Business Leaders of the Future STUDENT PROFILES Compiled by Tatiana Favela and Carlos Andres López Jessica Beltran Jessica Beltran was a student at Santa Teresa High School when she found herself drawn to the creative world of marketing. Eager to study the field in college, Beltran made her way to NMSU, where she found the ideal program that suited her interests – and much more – in the College of Business. As an undergraduate student, Beltran completed three bachelor’s degrees in marketing, accounting and Spanish in under four years. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in business administration and working for NMSU’s Marketing and Communications office as a student social media content producer. “I want a career in digital marketing or social media,” she said. “Ideally, I want to work in the concert industry or publishing, and I think my education and experiences at NMSU are setting me up for success down that path.” Beltran came into her role with NMSU’s Marketing and Communications office by sharing TikTok videos with the university’s official account. She saw an opportunity to gain critical experience in social media and started creating videos on a voluntary basis. A year later, she accepted a paid position with the department’s social media team. Since then, NMSU’s official TikTok account has more than doubled its followers. Beltran, who participated in NMSU’s chapter of the American Marketing Association as an undergraduate student, expects to complete her master’s degree in August 2024. At that time, she will have spent five years at NMSU. “Being here so many years, I’ve come to enjoy the community spirit,” she said. “I’ve become close with faculty, staff and fellow students from the College of Business – it’s such a close-knit college.” Alex Duran Already on a journey of professional growth in the College of Business, Alex Duran has taken on many roles while working toward his degree and future career in business. “During my time, I have become the Business Council president, an ASNMSU senator for the College of Business, and a very knowledgeable individual in the world of business,” he shared. Duran, a junior pursuing his bachelor’s degree in the professional golf management and marketing, said the college has tremendously helped prepare him for the world of business, get a sense of professionalism, and become successful after he graduates. He and other students feel a sense of belonging and welcome, he added “The faculty that you find in the COB is beyond amazing, especially when you take time out of your day to go speak to them,” he said. “It really is amazing to know the knowledge and experience of what the professors have at NMSU. The students are also second to none when it comes to culture.” As Duran continues down his path of success, he encourages all students to take advantage of all the opportunities offered in the college and at NMSU, including seeking lifelong friendships. “At the end of the day, when we leave the doors of NMSU and go into our lives, our friendships that we create today are all part of life’s good story that we all get one chance at,” he said. 8 The Bottom Line – 2023 Annual Report | College of Business – New Mexico State University
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