Sophomore Taylor Brock, a biological science major (chemistry minor), expanded her horizons and accepted an apprenticeship as a marketing associate at the Rudd Foundation, a non-profit organization. 

Having little experience and education in marketing, she still learned skills to apply towards her vision of running a successful dental practice of her own in the future.

Brock had the opportunity to create connections with people who hold a wide variety of positions within the business world, further her leadership skills and gain experience in a professional environment that provided her with a sense of importance at her apprenticeship, she said.

“I loved having such creative freedom,” she said. “Being trusted and supported by my supervisor to apply my personal creativity and knowledge of social media to intrigue an audience was a challenge at first, but with steady enhancement of all of my career-ready competencies, I was able to spread the foundation’s message and mission with a wide range of individuals.”

Because of the truly inspiring and motivating mission of the Rudd Foundation, Brock said she highly looks up to their morals and values and hopes to give back to her community just as organization models.

“I am very thankful for all the information I have received on the ever-growing business world, she said. “With this, I genuinely see myself having great success after graduation.”

Some advice Brock gives to other Wichita State students is to not be afraid to branch out.

“If you come across an opportunity that could benefit your knowledge or support your future goals, then go for it,” she said. “Being able to branch out also allows you to gain people skills to a new extent, and gaining these skills on top of growing current skills will support your personal growth and push you to become the best version of yourself.”

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.