As an economics major involved in various extracurricular activities, Gabriella spent her time at the University of Vermont not only developing her analytical skills but her creative skills as well. Marchesi took advantage of all the University of Vermont had to offer during her undergraduate experience, reporting for The Vermont Cynic, joining the Community News Service, performing research in the economics department, interning at a lifestyle publication in the marketing department, and more. “As an undergrad, I cast my net wide and was involved in various on and off-campus job opportunities, internships, and clubs,” Gabriella recalls, explaining how, “all of these experiences helped guide my interests outside of the classroom… by taking many different opportunities in business, marketing, and even journalism, I was able to narrow my focus and find what I was passionate about post-grad.” Now working as a Manager of Media Strategy in the marketing industry, Marchesi focuses on advertising strategy and activation on the agency side and in-house at a specific brand. Gabriella has found marketing to be a great blend of right and left-brain thinking. Furthermore, she enjoys the overlap of creativity and analysis she has to use on a day-to-day basis. “Over the course of my career in marketing so far, I've had the chance to help shape the marketing and media strategy for businesses in various retail industries, provide input on creative execution, and implement measurement frameworks,” Gabriella explains. “No day is ever the same, and it's been exciting to have the chance to partner with and work for many awesome brands since graduating.” 

Gabriella recommends undergraduate economics students lean into the skills that courses in the department develop to help them stand out in the job search process. “An economics background equips you with the quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking toolkit to succeed and stand out in a lot of industries, including marketing.” Marchesi and other alumni emphasize how focusing on these skills can show companies and employers your strengths and the different ways in which you can contribute to a business. 

Gabriella’s experience shows the importance of getting involved in various groups during undergraduate to help learn what careers and industries may interest you.