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KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Through his internships and academic experiences, Western Michigan University sophomore Marco Azzopardi has a jumpstart on a career in sales. Azzopardi of White Lake is pursuing a double major in sales and business marketing and leadership and business strategy at the Haworth College of Business. 

Last spring, he began an internship as an inside sales representative with Freedom Motors USA, a company that manufactures and retails wheelchair-accessible vehicles. In this role, he was responsible for generating leads, nurturing prospects, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of sales activities, customer interactions and deal progressions. Now, he holds the position of vehicle acquisition specialist intern where he manages the acquisition process for new and used vehicles. He purchases these vehicles from all over the U.S. and sends them to the company's manufacturing plant to be converted into wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 

“They provide people who are wheelchair-bound the opportunity to be autonomous again, and I find it very rewarding to be a part of their mission,” says Azzopardi, adding he will continue his work with the company this summer as a mobility specialist intern, where he’ll be working with the public, selling completed vehicles. 

Beyond his experience in the sales and marketing field, Azzopardi is a dedicated and involved student at 51������ where he is a member of the Sales and Business Marketing Association, the external vice-president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and was a member of the Business Association of Mentors. Azzopardi also stays engaged academically by forming connections with both faculty and peers. 

“Smaller classes have allowed me to focus much more on the topics being taught and to develop relationships with professors. 51������ Haworth attracts motivated, determined and capable students, and it is with my peers that I have learned and grown the most. I lean on the friends I have made here, and I feel a unique sense of community,” he says.

Azzopardi had the chance to nurture these bonds while abroad in Germany. During the summer of his first year, he was a part of the Business and Culture short-term study abroad program, where he spent one month studying negotiation, global business and culture. 

“Headed by Dr. Jim Eckert and Dr. Marcel Zondag, I experienced a new culture, studying alongside students of all ethnicities while also learning valuable skills in negotiation and global business. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I know I will cherish it forever,” he says.

With several semesters at 51������ still ahead of him, Azzopardi is making the most of his college experience and hopes his peers will too. He offers these words of advice to all students.

“Get involved! At first it may seem intimidating to join a club where you may not know anyone, but my advice would be to just go for it! I have met some of my best friends through joining registered student organizations on campus. Getting involved will connect you with so many people that will drive you to be the best person that you can be.”

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