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Meet JSOM Student Sabrina Castillo
Sabrina Castillo is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing at the Naveen Jindal School of Management and she is expected to graduate in May 2025.
Castillo is a Guatemalan First-Generation Student and a recipient of the Angelica Barriga Scholarship as well as the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Scholarship.
Coming to UT Dallas and Choosing JSOM
Originally from Katy, Texas, Castillo was considering going to the University of Houston for a time.
“I sat down with a friend while we were talking about college applications and he told me that UTD was a really good school, especially since we were both studying business,” she said.
Castillo did some research and was attracted to the opportunities in Dallas for marketing professionals and the diversity of UT Dallas. Her desire to try a new city for her college experience pushed her toward UT Dallas, and she came to Dallas for the first time in her freshman year.
Involved on Campus
Castillo has been involved with the American Marketing Association (AMA) UT Dallas Chapter since her freshman year and currently serves as the vice president of communications.
“I help out all our programs and get more people to come and learn about AMA,” she said.
Castillo has been involved in the Undergraduate Success Scholars program, where she acted as a mentor for incoming freshman who were new to the college experience.
Castillo is also a part of the Womxn’s Ultimate Frisbee Team and serves as their social media officer.
Julie Haworth, Director of the Bachelor’s in Marketing Programs, nominated Castillo for the Nash Leaders Fellowship, which Castillo says has been an enriching experience.
Castillo has just been accepted into the Professional Program in Marketing (PPM) and is excited to get involved in the program.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Success
Castillo said adjusting to the college experience was a challenge at first.
“My older sister helped me a lot coming into college, but I wasn’t really sure on what to expect coming in here. It did take a lot of time to kind of adjust to my classes and decide for sure marketing was something that I wanted to do,” she said.
Castillo feels like joining and participating in student organizations helped her find support and resources, saying it guided her path into college life.
Last semester, Castillo took Introduction to Professional Selling (MKT 3330) and participated in the competition Rookie Preview, where students had to do a 15-minute pitch to a panel of judges. Castillo placed second in her room.
“It was very exciting for me because I had never thought that I would like sales,” she said. “It was something out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I did it just because ever since then I’m like, oh I love doing the competitions! I feel like I learned so much from it, especially from the judges who are there to watch you and then also my classmates who worked hard all semester for this. It was very rewarding.”
Mentorship Along the Way
Castillo is immensely grateful for the support and guidance of Dr. Julie Haworth.
“She’s given me a lot of opportunities as well as advice. She’s very generous to always be there to help me whenever I need it,” Castillo said.
Castillo would also like to thank Dixiana Chavez from the Undergraduate Success Scholars Program for always checking up on her and giving her support.
Wisdom for Fellow Students
Castillo encourages her fellow students to do things outside of their comfort zones.
“I feel like I was very shy to try things because I didn’t think I had the experience to do certain things. But honestly, the only way you’ll get experience is by doing it. Trying it. That’s why we’re here, to learn,” she said.
Castillo urges students to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities that JSOM and UT Dallas offer.
“They’re here to help us,” Castillo said, “And I’ve honestly had such a good experience at UTD because of it.”
Looking to the Future
Castillo currently works as a marketing communications intern at Fuerza Strategies, a marketing consulting firm that helps nonprofits and political campaigns. Taking the Fast-Track option for her master’s is also an option that Castillo is considering.
For the future, Castillo feels attracted to working in digital marketing and would like to become a creative director someday. She is especially interested in the sports and entertainment industries.
Above all, Castillo eagerly anticipates graduation in May 2025.
“I’m really excited, especially since I am one of the first in my family to graduate from college. It’s been a really exciting journey for me. It’s had its highs and lows but I have learned a lot about myself and my career. It’s been a really great opportunity and I’m really thankful to be here at UTD,” she said.
