Class of 2023: Annie Hunter crafts success as a student leader in Pamplin

Name: Annie Hunter

College: Pamplin College of Business

Major: Marketing management with a concentration in digital marketing strategy and a minor in event and experience management

Hometown: Warrenton, Virginia

Plans after graduation: Hunter will begin working as a brand analyst with Altria in February

Favorite Hokie memory: “PRISM has been one of my favorite experiences,” Hunter said. “The real-world experience and skills are a game changer in propelling my career forward. I will always cherish the memories and friendships from PRISM.” 

Becoming a PRISMite

Hunter joined PRISM, a faculty-led student-run marketing organization, during her sophomore year.

She began as an account executive and content creator for PRISM client First & Main, a shopping center in Blacksburg, and later served as an account manager for Pamplin’s undergraduate admissions team. Currently, Hunter serves as the account manager for Phyte4Food, a PRISM client aiming to build awareness about the phosphorus crisis threatening global food security.

Through her connection with PRISM, Hunter secured an internship that ultimately led to a full-time job offer. During the spring of her junior year, Hunter traveled to Richmond with PRISM, where the team had the opportunity to visit different alumni and companies, including Altria. After connecting with past PRISM alumni – or PRISMites, as they call themselves – Hunter was offered an internship position for that summer.

“I learned so much during my summer as a brand management intern at Altria. It was very hands-on, and I was able to see my ideas come to life,” she said.

Junior Marketing Advisory Board

During her first year, Hunter received the Marketing Advisory Board Marketing Excellence scholarship, which is awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding potential in the field of marketing and have contributed to the success of the marketing department.

Receiving the award ignited in Hunter the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), and inspired her to give back to the marketing department. She did so by joining the Junior Marketing Advisory Board (JMBA), a collection of passionate marketing students who serve as ambassadors for the department while  working closely with the Marketing Advisory Board, the department’s alumni advisory group, to help provide students studying marketing with the best experience. Hunter would ultimately serve as president of the board during her senior year.

“My experience as president of JMAB was amazing,” she said. “I helped marketing students find their path by connecting them to the department’s various resources and opportunities. I enjoyed giving back to Hokies, especially after I had received so much support from Hokie Nation.”

Marketing maven

During Hunter’s senior year of high school, she established a successful jewelry business on the e-commerce platform Etsy, which allowed her to explore various facets of marketing. This experience solidified her desire to grow as a marketer and become involved with various marketing organizations on campus. 

“I love marketing because it allows me to be creative and strategic,” she said. “I found that marketing brought my strengths and interests together. What excited me the most was that every industry needs marketers, so my opportunities are limitless.” 

Hitting the ground running, she immediately began expanding her network, forming an important connection with Donna Wertalik, professor of practice in the marketing department. Hunter was enrolled in Wertalik’s Careers in Marketing course, which allowed her to not only grow as a professional but also cultivate a lasting connection with the professor. 

“Annie has always been a leader, a communicator, and a solution-based individual,” said Wertalik. “She is a self-starter, one of the kindest Hokies I know, and has left a legacy in PRISM as well as the Junior Marketing Advisory Board. I know I will be forever connected to Annie and continue to see her soar and be there every step of the way.”

For Hunter, that first step will always be made of Hokie Stone.

Written by Bella Shapiro