In Their Words: Louis Odiase

Name: Louis Odiase

Department: Economics Department

What Scholarship or Award did you receive? Undergraduate Award Business Management Economics

What year are you (1st year, 3rd year)? 3rd year

College: Oakes

Where do you call home? Antioch, CA

What is your field of focus? Marketing/ Brand Management

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? I knew that If I came to this campus, I would stay focused. I consider myself a city-person, and this campus does not provide that life for me. Since I am not distracted by many different aspects, it is easy for me to stay on top of all of my activities whether it is the three jobs that I hold, being a co-chair for Black Men’s Alliance, career development actions, and, last but not least, my academics.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? I hope to pursue a career as a marketing professional within the Consumer Packaged Goods industry. Currently looking at various companies, such as P&G, Unilever, PepsiCo, General Mills, L’Oreal, and many others. I hope to spread a positive message through the brands that I market, while also increasing profitability.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? I would say a memorable moment that stands out for me as a student here was when I received the Business Management Economics Undergraduate Award. I remember I used to visit the Econ department and I seen the various undergraduates that received the award from previous years, and I used to say to myself that I will receive that award before I leave UCSC. It was amazing when I seen the email my junior year stating that I received the award out of all the BME majors. It just came to show that all of my hard work paid off.

How will this scholarship/award impact your academic life/research?  It provides me with the ability to focus solely on my academics, extracurricular activities, and career growth, rather than worrying about how I will pay my next bill.