‘Challenge yourself,’ advises marketing, business analytics senior
Keaton Dornath discusses the benefits of getting involved in the School of Business
Tell us how you ended up at the KU School of Business pursuing your majors.
I remember originally coming out of high school and wanting to study pharmacy with the intention of becoming a pharmacist. I knew that I wanted to go out of state, and KU was within my goldilocks zone.
My first visit to KU was unique because it was one of the first warm spring days. Something about walking down Jayhawk Boulevard that morning felt different. During the last weeks of high school, a teacher told me that I belonged in business and was very people-oriented. My strengths allowed me to find a passion in marketing.
Additionally I came in with enough credits to pursue a second major in business analytics, which allows me to focus more on the quantitative aspects of business. During my junior year of college, I learned more about strategic selling and added a professional selling certificate to my studies.
What programs or groups are you involved in at the School of Business and at KU?
I am a member of the Multicultural Business Scholars Program (MBSP), Business Honors Program, Professional Selling Ambassadors, School of Business Ambassadors, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. Additionally, I serve as a T.A. in the Marketing academic area under Kristen Helling and Duane Myer.
We are consistently told that getting involved early is one of the best ways to find success in college. I truly feel that being involved in a variety of organizations has allowed me to develop as a leader, student and friend.
What is one of your favorite memories from the School of Business?
One of my favorite memories was taking Jennifer Harrison’s Honors Business Law courses. There were so many topics in law that were covered. I don’t think there was day when I walked out of that class feeling that I didn’t learn something new. She consistently kept our class on its toes, and the group that I was in had very insightful discussions.
Has anyone at the b-school been especially influential during your time here? In what way?
It would be hard to label just one individual the School of Business that has been influential on my time here. Early in my freshman year, Elizabeth Karr was influential as my advisor, and I had the ability to work alongside her during my experience as a Business Student Ambassador. She has been very impactful on my views of education during my time.
A second influential person would be Steven Johnson Jr. Part of our MBSP curriculum gives us the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with him to check in on our progress. Steven consistently has candid conversations and provides support and advice where it is needed.
Lastly, I would say that Kristen Helling and Duane Myer have had a long-lasting impact on my development in marketing and sales. These two continue to advocate for students and push the sales program to new heights. Kristen and Duane have always been a resource to ask any question that I may face and give a thorough and thoughtful answer. The business school is full of so many talented professionals that support students wherever they may need it.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduating I will be working with Dell EMC as an associate inside sales representative in Austin, Texas.
What’s the one piece of advice you received in the b-school that you’ll take with you everywhere?
One piece of advice that I learned during my last four years is to take on opportunities outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to grow and learn. Whether it’s taking a class outside of your major, joining a new student organization or sparking up a conversation with a recruiter, challenging yourself will open the door to so many opportunities. Always ask questions if you are uncertain, and know that you’re not in the challenge alone.
