Market ready: Meet 2024 PNW graduate Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch, ’24, is set to graduate with a bachelor of science degree in Marketing and a minor in Business Analytics from the College of Business at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).
Originally wanting to study music but feeling that might not be a viable career path, Welch looked into other areas of study. An introductory course in Marketing hooked her, while a course in consumer behavior had her fall in love with the field.
The Hammond native was instrumental in reactivating the Marketing Club where she served as president of the organization. The club was nominated for the “Comeback Kid” Student Organization Award at the annual Chancellor’s Ball. Welch competed in the Spring 2024 Digital Marketing Competition hosted by PNW’s College of Business, an international digital marketing competition for college students, coming in 25th out of hundreds of entries that were submitted. In addition, Welch was a campus ambassador, a member of the student advisory board in the College of Business and served as internal vice president of Alpha Psi Lambda, a co-ed fraternity that believes in serving the campus community while promoting Latino culture.
Welch is looking for a position in the marketing field, primarily in digital marketing and media planning. In the future, she would like to return to academia and teach business classes.
What did you like most about PNW?
“Honestly, I loved everything. I loved how involved the campus is and the people. I’ve made connections with my classmates, professors and faculty. I feel like I can go to anyone at any time and ask for help, guidance or support – and I usually get it.”
How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?
“I believe my involvement has helped me become a leader and a good team player. It also shows I can handle multiple projects and am very good at time management. My time management skills are on point and my leadership skills are really honed in.”
Don’t be afraid of failure and if it happens, pick yourself up and try again.
Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?
“It was when I finally set foot in my first 400 level marketing course – consumer behavior. I really enjoyed being in an experiential class. Consulting with a real client, conducting surveys to get real data about people and what they want and need made me realize this is what I could be doing for work one day. It was a consulting project we did for class and it was huge and so much fun – my mind was blown!”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?
“Don’t be afraid to get involved. Speak up. Don’t be afraid of failure and if it happens, pick yourself up and try again.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Matthew Hanson
Clinical professor of Marketing and executive director for Graduate and External Programs
“They were both so passionate about what they teach. Dr. Turedi always fostered that go-getter spirit that I have and has been my rock through a lot of this school year. Professor Hanson made it fun to learn about marketing.”
Meet the Spring 2024 Graduates
Discover what inspires our remarkable Spring 2024 graduates—and how they are Powering Onward to their futures.