senior year?

I’m looking forward to hopefully getting an internship or job in my field. I also can’t wait to see where life will take me after Centenary!

Do you have any advice for students interested in your major?

My advice is that networking is so important! Going to career fairs, making friends with the people in your classes, and having a rapport with your professors will make a huge difference. At the end of the day, you are in charge of how your time in college will go.

What is something no one knows about you?

I would say most people don’t know that I was never very outgoing. It was only in the past two years that I turned into the extroverted version of myself that everyone knows today. I’m very happy with how much more confident I’ve gotten.

If you could tell your freshman self one thing, what would it be?

My advice would be to take it easy on yourself. I had so much pressure sitting on my shoulders that it bogged me down. Becoming more confident in myself helped me academically and personally with relationships I’ve made through my years at Centenary.