Olivia Guerrasio
Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
“West Philadelphia, glad and amazed, studying business is where I spent most of my days….”
Fun fact about yourself: I’ve been dancing since I was in kindergarten.
Hometown: Manasquan, NJ
High School: Communications High School
Majors: International Business, Marketing
Minors: Spanish, Dance
Favorite Business Courses: Economic Development, International Trade
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- J. Drexel Academic Scholarship Recipient (2012-Present)
- Performing Arts Scholarship Recipient (2012-Present)
- Dean’s List (2012-Present)
- Drexel Dance Ensemble (2012-Present)
- Drexel Touring Ensemble Member/Scholarship Recipient (2012-2014)
- LeBow Business Learning Community, President (2012-2013)
- Business Learning Community Student of the Year (2013)
- Dean’s Student Advisory Board (2013-Present)
- Peer Leader for freshmen Business students (2013-2014)
- Spanish Tutor (2014-2016)
- Peer Coach for International Students (2015-2016)
- Mentor for International Students (2015-2016)
- Teaching Assistant for BUSN101 and BUSN102 (2016-Present)
- Undergraduate Programs Assistant for LeBow College of Business (2016-Present)
Where have you interned during your college career?
- University City Science Center (Philadelphia, PA): Project Coordinator
- Corral de la Morería (Madrid, Spain): Marketing Intern
- Thomson Reuters (Philadelphia, PA): Channel Marketing
- Publicis Health Media (Philadelphia, PA): SEO Associate
- CMI Media (Philadelphia, PA): SEO Intern
Describe your dream Job: It would combine all my interests and focus on making a positive global impact. I would love to run my own company. The goal is to feel like I’m not working! Hopefully, I could travel to new places, practice speaking Spanish, challenge myself and find balance between work and life.
Which executive or entrepreneur do you most admire? One of my favorite companies is S.W. Basics, an all-organic skincare company based out of Brooklyn. Every product has 5 ingredients or less, and all ingredients are responsibly sourced. I admire their founder, Adina Grigore, for creating and growing a company that solves a real problem but also focuses on ethical practices, sustainability, and environmentally friendly production. If I ever had the opportunity to start my own company, S.W. Basics would be my role model!
Where would you like to work after graduation?I am excited to be working full time for Archetype Solutions Group as an Associate once I graduate, where I will have the opportunity to delve into the fields of consulting and venture.
What are your long-term professional goals? I would love to continue my education after gaining some professional experience. I hope to be able to run a company one day with values that match my own, if not start a company myself.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? You have to differentiate yourself. Many people go to school for business, so it’s important to challenge yourself in ways that are different from the person sitting next to you. Mix and match all of your interests together!
“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I realized just how many different career paths could come from it.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…studying Global Studies or Sustainability, and trying my best to get a minor in business!”
“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…that my goals would change many times, and that that is a great thing!”
What was the happiest moment of your life? One of the happiest moments in my life was being there the first time my dad got to visit Italy, where his grandparents are from. The look on his face was such pure disbelief and happiness that I’ll never forget it.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of just how much I have been able to push myself out of my comfort zone. My biggest goal when I started at Drexel was to take advantage of my family’s investment as much as possible. I wanted to do three co-ops, at least one study abroad experience, graduate fluent in a second language, and double major. I can now proudly say that I will graduate with two majors and two minors, three co-ops and two internships, two study abroad experiences, and eight countries visited. I feel as though I was able to exceed my goals and push myself to my fullest potential, and I am very proud of that.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? I would choose a giraffe, because they’re always confidently reaching upward.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would definitely want to thank my parents. They are the ones who have always seen potential in me, and they always give me that extra little push when I need it. I am so fortunate because they encouraged me to go to college to study whatever made me happiest. If it wasn’t for them, there is no way I would have the confidence and independence that I have today.
What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program?I would want them to say that I successfully accomplished a lot at Drexel, with a strong work ethic and dedication.
Favorite book: Inferno by Dan Brown, Being able to visit Florence and pick out all of the landmarks mentioned in the book made it even better!
Favorite movie: Singin’ in the Rain
Favorite musical performer: Bruce Springsteen
Favorite vacation spot: I’m still trying to find it! After studying abroad, my goal has been to leave the country every year. So far, so good!
What are your hobbies? Yoga, cooking, and exploring Philadelphia!
What made Olivia such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?
“Olivia Guerrasio is extraordinary in a number of ways unique to college students. In addition to being an outstanding student, leader and diligent worker, she has spent her time at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business giving back to our college community. She has served in several areas to provide peer support to students of all academic levels.
As an undergraduate business student, Olivia excels in core business areas in addition to having the heart of a teacher. Her passion and commitment to her classmates highlights her warm and caring nature and outgoing team spirit. Olivia gives of herself and makes herself available to students in our college for career advice, academic council and life coaching tips.
She has completed three incredible co-op experiences along with a study abroad experience in Spain. These areas come together to highlight just how special Olivia is to our college and university.”
Chris Finnin, EdD
Clinical Professor
Director of General Business Studies
Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017
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