Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Hamilton.
Hi Mia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hello! My name is Mia, and I am the current president of the University of South Carolina Chapter of the American Marketing Association. I am a sophomore marketing major/business analytics minor at the Darla Moore School of Business. After going to a friend’s birthday, I ended up here where a tarot card reader told me South Carolina was meant to be. At that point, I knew my college adventure would be anything but boring.
Marketing has always sparked my curiosity. As a kid, I remember making brackets every super bowl to rate the commercials. Growing up, I picked up small marketing gigs, such as promoting a cross-neighborhood lemonade stand that raised $200 for a neighbor with cancer or running social media accounts for various family businesses. I currently work in two incredible marketing internships.
I discovered the AMA one day by chance when wandering around the business school and quickly knew it was the perfect fit for me. After joining, I decided to take it a step further and run for an executive role, leading to my being elected president. I have the privilege to work alongside my nine other executive board members daily to create incredible opportunities for my peers and the Columbia community. These incredible nine ladies include Vice President Maddie Lynch, Treasurer Nicole Meek, Secretary Brooke Farley, Director of Marketing Communications Juliette Lodge, Director of Media Maria Denya, Director of Social Relations and Philanthropy Alex Cheek, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Chair Madison Russell, Ambassador of Professional Outreach Torre Borowsky, and our Faculty Advisor Taia McGinnis. Incredible experiences like this inspired me to give back to my USC community. This is only the beginning, and I am excited to see where the future takes us!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The American Marketing Association: USC Chapter has existed for over two decades. I am forever inspired by the leaders who came before me and the work they did to keep our club active and exciting throughout that time. That being said, the organization has had its ups and downs. Before my time at the university, COVID strongly hindered many organizations on campus from reaching their full potential.
Coming in two years post-pandemic, my incredible predecessor, Madison King, guided me. After the struggle of the pandemic, Madison worked tirelessly to get everything behind the scenes in perfect order. She did everything in her power to ensure my transition into the role of president was smooth and effortless. Still, becoming the president of a collegiate organization led to its challenges as I began planning for the year ahead. While some days are loaded with work, my outstanding executive board is working beside me to ensure this organization is operating at full capacity! Madison truly reshaped the AMA into what it is today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, could you tell us a bit more about your work?
My friends joke that the day I retire is the day I will finally have a chance to sleep. I am the social media marketing manager for Metaphysical Pilates, a marketing intern for Applegreen GFS, the president of the American Marketing Association – University of South Carolina chapter, and a full-time marketing/business analytics student at the Darla Moore School of Business.
Metaphysical Pilates is a Pilates studio founded by Gloria Santiago in the West Loop/Fulton Market District of Chicago, IL. Metaphysical Pilates reconnects us back to our center through spiritual science and matter. The brand takes a new approach to health and wellness by working to heal the spirit to heal the mind, and finally, heal, the body. Gloria created her style of Pilates by incorporating heavy notes of metaphysical virtues and breathwork into the original physical movements Joseph Pilates created in the 1920s. I cannot stress how full of gratitude I am for this opportunity. Not only have I had the chance to enhance my marketing skills, but Gloria has become a mentor in my life and is truly someone I look up to.
Applegreen, an international petrol brand, was founded in Ireland in 1992 and eventually branched into the United Kingdom and the United States. I was brought on to jump-start the American marketing team through various internal and external campaigns. This opportunity has allowed me to connect with professionals across the globe while learning how to lead a team of marketers in making tough decisions and creating a brand from almost scratch. This opportunity still feels surreal at such an early stage in my professional life, and I am forever grateful to be a part of it.
My time at the University of South Carolina has offered me various opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Whether it is through the American Marketing Association, the Capstone Scholars program, or my day-to-day classes, there is never a time I am not growing. The Darla Moore School of Business is home to many incredible mentors who make it their mission to help us succeed. This statement extends to the University of South Carolina as a whole.
At this point in my life, my professional life is constantly shifting and excelling, and that is something I never want to see change. The constant stream of new opportunities and chances to connect with such incredible people is something I will never take for granted. Yet, I am most proud of my ability always to find a way to give back. No matter my position, my main focus is giving back to those who got me there and those who have the potential to be right there with me. I seek to connect the people who will help each other prosper. My first goal is to watch all my loved ones succeed alongside me.
What matters most to you?
I think the most important concept in life is human connection. While self-love is a close second, how we interact with others truly shapes the people we become. Connecting with those around you is crucial in all aspects of life. Whether it is networking professionally, making life-long friends, or maintaining familial bonds, making an impact on those around us is what life is all about.
The most valuable connections I have made have always been the ones I have least expected. Taking a chance on the new girl in school or spontaneously joining a collegiate organization can lead to the most meaningful relationships. The key to shifting into your best self is simply talking with everyone you meet. Everyone has their own story, motivations, and values. Conversing with the person making your sandwich at the deli can teach you ten times more than any algebra class. Human connection is at the core of gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Contact Info:
- Website: ama.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uofscama/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amasouthcarolina
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@uofscama
Image Credits
Grace Hurley, Katherine Beehler
