By Adriana Betancourt
From an early age, Sevrin Anderson learned the value of discipline, teamwork and accountability. These values were reinforced through 16 years of playing hockey, as well as in his academic experience and professional development as a marketing major at NIU.
Anderson was recruited to play men’s ice hockey for NIU after being contacted by the hockey club’s general manager during his senior year of high school. He was not only drawn to the opportunity to continue competing, but also to the reputation of NIU’s College of Business. Having heard positive feedback from peers who attended NIU, Anderson felt confident that the college would provide the academic foundation he needed to pursue his career goals.
His interest in marketing developed through a marketing course he took in high school and was also sparked by an interest in digital marketing. Once at NIU, Anderson found that the College of Business offered hands-on learning experiences that helped translate theory into practice. One course that stood out was MKTG 350: Principles of Selling, in which students participated in RNMKRS simulations and live sales presentations.
“Those experiences really helped me develop my sales pitches and storytelling skills,” Anderson shared. “It also showed me how important it is to build a strong network and stay curious about what the customer actually wants.”
These lessons proved especially valuable during his sales internship with Holland L.P., where Anderson was able to apply customer-focused strategies and communication techniques he had already practiced in the classroom. Entering the internship with a strong understanding of sales fundamentals gave him a head start in a professional setting.
Beyond the classroom, Anderson’s role as captain of the NIU Hockey Club has played a major role in shaping his leadership style. Leading a team taught him the importance of accountability, organization and clear communication skills that seamlessly translate into academic groupwork and professional environments.
“Being a captain helped me understand what it truly means to be a leader,” he said. “Applying what I’ve learned through hockey to school and professional settings feels very natural.”
Balancing the demands of academics, athletics and professional development has not always been easy, but it has been transformative. Over his four years at NIU, Anderson has strengthened his time-management and accountability skills, learning how to prioritize responsibilities and meet expectations both on and off the ice.
To Anderson, being part of the College of Business means access to opportunity and support. Through career prep resources and networking events, he credits the college with helping him prepare for life after graduation and providing clarity for his future career path.
For College of Business students who are involved in demanding extracurricular activities, Anderson offers simple but impactful advice: “Go to events, network and stay curious. Take the time to learn who people are and what they do. It will help you get known and prepare you for your future career.”
For Anderson, the ice rink and the College of Business have worked hand in hand, shaping not only his career readiness but his character. And as he moves toward graduation, one thing is clear: The lessons learned at NIU will continue guiding him long after.
