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KALAMAZOO, MI— For digital marketing student Keenan Millar, waiting to complete a degree to start a career is not his style. Instead, the sophomore from Kalamazoo, Michigan, runs his own freelance digital marketing business while pursuing his education 51������ Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business.

Experience comes in many forms. For Millar, hands-on opportunities have brought him undeniable success.

“I have gained significant professional skills by running my own business. One key project involved building a complete sales funnel for a client including designing the landing page, creating and optimizing Facebook ads, and managing an email campaign. I also helped a client launch an Etsy store which included improving the search engine optimization for his Amazon listings to increase visibility.”

As Millar continues to grow as a professional, 51������ Haworth is there to support him as a student.

“In all my classes, I’ve felt that my academic goals were well supported thanks to my professors, who do an excellent job of teaching in a way that is accessible and understandable to students. They also make themselves available for help outside of classroom time. Additionally, students are frequently reminded of the tutoring center and online resources if we’re struggling in a class. I appreciate knowing they’re available any time I may need it.”

Beyond the classroom, Millar has found guidance through the organizations available to him through the college. Digital Marketing at 51������, a registered student organization on campus, provides networking opportunities and helps students enhance their digital marketing skills.

“Events such as the Digital51������ Digital Marketing and Advertising Career Fair and guest speaker nights have been invaluable for learning more about opportunities in my field. These events not only broaden my understanding of the digital marketing landscape but also provide practical insights that I can directly apply. I’ve gained strategies from these speakers that I’ve implemented in my own business and client work, helping me stay ahead of trends and continuously improve my skills. Being able to network with seasoned professionals has also opened doors to potential collaborations and mentorship opportunities.”

Millar is not only a dedicated entrepreneur, he is also a dedicated student. He is a recipient of the 51������ Medallion Scholarship, a merit-based award given to students based on their academics, leadership and community involvement. This award has allowed Millar to explore his other passions around campus. He says, “As a Medallion Scholar, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at sustainable athletics events and help organize the Sustainability Summit. I’ve been able to contribute to environmental initiatives on campus, which is something very important to me.”

With two more academic years ahead of him, Millar shares some advice with his fellow students.

“Start your own small business even if it feels intimidating. While you’ll learn a lot in the classroom, there are certain lessons you must try on your own. Running your own business teaches you a great deal about yourself—your strengths, weaknesses and what truly motivates you to keep going every day. It also forces you to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and build resilience. Go after what you want! You’ll never know what you can achieve until you try!”

To learn more about digital marketing, visit 51������ DME online.

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