From Classroom to Competition: Experiential Learning at LSU
April 29, 2026
Ready to Roar In Action: Student Stories
At LSU, career readiness happens everywhere. In this series, students reflect on how their campus involvement connects to the Ready to Roar career proficiencies and helps prepare them for life after graduation.
When I transferred to LSU from Bossier Parish Community College, I arrived with a very specific mantra in mind. As our former Director of Admissions, Mr. Julian Radney, told me, “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.”
Taking that advice to heart, I have picked up a few titles along the way—most notably, Mr. LSU. But beyond the title, I have made it my mission to fully own my collegiate experience. That ownership is grounded in student success and shaped by LSU’s Ready to Roar Career Proficiencies.
Building a Winning Strategy Together
As a marketing student, I can tell you that LSU provides many opportunities to create unique selling points and value propositions that help me stand out as a future professional.
While taking LSU’s Advanced Digital Marketing course in October 2025, Instructor Aaron Gleiberman introduced me to the American Marketing Association (AMA) Undergraduate Case Competition, hosted at the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.
On November 6, 2025, Katelyn White, Ga'lecia Bell, and I presented our strategy for Mastodonte Stormwater Solutions, centered around the goal to “Make Mastodonte Unmissable.” We designed a “Connect, Educate, and Inspire” outreach strategy to position the company as a thought leader in sustainable urban design.
This experience became a masterclass in teamwork. I strengthened my ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships, work toward a shared goal, and value diverse perspectives.
Insight in Everyday Experiences
Shortly after the AMA competition, I continued building skills in my Consumer Analysis and Behavior course with Mr. Colin Bisbee. For a Consumer Observation Project, my partner Carter Breaux and I analyzed customer behavior at Pura Vida Coffee Bar, a Costa Rican-style shop known for its “liquid art” and emphasis on “savoring the moment.”
Through critical thinking—the ability to assess situations and respond with thoughtful, logical analysis—we noticed that the lack of an overhead menu created unwanted pressure for customers during the ordering process.
We recommended adding a visible menu to improve clarity and enhance the customer experience, proving that even everyday environments can reveal meaningful insights when viewed critically.
Problem Solving Under Pressure
I carried this momentum into the new year. From February 16–17, 2026, I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, along with five other marketing students and Dr. Ledet to compete in the National Collegiate Digital Marketing Competition at Bridgestone Arena.
Building on my previous experiences, I applied skills in delegation, teamwork, and strategic thinking in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Competing against more than 100 of the nation’s top students, I advanced to become a Top 50 Student Finalist.
This experience pushed me to test my problem solving abilities, requiring me to work with my team to evaluate a complex challenge and implement effective strategy to achieve a desired outcome.
Marketing the Student Experience
These experiences have opened the door to incredible opportunities, including co-presenting at the LSU 2026 Student Success Summit, serving as a Student Senator and Director of Outreach for LSU Student Government, and being selected as a Transfer Tiger Student Panelist through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Whether I’m spearheading National Transfer Student Week, advocating for student resources, meeting with university administration, or connecting with the student body, I’m actively “marketing” the student experience to showcase the value of involvement and engagement across campus.
Becoming Ready to Roar
Being Ready to Roar means leveraging self-awareness to articulate how these diverse experiences—from analyzing an $8 specialty coffee to competing on a national stage—have shaped me into a stronger leader and communicator.
I view my roles on campus as a responsibility to create connections and help build clearer pathways for the students who come after me. My goal is to ensure that every Tiger is equipped to elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.
These experiences have prepared me for a career in marketing across any industry. I aspire to be a storyteller, using skills in communications, events, marketing, outreach, and public relations to bring brands to life.
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If you see me on campus, know that I’m not just building a network, I'm building the skills to ensure I’m Ready to Roar into my professional career.
About the LSU Career Center
Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.
Ready to Roar Career Proficiencies
At LSU, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to succeed in any field. With a blend of professional experiences, academic pursuits, and involvement opportunities both on and off campus, you'll graduate Ready to Roar.