Marketing major Kaiya Scott is a junior with senior level status in the 3+1 Program at the Barney School of Business. In the fall of 2022 her status will be that of a full graduate student, whose goal will be to earn her MBA by May 2023. Kaiya co-leads the student-run organization Q^2, and has recently completed her first internship with the Micro Business Incubator (MBI) in Hartford, also known as Upper Albany Main Street. This Mayshe will be joining a small group of her peers to intern at The Hartford, which she is very excited about.
Experience
As Kaiya explains, in Q^2, students are given the chance to discuss research topics, explore qualitative and quantitative initiatives, and ask for help on investing activities. Kaiya leads the group’s qualitative division, where she endeavors to pair small businesses with students who have specific projects or goals in mind. This position recently served as a valuable networking opportunity that led to her being offered her first internship opportunity at Upper Albany Main Street.
As part of the MBI, Kaiya learned what it was like to become the liaison between students and businesses by setting up crucial meetings, requesting updates, creating websites, and providing plan templates. “This has been a very positive experience. I learned more about owning a business, about taxes and filings, and about the steps you have to take before actually selling any product. I gained lasting relationships, confidence in website building, and great advice from people who have lived and worked in Hartford for longer than I've been alive,” Kaiya says.
Working in the Hartford area has been another valuable experience for her. “When I joined a design committee meeting, I began to understand more about the community and what goes on behind the scenes,” she adds. “Understanding the environment is incredibly important for my future career, as I hope to work in Hartford or somewhere nearby.”
Kaiya credits Professor Celia Lofink, who teaches management, marketing and entrepreneurship, for shaping her academic path. During her senior year of high school, Kaiya was able to shadow one of Dr. Lofink’s classes. “I was enthralled by how she taught, ”Kaiya recalls. “Dr. Lofink is the entire reason I came to the Barney School in the first place!”
Kaiya urges students to talk to their professors. “Make friends and network with as many professors or faculty members as you can,” she suggests. “Not only does that help you stand out from the crowd, but you also gain crucial networking relationships.”
After she graduates, Kaiya plans to work for an insurance company in the area of marketing. She is grateful that the University of Hartford is in close proximity to the insurance capital of the nation, which creates direct access to potential opportunities for her career.
Kaiya Scott '23, Barney School of BusinessThe Barney School of Business has been incredibly helpful. The professors taught me discipline, how to create professional documents, and how to email my collogues in an appropriate way., Also, Barney events taught me how to better socialize.