Fowler Scholars Program Student Spotlight: Valeria Vizcarra
Valeria Vizcarra, Class of 2026.
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.
Valeria Vizcarra, a Class of 2026 Fowler Scholar, is a freshman majoring in Marketing with a specialization in Integrated Marketing Communications. As a freshman, Vizcarra is already active in campus organizations including the American Marketing Association and the Finance & Investment Society. Vizcarra shares her first semester experience, describes what being a Fowler Scholar means to her, and more.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Fowler Scholar?
Being a Fowler Scholar means having professionals and peers trust your potential. It means effort, time, and dedication coming to fruition. Every one of us was selected to participate in this program and all of us have very bright futures ahead in our respective fields. I am beyond excited to participate and grow professionally while building a strong network, especially since we each have our professional and academic mentors. Not only are we given an immense amount of support, but we can meet C-suite professionals and listen to their experiences with corporate culture. Every week we are being prepared to become ethical business leaders of tomorrow.
Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue Marketing as an area of study?
Initially, I wanted to pursue medicine. I had taken a lot of AP classes and was involved in sports during high school to do so. When my junior year came, I stumbled upon the Entrepreneurship teacher and decided to join his class. He easily became one of the people that changed my life. In his classroom, I learned everything from marketing and finance, to investing in the stock market. It completely changed my life. It ignited a passion within me regarding a field I never would have thought I’d be interested in. I took advantage of the pandemic and began to work at a local furniture store as their lead marketer. I was able to practice what I learned in school and implement it in a real business, gaining real results. I have been able to increase their brand awareness and sales. Now, I am ready to study and dive deeper into marketing to help other businesses expand as well.
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’m currently involved in two organizations: the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the Finance and Investment Society (FIS). I joined AMA to expand my knowledge in the marketing field, meet other like-minded individuals, and learn from the upperclassmen. Currently, my experience has been amazing! It is an organization I will be in for a long time. We have been able to visit a digital marketing agency and hear from professionals in the marketing field (Twitter, Xbox, SDSU alumni), and network with potential employers. Also, I am currently part of their Consulting Committee. This is a committee of only 4 people, divided into two teams, and each team has an assigned client. We focus on improving their brand and marketing strategies. Additionally, I am part of the Finance and Investment Society (FIS), and it has been a great learning experience! I am really passionate about personal finance, which was the main reason I joined. I have been able to learn about Venture Capital and Investment Banking. We have had professionals come and talk to us about their finance careers and investment journeys. I remember we had an activity that consisted of an assigned stock, having to create a team, and pitch it to the guest speakers. We had Amazon, and we had a great team, so I was very happy when we won the activity!
Vizcarra at an American Marketing Association (AMA) meeting this semester.
Q: What experience in the Fowler Scholars Program has been the most impactful?
As of today, the most impactful experience in the Fowler Scholars Program has been being able to sit in the same room as the President and COO of Sprouts, Nick Konat. Being able to listen to the advice of a C-suite professional from a renowned brand was something I would not have imagined a year ago. We were able to learn about corporate culture and the importance of maintaining your personal brand, especially since it follows your career. It was a great learning experience and I cannot wait to learn from more professionals!
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
During my time at SDSU, all of my mentors have advised me the same thing: “have more fun.” It seems quite ironic, as other mentors would advise one to focus more or study more, yet it seems that I am on the other side of the spectrum, "too into the future." I did not know how to approach this advice, but little by little I am learning to slow down while still being able to achieve my goals and enjoy the present moment. Health and family are first, then everything else.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
At the moment, my current plans are to graduate college with a marketing degree, work at a marketing agency, earn certifications and experience, and eventually go solo. The launch of my own marketing agency has been on my mind for the last two years. It is one of those recurring thoughts in my mind, and I honestly believe that I would not have the desire for it if I did not have something inside of me to accomplish it. Above all, I love the idea of providing a service that is able to positively impact other businesses and their community.
