At the Romain College of Business, alumni are making an impact on organizations and communities across the country. This edition of the alumni spotlight features Adrienne Eckstein, a 2023 marketing grad from Jasper, Indiana. Eckstein is a Marketing Assistant for Walker Consultants.
What brought you to USI? USI may not be the largest university, but that's what makes its culture so special. It has the close-knit feel of a small town, something that felt familiar to me after growing up in Jasper. No matter who you turn to—a fellow student, professor, dean, or even the President of the University—you can always count on someone willing to help. Everyone makes themselves available to support your success, and the best part is that they genuinely want to see you thrive.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities or study abroad opportunities while in school? I joined the American Marketing Association my junior year at USI without really knowing what to expect, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I made in college. It may sound dramatic, but it truly changed my life. Through AMA, I gained valuable marketing experience, built lifelong friendships, and grew both personally and professionally. It became a community I didn't realize I needed. Even now, as I've started my career, I know I have a network of mentors and friends I can turn to whenever I need guidance, support, or inspiration.
What made you choose marketing as your major? I originally came to USI as an undecided student. After taking an introductory public relations course, I began to realize marketing might be the right career path for me. As I progressed through my marketing classes, I quickly discovered I was especially drawn to the creative side of the field. Joining the American Marketing Association further confirmed I had found the right fit. It gave me confidence that marketing was where I belonged.
Today, I work for an architectural and engineering consulting firm, where I develop proposals for prospective clients. I enjoy blending creativity with strategy to create materials that are visually engaging, clearly communicate our message, and make a strong first impression. Knowing that my work can influence how clients perceive our firm makes every project rewarding, and I genuinely love what I do.
Did any professors make an impact on you while you were in school? There were a few professors who made an impact on me, but the one who stands out the most is Professor Nicolas Jankuhn. Not only was he my professor while I attended USI, but he is one of the advisors for the American Marketing Association, so I was able to work with him as an executive of the chapter. Professor Jankuhn genuinely cares about every student he teaches, and he always makes himself available to offer guidance and support. I can’t tell you the countless times I sat in his office ranting about the hardships of “the college life.” No matter what I was facing, he listened intently and made sure I felt heard. He always seemed to know exactly what to say, offering encouragement and perspective that lifted my spirits whenever I felt discouraged. Even now as colleagues, he still reaches out and supports my career goals and life achievements. He probably doesn’t even realize just how much of an impact he's had on my life. Through his encouragement and unwavering positivity, he taught me to keep a hopeful outlook, even when things felt difficult, and to never lose sight of my goals. His influence extends far beyond the classroom, and I will always be grateful for his mentorship and the example he set.
What has been the biggest joy and challenge after graduation? My biggest challenge after graduation was finding a job. In 2024, the job market was not great. Businesses were hiring, yet no one seemed to be getting jobs. I probably applied for over 200 positions and couldn't get an offer. I finally accepted an hourly, temporary position where they couldn't guarantee me a full-time job after the temporary timeframe was over. I didn't love what I did, but it was enough to make ends meet.
I knew from a young age I wanted to live in Indianapolis, so I started applying for jobs there. As you can imagine, the job market was still not great. I probably applied to over 300 jobs. I felt defeated after every "Dear John" letter or interview that I never heard back from. My friends and family were always supportive, telling me, "You're a hard worker. Someone will see that and want you on their team!" or "Don't give up! The right job is waiting for you." A year later, I finally got my first full-time job! I was so proud of myself—a small-town girl moving to the big city of Indianapolis.
Little did I know that the people in the city would be very different from those in my small town of Jasper, Indiana. The Southern courtesy I had always been used to wasn't as apparent in the big city. I was the youngest person at the company where I worked, and I was treated as such. Unfortunately, although I absolutely loved my job, my coworkers did not treat me with the respect I knew I deserved. So, once again, I started the job search.
At this point in my career, I knew my worth. I wasn't going to settle for a job just because of the pay or the job description. I was determined to find a position where I enjoyed what I did and where people treated me with respect. I had almost given up when I was scrolling through LinkedIn and came across a job description that immediately caught my attention. They listed what they were looking for in an employee and the benefits they offered. Three weeks of PTO! What a score! I laughed and said to my husband, "Wow, this looks like a dream job!" He replied, "You should apply! The worst they can say is no, right?" So I hit the apply button, not thinking anything would come of it.
That was the start of the career I had always wanted. When I got the call after an hour-and-a-half-long interview telling me I got the job, I actually started crying. I couldn't believe it! My husband and I had a mini celebration, dancing in the hallway of our tiny apartment. Knowing everything I'd been through just to make it to that moment made it feel magical.
The biggest joy after graduation has been working for a company that has a passion for its employees. They truly want to see you grow and succeed. I've never met a more genuine group of people than the ones at Walker Consultants. This is the kind of workplace you only see in movies, and for a while, I seriously thought I was dreaming. Everyone is so kind and genuinely wants to get to know you. This was the culture I had always dreamed of, and I finally found it.
What advice would you give to current or prospective students? Do not settle for just any job. There may be times when you need to take a position simply to make ends meet, and there's nothing wrong with that. But never stop pursuing the job you truly want. The journey may be challenging, but when you finally reach your goal, you'll be able to look back with pride and appreciate the hard work, perseverance, and dedication it took to get there.
Surround yourself with people who encourage you, believe in you, and support your goals. Most importantly, do what makes you happy. Find something you're passionate about, give it your all, and trust that your hard work will lead you where you're meant to be.
Anything else you would like to include? Join a club, organization, or chapter on campus. You may think it won’t be exciting or you don’t want to commit to something. Trust me when I say, I thought the same thing at one point. Stepping outside of your comfort zone not only challenges you to grow as a person, but it also opens the door to some of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Embracing new opportunities allows you to learn, build confidence, and discover strengths you never knew you had. The moments that push you beyond what feels comfortable are often the ones that help you grow the most.