2017: John Ferguson '17: From admissions ambassador to counselor

2017

John Ferguson '17: From admissions ambassador to counselor

John Ferguson '17 gained professional experience in marketing & social media.

Alumni update: John Ferguson '17 is working for UMassD's Office of Undergraduate Admissions as an admissions counselor.

Joining the Admissions staff

I get to continue my work in admissions, moving from a tour guide into a counselor's position. It's great, because it's giving me a wealth of experience in customer service, data management, and management of the Ambassador program.

I've been able to use the skills I acquired from my three-and-a-half years working in admissions as a student, which is a benefit in my current staff position.

UMassD: the right choice

For me, there was a natural, "right" feeling about deciding to attend UMass Dartmouth. The people and campus are so unique, that it was a clear choice to come to UMass Dartmouth.

Two additional reasons influenced my choice. First, my older brother is a graduate of UMassD’s elite College of Nursing—and he has had instant success in the job market following graduation.

UMassD changed my brother for the better. In high school, he was introverted, quiet, shy, and non-ambitious. When he came home for the first time after beginning his freshman year, he was ambitious, charismatic, and outgoing. I wanted to have this same experience, because I felt the same way in high school: that I had never reached my full potential. When I saw how my brother had changed, I knew that UMassD could be the right school for me, too.

The second deciding factor was Charlton’s top-ranked, AACSB-accredited business program. I saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain an amazing education. I knew that a strong business program would ensure my success after graduation.

UMassD has given me the tools to succeed. It's a whole new world, with endless possibilities and opportunities to better myself and those around me.

John (front row, second from right) joined the Admissions Ambassadors to share his enthusiasm for UMass Dartmouth with prospective students.

Admissions ambassador

I joined the Admissions Student Ambassadors so I could share my positive experiences with prospective students. I want them to have the same success that I’ve had, and I want them to know about the the unique opportunities that UMassD has to offer.

The Ambassador Program has also given me real-life experience in the world of marketing and business. It’s broadened my horizons and provided lessons on working with people and handling issues in a professional atmosphere.

Internship in social media marketing

My internship with University Marketing linked my role as lead student ambassador for Admissions with social media marketing to prospective students.

I've learned how to effectively use social media for marketing purposes. From creating a social media marketing plan, to keeping databases organized, to interacting with the consumer directly through a social media application, I've gained experience with every aspect of social media marketing. I've had the opportunity to manage a social media team and have been involved in creating communications for the university to use via email, social media, and other outlets.

My internship has challenged me to research social media and its influence on recruitment. Then I'm able to implement this research through various university social media applications.

I've applied the skills I received from my marketing degree, sharpened my skills in Microsoft Office, and learned the true flow of marketing. This internship has given me the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. I'll be able to apply these lessons later on in my professional career.

Community spirit

Joining the UMassD community was the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Being part of this community has made me stronger, more driven, and a more valuable member of society. I’ve grown close to so many people and share so many amazing relationships, that I truly cannot picture myself anywhere else.

Participating in organizations and programs on campus has given me experiences that I wouldn't trade for the world. One organization that has changed my life is the Lambda Theta Chapter of the Chi Phi Fraternity, where I’ve grown as an individual and as a team player. I’ve gained brothers and friends who will truly be there for me until the day I die.

Tools to succeed

UMassD has given me the tools to succeed. During high school, I felt as if my future was in the hands of those above me. UMassD is a whole new world, with endless possibilities and opportunities to better myself and those around me.

John (back row, fifth from left) took part in the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults 4K for Cancer: a cross-country bicycle ride to raise funds for cancer research.

Support for people with cancer

Helping people with cancer has been a priority for me. I come from a family that has been affected by cancer, including my mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during my sophomore year in high school. I've participated in the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults 4K for Cancer: a 4,000-mile, 70-day bicycle ride from Baltimore, MD to Portland, OR.

I was active with the campus groups Love Your Melon and the Red Cross Club and have organized bone marrow drives for the national organization There Goes My Hero.

A future in the military

Following graduation, I plan to join the U.S. military. My military experience, paired with my marketing degree, will, I hope, prepare me to work in marketing and sales for aerospace and defense companies such as Lockheed Martin.