Business alum Lena Barakat ’23 says relationships were key in her career success

For Lena Barakat, a 2023 marketing graduate, building meaningful relationships has been essential to her career journey, says Barakat. As a high school student, Barakat had always been told that she was a people person. She loved connecting with others, and that's what initially drew her to Clemson-the Clemson Family, extensive alumni network and the brand-new business school, the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. Coming into college was intimidating for Barakat, so she felt it was crucial for her to find a sense of community and support.

"When I first visited Clemson, I saw the potential for growth. The extensive alumni network, combined with the resources available in the new business school, showed me that Clemson was the place where I could truly thrive."

When selecting a major, Barakat wanted flexibility. She wanted a major that could be used across different industries, and marketing was the perfect fit. Barakat also minored in brand communications through the Erwin Center for Brand Communications and eventually joined Cadency, Clemson's student-led brand agency. It was there that she met Katie Hildebrand, the Director of the Erwin Center, who took on a mentor role for Barakat throughout her time as a student and professional. Hildebrand invested a lot of time and energy in Barakat's professional development.

"Lena embodies what we look for in the Brand Communications program within the Erwin Center," says Hildebrand. "She was always dedicated and committed to her projects and contributed valuable perspective to get the work to the finish line. She always went above and beyond what was asked of her."

Barakat found her first job through the Erwin Center and Hildebrand. Since then, she has moved to a field marketing specialist position at Intelisys, a ScanSource company, through connections she made on LinkedIn. In her current job role, Barakat works with small businesses to improve their marketing strategies and help grow their businesses.

"I've always been a firm believer that when I graduate, I want to create a greater impact, whatever that may entail. This job is super rewarding for me because I am able to help grow small business brands."

Throughout her professional career, she has embraced the importance of building connections, being proactive and finding a workplace with supportive people. Her time at Clemson reinforced her belief in the importance of fostering connections and finding a company that values relationships-not just with clients but with employees and the community as well. Throughout her career, Barakat has embraced the value of proactivity, resilience, and the power of a supportive work culture. Her time at Clemson reinforced her belief in the importance of fostering connections and finding a company that values relationships-not just with clients, but with employees and the community as well.

Reflecting on her journey, Barakat is inspired by a quote from Helen Keller: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

"From my time at Clemson to my current role, it's the relationships I've built that have made all the difference," she says. "Whether it's mentors, colleagues or clients, it's the collaborative spirit and mutual support that has helped me achieve more than I ever could have on my own."

Visit the Department of Marketing to learn more about marketing degree programs.

Visit the Erwin Center for Brand Communications to learn more about this Signature Program.