I’ve heard that most people who pursue a career in web design and digital marketing don’t follow a conventional path to get there. My story, it seems, falls in line with this notion. To provide you with a better understanding of where my interest in this field first sparked, let me take you back to my high school days. I can’t quite explain how the idea came to me, but I knew I wanted to be part of the “tech” world. Though I wasn’t entirely sure what that entailed, I did know that both my parents were involved in it, and the idea of being able to work from anywhere with a laptop intrigued me. This realization prompted me to enroll in a few computer classes, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Consequently, I decided to pursue a major in computer science when I entered college.
As I embarked on my college journey, I initially pursued computer science at the University of Dayton. However, when the pandemic hit, all of our classes were moved online, and it quickly became apparent that computer science wasn’t the right fit for me.
I knew that I wanted to get into business, but I had no idea which major to choose. With the help of a friend in the department, I began to explore entrepreneurship, and I immediately knew that it was the perfect fit for me.
But there was one obstacle. You have to apply in order to get into the entrepreneurship program, additionally the acceptance criteria included a specific GPA requirement that I didn’t meet because I was struggling in my math and coding classes at the time. Despite this, I decided to apply anyway.
The application process required me to write an essay answering the question, “Why should you be a part of the entrepreneurship program at UD?” I couldn’t find the original essay I wrote but it went along the lines of “When I am accepted into the ENT program I will…”(and so on) I don’t know what I said after that but I guess someone really liked that answer or wasn’t paying attention that day because I got accepted.
I never considered myself a great student, but after being accepted into the program I found a love for my classes and I did well in all my classes, especially those at the Hub (the building where all my entrepreneurship classes were held).
However even after spending most of three semesters in the program. I still had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation and now what could my entrepreneurship degree be used for. That was my main concern.
For those unacquainted with the entrepreneurship program, a significant component involves interacting with local business owners. This engagement occurs through an event known as “Entrepreneurship at the Table.” During one such event in my junior year, I crossed paths with the CEO of a local internet marketing company.
In his introductory speech, he mentioned his search for interns, which instantly captured my attention and prompted me to take a seat at his table. Following a brief conversation with him, I managed to convey my qualifications for the position, despite my limited experience.
As I began working under his guidance, I gradually learned the ropes and, unexpectedly, found myself enjoying the tasks at hand.
However, the issue was that I was only one semester away from graduation, and I still had no plan for post graduation.
With my boss’s invaluable guidance and a wealth of suggestions, I resolved to establish my own internet marketing company in my hometown.
Over the next two months, I mapped out the services I aimed to offer. Then, in February of this year, I filed to start my company. After graduating in May, this business became my full-time occupation. Since then I have signed two clients and I have plans on signing many more.
I hope that my story can inspire at least one person. Even if you don’t have a clear vision or path, as long as you take opportunities and seize them, you will find something that is right for you.
(P.S. This may read weird as it was originally a speech.)