This week, we are thrilled to spotlight the Marketing Department’s amazing Graduate Assistant, Grayson Lawrence! Grayson is currently getting her Master’s in Business Analytics. She shares with us some of the most valuable things she has learned as a Hokie and advice for current students! 

Tell us about your role as a Graduate Assistant. What has been your favorite part?

My role as a Graduate Assistant with the Marketing Department has been amazing. I’ve loved working with everyone and I’ve gained so many different skills. It’s been such a blast. Besides working with the lovely Marketing Department Associates and Professor Wertalik, one of my favorite parts has been being a fly in the wall for the Marketing Advisory Board and Emeritus Meetings. It’s been really interesting to hear about various industries and seeing professionals come together and show their Hokie spirit for Virginia Tech students. 

When did you realize that you wanted to get your Master's in Business Analytics? What is the most important thing you have learned in your program?

I realized I wanted to get my Master’s around the end of the fall of my third year because I graduated in three years. I decided to join my Master's program because I wanted to be at Virginia Tech for another year and I knew that business analytical skills would help my future career, especially in Marketing. My favorite thing about the program has been my cohort. The people I’ve met will be lifelong friends and I’ve just absolutely loved studying, working, and hanging out with everyone this year. Being able to lean on each other and bond has been so much fun. The most important thing has been my capstone project with  NobleReach Foundation. I have learned so much through this project and challenged myself as a leader and technically. Getting a chance to test and challenge myself has been extremely valuable. 

Tell us about your internship with VT Athletics. What was the most challenging part?

My internship with VT Athletics was a nine-month Events Internship with their Marketing Department. The internship was a great way to get hands on event experience which helped me in my Graduate Assistant position. It was all about making sure the student experience was the best that it could be at every event. As a student, I never really went to many sporting events, so being required to go to so many was amazing and helped make my Hokie experience well-rounded. I went to so many different sporting events that I felt more connected to Virginia Tech.  

What is the most valuable thing you have learned during your time at Virginia Tech? 

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting about my time and one of the most valuable things I’ve learned is to be confident and be secure in myself. I’ve learned to be able to say I’m smart, I can present this, I can write this, etc. Being able to see myself step up and be a leader has given me so much confidence. 

What advice do you have for current VT students?

Do everything! Apply for PRISM. Apply for JMAB. Apply for everything you can. Study abroad and make connections with your professors. Talk to your professors, show up to class, and don’t be the person on your phone in class. Show up to class and try to learn.