Student Spotlight: Michael McGowan

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Posted on June 29, 2020 by MCOB Outreach

MCOB Outreach

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Greetings, Jags! My name is Michael McGowan and I am a rising senior majoring in Business Management at the University of South Alabama. A Mobile native, I grew up going to school about ten minutes away from South’s campus and frequently heard about the vast opportunities the University offers students from my teachers, the community, and my father, who is a Mitchell College of Business (MCOB) alum. As a result, South captured interest quite early in my college search.

It wasn’t until my initial visit to campus that I knew South would be my home close to home for the next four years; I was taken back by the community atmosphere of the college and genuine care for students each faculty member exemplified throughout my tour. The next fall, I stepped onto the campus as a Jag at MCOB, just as my father had 25 years earlier.

Today, I am not the tentative student who sat down in BUS 150 the first day of my college career, but a confident and hopeful rising senior excited to share and guide students as a Mitchell Ambassador. I am an active member of Kappa Sigma and frequently attend events hosted by the Mitchell College. I have had fantastic experiences as a student at South and am particularly grateful for the events that the Mitchell College facilitates to connect students with internships and potential jobs; The Mitchell College of Business affords a multitude of opportunities to students who are willing to go the extra mile. A career day hosted by MCOB led to my current internship position with Austal; throughout this summer, I am learning, gaining experience, and growing as a professional before graduation. My involvement thus far has inspired me to continue striving for more opportunities to serve our students and community as a leader; I recently was selected as a Mitchell Ambassador for MCOB and am thrilled to be a representative for our students, faculty, and community.

Throughout the past three years, I have been challenged, supported, and inspired by my peers, USA, and the city of Mobile. In addition to facilitating connections such as my internship at Austal, I continue to be supported academically as well. Though we were unable to physically attend the annual Mitchell College of Business Scholars Night, I was honored to receive the Regions Bank Scholarship; this award not only speaks to the support of South but also to the incredible generosity and confidence of the community. South is a place in which challenges are extended, students are encouraged to rise to the occasion, and resilience is rewarded.

Following graduation next spring, I plan to eventually own my own business. I am fully confident that the education I am receiving at South Alabama will prepare me to achieve my goals and face the challenges of entrepreneurship. The professors and counselors at South are a great credit to the university and have guided me in my academic and professional pursuits. Finally, I would like to thank my professors, fellow students, and the Mobile community for their consistent support and encouragement to ambitiously pursue my dreams.
 

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