Posted on December 1, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
As Rhett Whiting crosses the stage to graduate from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business this fall, he carries with him the lessons, connections and confidence that have prepared him to make his mark in the marketing world.
Rhett Whiting, B.B.A. Marketing '24
An Austin native and Spurs enthusiast, Rhett Whiting chose marketing as his field of study to channel his creativity and bring his ideas to life. UTSA stood out as the perfect place to pursue his degree, offering him a chance to move away from home while staying rooted in Texas.
Throughout his journey at UTSA, Whiting embraced opportunities that prepared him for success. The classes he took with Marketing Professor of Practice Wendy Gratereaux stood out as a highlight of his academic experience. “Professor G’s courses provided invaluable real-world experience, helping us build resumes and portfolios that are critical for digital and social media marketing,” he said.
In addition to excelling academically, earning a spot on the Dean’s List three semesters in a row, Whiting also gained hands-on experience through internships. His first, with a software startup, provided a solid foundation in B2B marketing. His second, as a student assistant in the Alvarez Marketing and Communication office, he tapped into his love for storytelling, creating engaging content for the campus community. “One of the most rewarding parts was interviewing students and learning about their UTSA experiences,” Whiting said. Graduating debt-free is another accomplishment Whiting takes pride in. He attributes much of his success to the supportive environment at UTSA, including mentorship from his managers in the Alvarez Marketing and Communication office, Kailey Villarreal and Rebekah Alegria. “They challenged me with projects that helped me grow professionally and served as fantastic mentors.” He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Leslie, whose encouragement made every step of the journey possible.
After graduation, Whiting plans to pursue a career in digital and social media marketing. He aspires to become a leader in the field, helping other young professionals thrive. His advice for incoming students? “Take full advantage of the resources UTSA offers and get serious about internships early. They will set you up for success.”
As he prepares to step into his future, Whiting reflects on the journey with pride and gratitude. “UTSA and the Carlos Alvarez College of Business has shaped me in more ways than I can count, preparing me for a future that I am excited to build.”
— Rebekah Alegria
