Lindner student athlete masters personal branding

“I definitely approach everything with 110%. I put forth my best effort. I really am passionate about the work I'm doing, and finding answers and searching for solutions.”

A series of well-timed events collided for Davis as she sought her next steps post-graduation. As an undergraduate communication student, Davis saw the need to improve her business acumen and add to her knowledge arsenal. Conversations with her close network of mentors, an interest in branding and the loosening of name, image, likeness (NIL) rules for student athletes all pointed toward her pursuing an MS in marketing at the Carl H. Lindner of Business. 

As an undergraduate, Davis was involved in the Inspire, Equip, Connect community for student athletes, something that continues to motivate her and fuel her resilience. 

“I think being resilient is one of the best things I've learned. Being in school, from athletics to working with others in group work. I think that's one of the things that really drives me every day.”

Davis’ adaptability is not only evident in the classroom but in the pool.

“Jessica’s success has been built out of an unwavering ability to trust the process. Throughout her time at UC, she has faced setbacks and has had the ability to take a step back, reposition herself and set forward with renewed sense of hope and direction,” said Mandy Commons-Disalle, head coach, men’s and women’s swimming and diving. “She understands that success is not linear, and she has an amazing ability to learn through her failures and use that to set her scope on achieving new heights.” 

The MS Marketing program has taught Davis the value of balancing perspectives and team needs, drawing a direct connection to her time as a member of the swim team. Davis’s collegiate swimming career concluded at the NCAA swimming and diving championships in March.

“It’s a lot of listening to your peers and building off their experience. I'm in classes with professionals and then I'm with people who just had their undergrad,” said Davis. “I think it's really cool to not only build your network but hear a whole new perspective.”

Learning from others is a key attribute that makes Davis a true leader, according to Roseann Hassey, associate professor-educator of marketing and instructor for one of Davis’s most influential courses, Branding.

“Jessica is a leader to her core. She sets an example for her peers that is upbeat, professional and ‘on point.’ Further, her natural curiosity and engagement encourage her peers to bring their best selves to discussions. She is exactly the kind of student that I proactively reach out to, knowing they will advance the discussion in a way that is thoughtful and allows for critical thinking and learning.”    

Finding balance is key for someone with multiple, competing commitments like Davis. 

“It's a lot about knowing yourself, knowing when to step back, knowing when to take a break. And just being honest, it’s a lot of reflection,” said Davis. “It’s not digging a hole into the work that you're doing, and just making sure you're okay, so you're ready to tackle the next day or week that you have ahead of you.”

Such determination and self-awareness get at the heart of Davis’s success.

“Her work ethic is consistent and purposeful, and that also helps contribute to her having a solid foundation to build from. I am 100% confident that her time at UC has prepared her for a future of success, taking chances and knowing — at some point — they will reward her exponentially,” Commons-Disalle said. 

In her next chapter, Davis, who is inspired by the likes of Mel Robbins and Brene Brown, endeavors to pursue work that aligns with her core values and uplifts others. She believes her experience at Lindner will get her there.

“Hopefully, the connections that I've built at Lindner and the knowledge that I've gained and the people that I know that I can always rely on will help me build the next steps in my career,” said Davis. “I'm confident that Lindner's definitely prepared me for the next journey.”

Featured image: Jessica Davis in Lindner Hall. Photos by Danielle Lawrence.