Fowler Scholars Program Student Spotlight: Rachel Magers

Rachel Magers, Fowler Scholar Class of 2022

The Fowler Scholars Program was created to educate and prepare a select group of Fowler College of Business students for accelerated and lasting leadership roles in global business and society. Each year, the college selects a new group of freshmen from the local San Diego area to become Fowler Scholars. The students who are selected for the program have demonstrated leadership, ethical conduct, and exceptional academic and collaborative abilities. 

Rachel Magers, a class of 2022 Fowler Scholar, is a junior majoring in management information systems and minoring in both interdisciplinary studies and Spanish. After graduation, Magers hopes to enter the information technology industry in a systems analyst role that uses technology to design solutions for business problems. Magers discusses her college experience, describes what being a Fowler scholar means to her, shares advice for current Fowler students, and more. 

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Fowler Scholar? 

Being a Fowler Scholar means demonstrating the ethical leadership skills and values incorporated in the Fowler Scholar Program in our academics, future careers, and everyday lives. Through the weekly sessions, we’ve learned about different topics like ensuring that we look at a problem from different perspectives, understanding that even small unethical actions can have large consequences, and viewing business as being socially responsible for the community it affects. The Fowler Scholar Program is about developing the ethical business leadership skills that we will continue to practice even after leaving SDSU.

Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue information systems as an area of study?

I’ve grown up my whole life in San Diego and was very grateful to get the chance to continue my education at SDSU. I decided to pursue Information Systems as a major a year and a half into my time at SDSU after taking a few of the pre-requisite business classes and learning more about the major. I decided to switch to this major because the information systems curriculum provides students with both basic technical knowledge through courses on topics like coding and soft skills like communication through general business courses. The major combines skills needed for technical positions and leadership/management roles.

Magers with fellow Fowler Scholars, Faith Goh (center) and her mentee, Natalie Soriano (right) in front of the Padre's offices.

Q: If you’re involved in SDSU student organizations on campus or affiliated with any organizations off campus, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?

I’ve been involved with the Weber Honors College since my first year. I wanted to be a part of the Weber Honors College because of the interdisciplinary curriculum, interesting classes, and opportunities like study abroad. I also got the chance to work on campus for Associated Students for a year.

Q: What experience in the Fowler Scholars Program has been the most impactful?

The most impactful experience in the Fowler Scholars Program so far has been having academic and professional mentors. We usually meet either in person or through phone calls at least once a semester. My mentors have helped me decide on my major, improve my resume, and have been a great network of support. As third-year students we also get to be peer mentors to the incoming first years which has also been a great experience in leadership.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

Some people who inspire me are the businesswomen we have met through the program. For example, Becky Harshberger, the VP of Payroll at Entertainment Partners, has been a frequent guest speaker for our program and has given great advice on topics like handling negative events in business ethically and with humanity. Other examples are my academic mentor Christine Probett; a professor at SDSU, entrepreneur, and former aerospace executive, as well as my professional mentor Jennifer Fall Jung; the CFO at Funko Inc.These women have all been amazing examples of ethical business leadership.

Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far? 

My favorite memory at SDSU so far was getting to live on campus during my first year. It was a great experience getting to live in Zura Hall and be close to campus and the other students. It made the transition to college easier and was a good way to get involved in the SDSU community.

Magers with the other members of the Fowler Scholar Class of 2022 at a mentor networking reception.

Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?

The best advice I’ve received through the Fowler Scholar Program came from our guest speaker Jim Sinegal, the founder of Costco, who when speaking about the ethical dilemmas in business said that he always tried to do the right thing simply because it's right. It’s simple advice but something that can be applied to all areas of life.

Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?

I would say that time goes by super fast so try to enjoy the time at SDSU and get involved early.

Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?

After SDSU I intend to find a niche in the information technology industry in a role like systems analyst that uses technology to design solutions for business problems.

*All group photos were taken prior to March 2020.