This past week I was able to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for a networking trip. This was with an organization that I am involved in called Ohio Women In Business. We typically go on a networking trip each semester; for example, last semester we went to Columbus, OH, then we went to Chicago, IL before that.

The companies we visited last week were: Bespoke Sports Marketing Agency, NASCAR, Microsoft, and Wells Fargo!

MY PERSONAL, FRUITFUL, GAIN

For me personally, I am studying International Business and Marketing; so the first day visiting Bespoke and NASCAR was my cup of tea. I was so intent on listening and sponging up as much information as I could. My goals and dreams align with marketing SPECIFICALLY in the sports industry. Wanting to get into motorsports within the business industry (which is layered with male-domination) I knew I needed to stand out or be noticed somehow.

NASCAR is a dreammm for me so I went into our meeting locked and loaded with questions and my elevator pitch. We were introduced to the Chief International Officer, Vice President, Chad Seigler, of NASCAR… You read that right. The opportunity to be seen dropped right in my lap. It is a great thing our organization’s faculty advisor advocates for us, because she had already talked to him about me and wanted to personally introduce each other.

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES, TOMORROW’S OUTCOME

I did NOT throw away my shot. I networked and self-advocated and elevator pitched my heart out. I got personal with some of the leaders at NASCAR and was invited to come back this Summer before my travels to Italy. They even offered to connect me with NASCAR in Italy and help me out over the Summer.

This just goes to show what can happen if you put yourself out there, advocate for yourself, and take every opportunity that comes your way. Obviously, I could not have done it without the help of my faculty advisor and honestly the support of everyone aware of my passions and goals. If you are passionate about something, nothing will stand in your way or stand against your determination.

Now, I am so motivated to continue to prove myself and stand by my dreams and goals. I am looking forward to the future and continuing to work hard to back up my words! We are literally all capable of anything at any time 🙂