ONIF Student Spotlight
September 2, 2022
Name: Priya Dutta
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Major: Marketing
Graduation Date: May 2024
Fellowship Award: The LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship awarded $150,000 to 50 undergraduate and graduate students majoring in advertising, marketing, and public relations. These scholars traveled from around the country to New York to participate in several career and professional development workshops hosted by General Motors, P&G, MMC, and Walmart.
What are your current or future career plans? I want to focus on brand management and communicating a brand's identity in all of its campaigns by overseeing owned media and content strategy. To start, this past summer I worked for Mr. Kim Hunter of The LAGRANT Foundation, LAGRANT Communications, and KLH & Associates as a Marketing and Communications Intern. Next, this fall, I will be starting my journey in the M-School on the Strategy & Brand Management track.
What have you enjoyed most about the program? The most significant insight I gained was clarity: a better understanding of what I want to pursue professionally. Learning about both the corporate and agency side of marketing and public relations allowed me to reflect on my career goals and needs. It was also inspiring to see businesses committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to meet successful professionals with similar backgrounds as me. The business world demands inclusivity, and this experience encouraged me to be a changemaker. I would not have grown such professional confidence without this invaluable experience.
What has been the most challenging aspect of the program? The most challenging aspect of the program was gathering the confidence to put myself out there. Especially after a year of virtual networking, I found the transition into my first in-person professional workshop series daunting at first. However, as the program activities continued, I found myself inspired by my peers from across the nation and gained trust in my own professional abilities.
What advice do you have for future applicants? For future applicants, I recommend applying by the early deadline and getting help from ONIF or, specifically, Cassidy Alvarado! If you are selected to be a TLF Scholar, I suggest preparing ahead of time; reflect on your career goals and what you wish to gain from the program, research the companies and form questions, and be prepared to put yourself out there. Also, if applicable, connect with fellow LMU recipients before the scholarship programs - it'll help you tremendously to have a familiar face (shoutout Faith Nishimura)!
What would people be surprised to know about you? I love to tap dance!
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For more information about the LAGRANT Foundation Scholarships visit: https://www.lagrantfoundation.org/Scholarship%20Program or contact ONIF.