Written by Tori Lotz, Class of 2025
Fresh marketing graduate Eva Miller, 24, started her career with the Olathe Chamber of Commerce a year ago when she was hired as an intern. Eva secured the internship with the help of her advisor and head of business, Dr. Lisa Wallentine. As an intern, Ava was able to work on some of Olathe’s biggest events as an event coordinator. Her success in organizing the Chamber’s Career Expo, 4th Friday, and the Olathe Garmin Marathon led to multiple extensions of her internship and the creation of a new position created specifically for her, which she accepted in August of this year. I accepted. Eva attracts tourists and visitors through the Convention and Visitors Bureau within the Chamber of Commerce and highlights the city of Olathe through events and marketing efforts.
One of Eva’s favorite characteristics of her job is the diversity. There is no single “genre” of event planning, whether it’s social media or logistics planning. She has the leadership and creative freedom needed to do what she does best and is trusted to envision what Olathe should be. Eva finds her work rewarding. “I love creating spaces for people to connect.”
Initially, Eva was unsure about her career path, but through a class with digital communications professor Aaron Bourne, she discovered her passion for event planning. She knew she loved working with people and hosting, but she didn’t realize how much fun event planning can be. Business communications and classes taught by MNU professors helped prepare her for her career.
“Business programs really want to throw you into real-life situations,” Ava says. “These real-time business experiences really helped me develop the professionalism (that I wanted).”
For those struggling to figure out what career they want to pursue, Ava encourages students to connect with professors and get involved in areas on campus that may lead to career experiences. After all, she says: Choosing “No” makes “Yes” even better. ”
Part of being involved on campus is taking the initiative to figure out where to plug in. Before graduating, Ava had the opportunity to work as a student marketer at Mabee Library. She managed events such as Late Night at Mabee, which helped prepare her for her internship and current job. Ava also encourages students to “know what you have to offer.” She stressed that every student has a different perspective than others, which means there is an opportunity to gain valuable opinions, and that the education provided is aimed at preparing students for a career. I will.
For more information about the marketing major at MNU, visit mnu.edu/undergrad/marketing. Not sure if marketing is right for you? Explore MNU’s business programs and find one that interests you at mnu.edu/undergraduate-business.
