FINDING ONE’S PATH

The opportunities presented to students within Villanova’s School of Business far extend strictly academic endeavors. Gabriel Newman, a Marketing major from the class of 2012 now works as the Senior Director of Studio Operations at Axios Brand Studio and attributes his beginnings to VSB’s supportive faculty and multitude of opportunities. 

Newman was hired for a work-study position within VSB’s Clay Center, allowing him to further interact with faculty, staff, and students all across VSB. Having this opportunity allowed him to cultivate his interests and take advantage of the knowledge and resources that were made available to him from the Academic Advising team in the Clay Center. 

Newman especially notes the staff that pushed him to grow as an individual and find his place in the working world. One faculty member that stands out to him specifically is Brenda Stover, Assistant Dean, O’Donnell Center for Professional Development. Recognizing Newman’s enjoyment in talking to visitors to the Clay Center office, as well as sharing information about the business school, Stover encouraged Newman to take advantage of an on-campus interview with the New York Post to apply for a job in Media Sales & Advertising. Newman stated he had no idea about other careers in Media outside of journalism at the time, and was wary of how it would ultimately fit into his career plans. Now, working as director of operations for the Axios Brand Studio, he recognizes and is endlessly thankful for the guidance and “push” that Stover offered him. Finding this path to the role he has today has allowed him to blend his interests of customer service, creative thinking, and business operations. 

VSB’s Clay Center served as a starting point for Newman’s career. He emphasizes that frequent visits to the Clay Center helped him to navigate the career resources that he still uses to this day. “As a first-generation college student, this exposure and support were invaluable to my education as the Clay Center staff pushed me to take full advantage of every opportunity afforded to VSB students from interview training, networking events, seminars, and more.”