Student Spotlight: Claudia Ray

Please tell us about your future plans once you graduate from Southern Arkansas University.

I plan to explore various opportunities after graduating based on my interests and the skills I have been taught at SAU.

How are your experiences in the Rankin College of Business preparing you for your professional career?

The experience that is preparing me for my career the most, besides my classes, is being the RCB’s social media and marketing intern. Over the course of my internship, I have gotten to work with many different organizations, plan events, and create social media graphics. I have learned to effectively communicate with others and problem-solve, and these are skills that are needed in most every job.

What specific courses have been your favorite, and why?

My favorite courses have been Statistics I and II with Dr. Givens. She taught it in a way I could understand, and I really enjoyed learning to run different tests and working with datasets.

Have you been involved in any of the RCB’s special programs? 

I am a member of FBLA collegiate, the Business Student Advisory Council, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the SOAR committee. I have also gotten to create flyers for Enactus and plan an event with them through my internship. Being in these organizations has helped me break out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I will also be going to Italy with the College of Business in May!

Do you have any favorite memories with Rankin College of Business faculty or fellow students?

What advice would you offer to a new student beginning their course of study at the Rankin College of Business?

My advice to new students would be to get involved, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors.