Today, we speak with Michael Viola, a senior marketing and management double major who lives on campus in 220 Rowan Boulevard. Michael will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof.
Name: Michael Viola
Majors: Marketing and Management dual major
Year: Senior, Class of 2019
Hometown and County: Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County)
Resident: 220 Rowan Blvd.
Academic and Social Clubs: I am currently the Student Body Vice President which means that I also have the privilege to serve as the Executive Vice President of the Student Government Association. I also work in the Office of Admissions as an Admissions Ambassador on campus. During my time at rowan, I have also founded a fraternity on campus, Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity. I have also been involved with the Office of Orientation and Student Leadership Program from being a Peer Referral Orientation Staff (PROS) member and being a part of multiple Leadership Rowan Programs. I am also a member of the Student Alumni Association which works within the Office of University Advancement.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
Rowan was the right fit for me because of the campus environment. I went to a small catholic high school where I always felt at home. When it came time to search colleges, it was important to me to have that same home type of feeling. After visiting multiple schools of all different sizes, I never felt more at home than when I was on Rowan’s campus. It is ironic because it was the largest school I looked at during my college search.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
When it came to choosing my major, I knew that I wanted to work with people but still had no idea of what I actually wanted to do. The reason I felt comfortable going into business and more specifically marketing was because everyone told me how broad it was and that I could do anything with it after I graduate. I then added management as a second major to make myself more marketable after I graduate. The challenge for me was figuring out what type of business I wanted to go into. Originally, I thought I would end up going into advertising for an entertainment company. After using the resources and network that Rowan has provided me, I attained several internship opportunities which helped me see that I have a strong passion for sales and relationship management.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
Be open to all different types of opportunities and not to shy away coming out of your comfort zone. You should choose the school where you feel that you will thrive socially, academically and professionally.
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Story and photography by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major