Seidman Alumni Board Spotlight - Ashley VanRoekel
Professional Journey Quick Facts:
- I began my career with a marketing internship and was fortunate to remain with that company for the next 13 years gaining a diverse background in a variety of marketing roles.
- I spent 3 years working abroad in Europe until an opportunity brought me back to West Michigan.
How has Seidman had a role in your journey?
Grand Valley's education and resources provided me the foundation for my initial entry into the workforce and exposed me to fantastic opportunities in the local community and abroad.
When did you graduate?
BBA in International Business and Marketing - 2009
BA in Spanish - 2009
Where are you from?
Originally from Holland, Michigan and have been a resident of Grand Rapids for years post graduation from GVSU. I've had the opportunity to live abroad in both Spain and Germany for my studies and work respectively.
What do you do for fun?
Being a West Michigan native, I tend to spend most of my summers on the water. When it's not one of the three best Michigan months, I enjoy traveling internationally and taking in new cultures.
Ashley's Advice
"Grab every opportunity to learn about all functions within a business. It will always be beneficial to have a broad background to be able to read a financial statement, understand data analytics and create a marketing campaign."
Tell Us More...
What has been the most significant professional outcome that came as a result of your GVSU degree from Seidman College?
Leveraging my Spanish degree has been a game changing asset to have in my career and has been utilized in every position I have held to date.
If you could learn one new professional skill, what would it be and why?
The new, complex data analytics and modeling programs are incredible and so useful!
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Always bring data to the table and you'll remove the doubt.
If you could pick any job, what would it be?
I would love to be a study abroad coordinator for a University!