Zoe Fernandez

MS Marketing Student Spotlight: Zoë Fernandez

Zoë Fernandez is anticipating beginning her career at Macy’s after graduating with her MS Marketing degree this summer. We asked her to share how the MS Marketing program has prepared her for this role.

Zoe Fernandez

Q: Tell us about yourself.

Fernandez: “I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago but moved to Miami, Florida, at the age of seven. I enjoyed growing up in Miami because it is such a vibrant city filled with so much culture. I’ve always been a diligent student and enjoyed learning throughout my childhood. During my time in high school, I became interested in psychology and business, so I figured a bachelor’s degree in marketing would be a good fit for me, and I was right!”

Q: Why did you join the MS Marketing program?

Fernandez: “I joined the MS Marketing program because I wanted to expand my knowledge of marketing before hitting the job scene. I knew how competitive the job market is and how important experience is to job recruiters. I also appreciated how much time is saved through this program. I will now graduate with my master’s degree in the same amount of time as a four-year bachelor’s degree.”

Q: What have you liked most about the MS Marketing program?

Fernandez: “What I liked most about the MS Marketing program was the class structure. I enjoyed how most of my classes involved group work and collaboration. This structure has helped me prepare for what my work environments might look like throughout my career in marketing.”

Q: Would you recommend this program to other undergraduate business students?

Fernandez: “I would recommend the program to other undergrad business students at UF because it is a great opportunity to get a head start on your career. I think it is important to take advantage of programs such as this one because you are given the opportunity to learn at a higher level before you graduate with your bachelor’s degree.”

Q: How did you prepare to face the job market?

Fernandez: “I prepared to face the job market by making sure I had a well-structured resume and enough internship experience. I took advantage of UF’s career fairs and landed an internship with Macy’s this past summer. I think networking is so important when it comes to job opportunities. Putting myself out there and reaching out to recruiters were major factors in landing my internships.”

Q: What are your plans after graduation? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Fernandez: “I am proud to say I have accepted a full-time job offer with Macy’s in their Executive Development Program (EDP) starting this October. I will be moving to New York City and will be working at Macy’s headquarters. I was specifically offered a position in the merchandising department and will begin my career as an assistant buyer. I am so excited for this new chapter in my life, and I hope my experience at Macy’s is amazing! In five years, I see myself still in New York working in consumer insights, hopefully for Macy’s. Consumer insights and behavior have always been my fields of interest and I hope to gain experience in these fields within the next five years.”

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment in life so far?

Fernandez: “My proudest accomplishment in life so far was graduating with my bachelor’s degree in marketing last fall. It truly felt like all my hark work throughout my educational years paid off! And I am so proud that I will soon have a master’s degree as well.”

Q: Tell us a cool fact about yourself.

Fernandez: “I love to travel! I have been traveling with my family since I was a young girl and I hope to keep the tradition when I start a family of my own. I’m most excited about traveling to Paris for the 2024 Olympics!”