Emily Staples

Emily Staples is a transfer business administration and marketing major from Aurora, IL

Hometown: Aurora, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2021

Major: Business administration and marketing

Transfer from: Central Michigan University

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?

I wanted to be a lawyer when I was growing up. I’m pursuing a sales degree because I realized the reason I wanted to be a lawyer was to help people. I can still help people in sales, it’s just a different role.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?

I'm double majoring in business administration and marketing, with a sales certificate. I always wanted to be a lawyer, but I was lucky enough to find the amazing sales program at NIU and fell in love with the faculty and program.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?

The faculty genuinely look out for their students and want them to succeed. I was pleasantly surprised at how connected and engaging the College of Business is. They not only talk the talk, but they walk the walk, and NIU business students are one-of-a-kind, hardworking students. I am also extremely blessed to have gone on a trip to San Francisco with my peers. That's where I truly found my calling in sales, and it helped me land my dream internship with Adobe. It all would not have been possible without the NIU College of Business, the Professional Sales Program and Dr. Robert Peterson.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?

How have you connected with other students at NIU?

I have connected with other students here at NIU by being a part of a sorority and getting involved with on-campus jobs and activities. Being a Northern Ambassador allows me to meet peers in a wide variety of majors and clubs while also interacting with future Huskies.

Are you involved in any student organizations or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?

I am a part of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, the Business Administration Association, and the Dean's Advisory Board for the College of Business. These experiences allow me to be involved in something bigger than myself while helping me develop my professional and personal skill sets.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?

Robert Peterson. He has consistently pushed me to be a better student and explore my true calling in the professional world. I would not be in the position I’m in, with an amazing internship, without Dr. Peterson. He is honest, and I always know that I’m going to get a straight answer from him, no matter how much I might not want to hear it. He teaches sales/marketing classes. I was lucky enough to travel to San Francisco with him and my peers last summer for a class. Thank you, Dr. P., for being my sales guru, my career guide and my friend.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?

I love the fountains behind Davis Hall. It’s secluded and the perfect place to have a power-hour study session with an added scenic element. I’m drawn to it because it’s a true hidden gem on campus with a great view of the lagoon.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges? 

Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to try new things. I always tell my tour groups that when you attend your first involvement fair, go up to any table that interests you in the slightest. Go up to that table and ask, “Can you tell me about this?” Odds are, someone at that table would love to give their five-minute elevator pitch about the club. And by the end of the speech, you might have discovered an awesome club/organization that you are going to thrive in over the next four years.

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?

I have had to learn that it’s important to not get everything done and that you deserve a break, too. College is where you go to get a degree, but it’s also where you go to make memories and have one last hurrah before the real world. Don’t forget to let yourself have fun!

What do you do to relax or recharge?   

I love to go out to eat or watch some Netflix shows with my friends or roommates. Or, if I’m feeling motivated, work out.