How my Passion for Marketing Grew with the Innovation Academy

By Samantha Fink

Hello, my name is Samantha Fink, I am a Senior majoring in Marketing, minoring in Innovation, and pursuing a master’s in marketing.  
  
My journey began in high school, where I developed a passion for marketing. As a freshman, I enrolled in marketing classes and eagerly participated in various business case competitions. One of my favorite events was competing in the Innovation Plan, which I found particularly interesting. This competition required me to deeply analyze complex problems and create innovative solutions. The challenge of addressing real-world issues and creating impactful solutions created my enthusiasm for marketing and innovation.  
  
As I was thinking about colleges, I was not sure which one to attend that would align with my career aspirations. I knew I wanted to major in marketing, however I also sought a program that would provide a competitive edge in the job market. After research, I discovered the University of Florida’s Innovation Academy. The unique blend of my marketing major and innovation minor seemed like the perfect fit for my career goals. The Innovation Academy’s emphasis on forward-thinking and practical application of innovative concepts aligned perfectly with my career ambitions.  
  
During my time at UF, I actively sought opportunities to immerse myself in both academic and extracurricular activities. I joined various marketing organizations and participated in various business and sales competitions. These experiences allowed me to hone my skills and build a strong network. Attending conventions further expanded my connections with employers and industry professionals.   
  
As a Career and Peer Mentor for the Warrington College of Business, I have had the rewarding opportunity to assist undergraduate students with their career development. This role has enabled me to share my insights and experiences, helping others navigate their career paths.   
  
The Innovation Academy has been instrumental in my growth, providing numerous opportunities for development. I had the privilege of presenting a project to an audience of 300 fellow students. I participated in the Catalyst invention showcase, and a pitch competition allowing me to showcase my skills and gain valuable feedback. Interning with the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) further enriched my experience, offering hands-on experience in a real-world business setting. I have led various group projects which has also been an integral part of my education, helping me develop teamwork and leadership skills.  
  
My networking efforts at career fairs led to an internship with UPS Capital as a Customer Success Intern for the summer following my sophomore year. I was determined to make the most of this opportunity, so I took the initiative to shadow various departments within UPS. This exploration helped me refine my interests within the marketing field. I discovered a particular interest with the Strategy department’s New Product Innovation group. I expressed my interest and was given the opportunity to work as a Market and landscape Analysis Strategy Intern within this the strategy’s new product innovation group. This allowed me to combine my passion for marketing with my interest in innovation, providing a comprehensive view of how new products are developed and marketed.  
  
The skills I acquired through my Innovation classes, especially in design thinking, and my experience with LPRC were invaluable. I was able to apply these skills to real-world scenarios, enhancing my effectiveness as a Market and landscape analysis strategy intern.   
  
At the end of my internship, I was honored to receive an offer for a full-time position as a Strategy Supervisor in UPS’s New Product Innovation department. This opportunity was a testament to the hard work and dedication I invested throughout my internship.  

A quote that resonates deeply with me is “Your success will be a result of your perseverance.” I firmly believe that commitment and hard work are crucial for achieving success. This has been my guiding principle through High School, University of Florida, Warrington College of Business, the Innovation Academy and my current role at UPS. As I approach my senior year and plan for my future, I am excited to continue applying this mindset to my career path and to continue being a Gator Innovator.