MS Marketing Student Spotlight: Colin Ortega
Colin Ortega is a current student in the MS Marketing program. Read on to learn why he chose to combine his marketing studies in the MS Marketing program, his post-graduation plans and more.
Q: Tell us about your background.
Ortega: “I was born in Miami, FL and lived in South Florida all throughout high school. My parents immigrated to the United States before I was born, with my mom coming from Poland and dad coming from Colombia. My undergraduate major is marketing with a minor in professional selling. I am a huge sports fan and love to watch and play soccer, football and basketball.”
Q: Why did you join the MS Marketing program?
Ortega: “I joined MS Marketing because I was interested in continuing my education in marketing and take more specific courses to broaden my skillset. I knew I wanted to continue my education in marketing because marketing is so broad, and I enjoy the various strategic and creative aspects that the MS Marketing program allows me to explore. The MS Marketing combination degree program was so great because it was affordable, engaging and gave me a chance to complete my master’s in under a year.”
Q: What do you enjoy the most in the MS Marketing program?
Ortega: “One of my favorite parts of the program is the engaging groupwork and projects that each course offers. Whether it is pricing, ethics, customer relationship management, etc., each course gave me a chance to conduct real-world projects and case studies that I feel are very applicable when I graduate. The smaller sized classes and professor engagement was also a great part that helped me learn better and made the courses more enjoyable.”
Q: What advice do you have for current UF undergraduate students who are considering the MS Marketing program?
Ortega: “If you are interested in working in marketing, then the MS Marketing program is a no-brainer. My advice would be to apply early and if possible, shoot for the combination degree program, which I believe is an incredible opportunity to graduate with two degrees in four years.”
Ortega: “I had 3 internships: An internship with BBX Capital, which is a diversified holdings company in Ft. Lauderdale. There, I was focused on the Mod Pizza and Hoffman’s Chocolates division doing marketing. I also had a sales internship with H.T. Hackney, a convenience store distribution company in Gainesville. Finally, I had a sales internship in South Florida with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, the biggest wine and spirits distributor in North America. On campus, I am involved heavily with the sales program as I am the lead TA for the sales program, a member of Gator SLAM and an American Marketing Association member. I also did soccer officiating with RecSports and worked as a soccer referee throughout the Gainesville area.”
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
Ortega: “I graduate this December from the MS Marketing program. I have not accepted any offer yet, but I am leaning towards staying with Southern Glazer’s as a sales consultant. I know I would like to stay in the wine and spirits industry as my dad works in the industry and I would love to follow in his footsteps.”
Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from today?
Ortega: “I see myself in South Florida working as a sales manager or marketing manager within the wine and spirits industry. I hope to be leading others and applying my skills learned from the MS Marketing program!”
Q: Tell us 3 cool things about you.
Ortega: “I have travelled to over 20+ countries, my dream trip is a Mediterranean cruise, and I love to play soccer!”
