2017 Best & Brightest: Michael Inman, Ohio State (Fisher)

Michael Inman

The Ohio State University, Max M. Fisher College of Business

“I am enthusiastic about life and excited for the future wherever my journey may lead!”

Fun fact about yourself: I graduated from a performing arts high school with diplomas in both Academic Honors and Vocal Performance.

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

High School: The Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts

Major: Marketing

Minor: Music, Media, and Enterprise

Favorite Business Courses:

  • Databases and Spreadsheets
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic Management

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

  • The Ohio State University 2016 Homecoming King
  • Founder and President of Daunt Model Management (Student Organization)
  • President of Out in Business (Student Organization)
  • Studied Abroad in London, England (Summer 2015)
  • Max M. Fisher College of Business Emerging Leader Award
  • Fisher Student Ambassador
  • Ohio State Outstanding First-Year Leadership Award

Where have you interned during your college career?

  • Summer 2014 – Crowd Surf, LLC. – Nashville, TN – Social Media Marketing Role
  • Summer 2016 – Disney Channel – New York, NY – Ad Sales and Marketing Intern

Describe your dream Job: My dream job is to be an executive for a company in which I am passionate about its product or service, as well as its mission and impact on the world. I am interested in a multitude of industries, but one dream is that I might work in the music industry one day.

Where would you like to work after graduation? L’Oreal USA – LUXE Division – Management Development Program (MDP) – New York, NY

What are your long-term professional goals? My long-term professional goals are to work abroad, obtain my MBA and continue growing as a professional within an organization about which I am passionate. In a few years, I hope to transfer to the London office of L’Oreal and continue working in brand management for one of the many brands in their expansive portfolio. Following my MBA, I will hopefully continue working at L’Oreal or pursue another opportunity which furthers my professional growth and development.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Business opens countless doors, but because of that, they must do their due diligence to identify their passions and interests. Once they identify the companies and industries that spark their interest, it is much easier to find roles which naturally “fit.” This strategy will provide them direction in their job search and allow them to be more intentional in who they reach out to for professional opportunities.

 “I knew I wanted to major in business when…I decided I did not want to be the next Justin Timberlake or in a boy band, but was very intrigued by the business side of the entertainment industry. I figured business would provide me the skills necessary to represent talent or, in some capacity, tell stories.”

“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…majoring in either Arts Administration or Vocal Performance.”

 “Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…the value of having a major outside of business to not only diversify yourself as a potential job candidate, but to learn in-depth about the topic or industry in which you will working — engineering for Apple Inc., visual design for marketing agencies, etc.).”

What was the happiest moment of your life? The happiest moment of my life took place about four or five years ago on a family vacation. My family and I were travelling up the west coast from Las Vegas to San Francisco via California State Route 1, and we took a moment to get out the car and watch sunset. We watched as the waves continually rolled in from the Pacific Ocean and waited for the stars to join the moon in the night sky. This memory evokes feelings of love, happiness and togetherness. This trip was the last vacation we took before my grandmother passed that year, so it’s the memory I think about when I think of her.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of being selected by The Ohio State University’s Alumni Association and our student body to serve as the 2016 Homecoming King.

What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? I would choose a giraffe to represent my professional brand. First and foremost, due to my tall, thin frame, I have always been referred to as a giraffe, so I empathize with the species. Secondly, I appreciate how they are always reaching for the stars, and I aspire to do the same!

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I most want to thank my family, especially my parents. They have been my support system throughout my time at Ohio State and because of this I have been able to lean on them during trying times. My parents specifically have inspired me professionally and helped me grow into the man I am today. My siblings have kept me humble and always put a smile on my face. It is my knowing that no matter what happens, they will always have my back which enables me to leap without fear of falling.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I hope they say I was authentic, genuine and kind. I strongly value personal relationships, so it would mean the world to me if, after I graduated, people remembered me for how I treated them and for any positivity I added to their life.

Favorite book: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Favorite movie: Prometheus

Favorite musical performer: Beyoncé

Favorite vacation spot: London, England

What are your hobbies? Singing, Dancing, Traveling, Figure Skating, Reading

What made Michael such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?

“Everyone knows Michael Inman. At an institution this size, this is no small feat. The mention of his name brings a smile to the face of many. He is that student — he excels in the classroom, is engaged as student leader and gives back to the greater Ohio State and Fisher community.

Michael’s college journey is the epitome of determination and passion. He represents the Max M. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University in the utmost ethical manner. From the moment he arrived on campus, Michael made an impact by re-chartering the college’s Out In Business student organization, becoming a Resident Advisor, a Fisher Ambassador and founding member of two student organizations.Michael’s innovative personality inspires fellow Fisher students as he continues instilling leadership across campus and the community at large.

Michael was chosen by Ohio State faculty, students and staff as the 2016 Homecoming King, becoming the University’s first African-American, openly-gay male to be honored. In addition, as part of Fisher’s Centennial Celebration, an event that marked the college’s 100-year journey, Michael was one of two undergraduate student speakers to serve as emcees, representing the Fisher student body, at this momentous occasion.These opportunities are a true testament to Michael’s extensive aptitude to cultivate relationships with peers, faculty and staff.

All of the accomplishments and accolades Michael has received as an undergraduate Fisher student are just the tip of the iceberg. I believe as a Fisher College of Business alum, Michael Inman will continue to inspire, thrive and uphold his values to be successful. These qualities combined to ensure Michael is an invaluable member to the Class of 2017’s legacy. It has been my pleasure to witness Michael’s ambition and success.”

Lorraine Pennyman M.Ed.
Assistant Director, Undergraduate Leadership and Engagement
The Max M. Fisher College of Business

DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017

 

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