Business Administration, Marketing Concentration, and Integrated Marketing Communications Major
Sparta, New Jersey
Whether she's fielding high-level clients at Madison Square Garden or researching human-interest stories for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Stephanie Elowson loves the process of developing and executing projects with a group. "The staffs really appreciated my initiative and willingness to step up and offer what I can do," she says. At yet another internship, at NBC, Stephanie was given responsibilities right on the red carpet during a showcase for the new TV season.
Filling leadership positions is nothing new for Stephanie, especially since "at Ithaca there are so many opportunities to get involved and take on significant responsibilities." For example, as a member of the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement she has planned several leadership and diversity retreats. "It's awesome," she says, "to take something all the way from planning to execution, especially when you see things really change because of what you do." In her first year she became an executive board member of the Deans' Hosts committee, the student group charged with promoting the School of Business to prospective students.
"The faculty and administration of the School of Business trust us to make good decisions and run successful programs. That's really empowered me and given me an extra level of professionalism," she notes. "So when it came to interning, my on-campus experience working in an administrative context really was an asset."
She has turned her marketing and planning skills to another love -- dance. With a group, she created the first annual Finger Lakes Tap Dance Festival, a three-day event featuring dance workshops, panel discussions, and a performance by top-caliber guest artists. "It was a huge success, an incredible experience," she says. "Before I came to Ithaca I never imagined I'd be given so many opportunities. I love it here!"
