Across my campus involvement, I naturally step into leadership — not because I need a title, but because I care about outcomes. I tend to be the person who helps organize, align people, and keep things moving forward. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments and am motivated to build genuine relationships, earn trust, and turn insights into thoughtful, effective work.

As I continue building my portfolio, I’m focused on gaining experience in client strategy, brand storytelling, and integrated marketing solutions that deliver both creative impact and real business value.

When I was in kindergarten, I was painfully shy — quiet, anxious, and very much inside my own head. I was so reserved that I even completed an extra transition year between kindergarten and first grade to help me come out of my shell. Over time, that changed completely. I grew into someone who is outgoing, curious, and comfortable starting conversations — the person friends rely on to speak up, ask questions, or make interactions more engaging. Today, I’m often the one making small talk with a stranger, asking the waiter for an extra item, or keeping a group conversation going.

That shift didn’t just change how I show up socially — it shaped how I connect with people. Curiosity became second nature to me, and listening became just as important as talking. I like understanding where people come from and what matters to them, which is why I’m known for keeping a few “get-to-know-you” questions in my back pocket. My current favorite is asking people the story behind their name. It’s a small question, but it opens the door to a real connection.

That mindset became especially important when I came to Indiana University Bloomington. I graduated from a high school class of about 150, where I knew nearly everyone, so arriving on a large campus where I knew no one was a big change. Leaning into conversation and curiosity helped me build relationships quickly — and it’s also how I found my footing academically and professionally.

That way of connecting with people is also what pulled me toward advertising in the first place. I’m Aparna, a fourth-year Creative Advertising major at Indiana University Bloomington, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m interested in sales and account management because it lets me combine relationship-building, strategic thinking, and creativity in a way that feels natural to me. Through my academic work, campus involvement, and marketing projects, I’ve developed strong skills in client communication, campaign planning, and creative problem-solving. I’m especially drawn to work at the intersection of business strategy and creative execution—understanding client goals, spotting opportunities, and bringing ideas to life in meaningful ways.