Jersey Shore native grows as leader through campus involvement at Slippery Rock University
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SLIPPERY ROCK -- Slippery Rock University students like Birtukan Hartman are learning what it means to be leaders with confidence and character.
Hartman, a junior marketing major from Jersey Shore, is being shaped by her involvement on campus as a group leader for the Audience of One faith-based student organization, secretary of the American Marketing Association chapter at SRU, and as a member of women's track and field and cross country teams.
"SRU has positioned me for success and given me the confidence to become a leader," Hartman said. "One of our sayings on the cross country team is that anybody can be a leader. It's about stepping up, and it doesn't have to be a big deal -- it can just be that you're nice, or you have a light about you. Being on a team helps me put others before myself and encourage them."
Hartman's experiences are preparing her to pursue a career in marketing project management and becoming a certified associate in project management.
"In project management, you're managing marketing projects, but you're spending probably 80% of your time managing people," Hartman said.
The Haverlack College of Business emphasizes networking and the importance of relationships in the professional workplace. Through marketing courses and her AMA involvement, Hartman has learned the professional method of meeting new people.
"When I go to networking events, I know how to talk to people and how to be my authentic self," Hartman said. "Slippery Rock does a great job of almost forcing you to gain connections. I'm excited to see where I end up with all of the people I've met in my two years here."
Hartman cites her department's support for her current and future successes, particularly that of her adviser, Jeananne Nicholls, professor of marketing.
"Dr. Nicholls has such a big vision for me, and she's always pushing me and getting me involved," Hartman said. "It's nice to know someone on campus sees your potential and pushes you to meet that potential."
More information about studying marketing at SRU is available on the program's webpage. More information about student organizations and student engagement and leadership at SRU is available on the University's website.