Student Spotlight: John Baker '24

John Baker ’24, a marketing major, hails from Longmeadow, Mass., and is also pursuing a certificate in technical communication.

How did you choose Isenberg and UMass Amherst?

Business teachers at my high school always spoke highly of Isenberg’s faculty and programs, but it was touring campus that finalized my decision. There isn’t any other place like UMass with such a vibrant, driven community of people from all backgrounds. Isenberg’s smaller community, selection of marketing courses, and career resources were also a factor.

What are your majors?

I am studying marketing and pursuing a certificate in technical communication.

How did you choose this combination of majors?

I've always been drawn to the expressive sides of business—things like advertising, branding, content creation—because of how they shape people’s feelings and beliefs. Plus, marketing is always evolving, and there are countless areas to specialize in depending on what your interests are.

What have been your favorite classes and experiences at Isenberg so far?

My favorite classes have been Professional Ethics with Professor Cheryl Jacques and Advertising Practicum with Professor Elizabeth Miller. In Advertising Practicum, you work with fellow Isenberg students to develop and implement a campaign with funding from a real client— in our case the Invent2Prevent program. If you’re a marketing student, I highly recommend it. You’ll learn a lot in a semester.

What clubs and extracurriculars do you participate in?

I was in UMass AdLab for my sophomore and junior years. AdLab is a club that helps local businesses with marketing needs, and it’s a fantastic place to meet people who are passionate about the subject.

Have you had any jobs or internships during college?

I work in the Marketing and Communications Office and make social media content and videos. It’s been a great opportunity to get to meet and work with faculty, staff, and students. In the summer I interned at a local advertising agency.

What are you planning after graduation?

After graduating, I am planning on beginning my search for employment.

If you could go back and give your first-year self some advice, what would you tell them?

With such a large campus, there’s bound to be people with similar interests. Go to classes and clubs that interest you and engage with your surroundings.