Graduating Student Spotlight: Sarah Desire
Sarah Desire will graduate this spring from the MS Marketing program. We asked her to share with us what aspects of the MS Marketing program have been most valuable to her and how the program is helping her achieve her professional goals.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
Desire: “I am Sarah Desire! Originally from Petion-Ville Haiti, I’ve been lucky enough to call both my native country and Fort Lauderdale my home. I earned my bachelor’s degree in management with a minor in mass communication from the University of Florida.”
Q: Why did you decide to join the MS Marketing program?
Desire: “I joined the MS Marketing program because I wanted to pursue my passion for marketing in a more structured and comprehensive way. From a young age, I knew that I loved expressing myself creatively through the arts, but I also had an interest in the more analytical aspects of research and data analysis. Marketing was the perfect way for me to combine these interests, allowing me to be both creative and analytical at the same time.
“I was drawn to the MS Marketing program specifically because it offered me a chance to delve deeper into the field and gain a more in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques that drive marketing success. I was eager to learn from experienced professionals in the industry and knew that the program would provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to take my career to the next level.”
Q: What aspects of the MS Marketing program did you most enjoy?
Desire: “What I like the most about the MS Marketing program was its emphasis on critical thinking and outside-the-box problem-solving. The program challenges you to think beyond the conventional and come up with innovative ideas and strategies that set you apart in the field. I found this approach incredibly refreshing and empowering, and it allowed me to develop my own perspective and voice in the world of marketing.
“Another aspect of the program that I really appreciated was its focus on real-world experience and collaboration. We had a ton of group assignments throughout the program, which helped us to develop our interpersonal skills and learn how to work effectively with people from all around the world. This kind of collaboration and teamwork is so important in the marketing industry, and the program really gave us a chance to hone these skills and prepare for the real world.”
Q: Would you recommend this program to other students?
Desire: “Yes, I would definitely recommend the MS Marketing program to other undergraduate business students at UF who are interested in pursuing a career in marketing. The program provides an incredible opportunity to dive deeper into the topics necessary for success in the marketing field.
“One of the things that I appreciated the most about the program was how well it prepared me for the job market. The program is designed to give you real-world experience and practical skills that you can apply to a wide range of marketing positions, and it really sets you apart from other candidates in the job market.”
Q: How are you preparing for your career? What are your goals?
Desire: “Throughout my time in the MS Marketing program, I was very proactive about preparing for the job market. I attended career fairs and networking events, reached out to alumni and professionals in the field for advice and mentorship and worked on building up my skills and experience through internships and extracurricular activities.
“In the short term, I plan to pursue various job opportunities in different areas of marketing to gain more experience and figure out where my strengths and passions lie.
“In the next five years, I hope to have gained valuable experience in different areas of marketing and identified my true passion within the industry. My ultimate goal is to become a marketing strategist and lead a team of creative and analytical professionals.”
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment in life so far?
Desire: “My proudest accomplishment so far is earning my master’s degree in marketing. It was a challenging program that required a lot of hard work and dedication. This achievement not only represents my academic abilities but also my commitment to personal and professional growth. I am proud to have accomplished this important milestone and look forward to the opportunities it will bring in the future.”
Q: Tell us a cool fact about you.
Desire: “I speak three languages fluently, including Haitian Creole, English and French.”
