Obosa Odia '27 | The University of Texas at Tyler

In picturing your future, college becomes a platform for exploring your interests, uncovering your talents and directing your next steps. For dual major Obosa Odia, the quality and reputation of The University of Texas at Tyler’s business programs piqued her attention. The campus, surrounded by the natural beauty of East Texas, drew her in and remained in her memory.

As Obosa thought about her post-high school journey, UT Tyler looked like the place to grow academically and professionally, from majoring in marketing to accessing internships and other entrepreneurial endeavors. She started along this path, striving toward a career in social media or another creative area. At the recommendation of one of her professors, she added accounting to her course of study.

Along with expanding her perspective of the business world, Obosa has immersed herself in UT Tyler’s multitude of opportunities — from the Career Success Conference to its student organizations — to build her future and create connections in the process.

What has been your favorite memory on campus so far?

So far, my favorite memory has been Midnight Breakfast. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect since it was my first time attending, but seeing the line stretched from the UC doors to the Plaza had me gagged. And then, upon entering and seeing everyone engaging, laughing and just having fun, it was nice to see so many of my peers and staff in this light. It was the first time since school started that I've felt such a refreshing energy.

What drew you to UT Tyler?

During my junior year of high school, I toured UT Tyler, and ever since then, I guess it always lingered in the back of my mind. The campus was absolutely breathtaking with the surrounding nature, and as a business major, I learned that UT Tyler had an amazing business program — that's really all that I was looking for in a campus.

What is your major, and what interested you about your major?

I am currently double majoring in marketing and accounting. I always knew I wanted to do something regarding social media marketing since freshman year of high school. I guess you can say it’s due to my love of scrolling on Instagram, but I think it's also the boundless creativity aspect of it. As for accounting, I had to take a prerequisite class, and my professor, Jennifer Reynolds, told me I should do accounting, so I did!

What has been unique about your experience so far, including inside and outside the classroom?

I think that my experience here at Tyler has been unique because I try to "make my own fun." If there is an event happening somewhere on campus, I’m going to go! I feel like this mindset has allowed me to meet people I honestly would have never met, just going to and from class.

UT Tyler emphasizes career preparation and hands-on learning. What types of opportunities have you participated in (internships, research or travel study, for example), and what have you learned?

Some career preparation opportunities UT Tyler has provided me with have been the Fall 2023 Career Success Conference. I feel like participating in that conference allowed me an insider's view of what it means to be a part of corporate America, and it's rare to get that opportunity before entering the workforce with a professional career. And of course, there’s my current social media internship with UT Tyler: I have full confidence in this opportunity giving me a glimpse into the career I want for myself in the future!

Have you been involved in any campus organizations or activities?

I am involved in the African Student Organization and the Black Student Association on campus. But, I have participated in all sorts of activities from various organizations on campus. It truly is impressive how there is an organization for everyone and how open they are to everyone and anyone participating!

What are your goals or aspirations following graduation?

A goal of mine post-graduation is to get a good social media management position in a big corporate organization, such as Google. Aside from career-wise, I would love to start traveling more and see the world!

Is there anything about your experience at UT Tyler that you would like to add that we haven't asked?

Not much more to add, but the campus is truly a beautiful place, and there is so much love from the staff and professors I have met so far. I hope to continue feeling like this for the remainder of my time here!