Devanshi Patel (B.A. '25)
In her time at Georgia State, Devanshi Patel (B.A. ’25) built a strong, career-focused foundation through hands-on coursework and varied extracurricular activities — including a study abroad trip to South Africa and a week interning for Formula 1. Now that she’s finished her degree, she’s well prepared to launch her dream career in marketing.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Tell me about your major and why you chose Georgia State.
I graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. I’ve always been driven by the latest trends and keeping up with the market. With marketing, you’re able to be creative and there are also aspects of business
I chose to attend Georgia State because I’m from a small town — Dalton, Ga. — so I wanted to get away to the city, and the campus environment was perfect for that.
What organizations were you involved with on campus?
I am an alumna of the Phi Mu Fraternity and held several leadership positions, including public relations and merchandise chair, for approximately four years. I handled all our clothing and retail items.
I was also our new member director last semester. It was a lot of fun overseeing the new members and teaching them the values of Phi Mu — showing them a sense of leadership.
Tell me about your study abroad experience in South Africa.
The GSU study abroad program in South Africa was a lot of fun. The course I took was on gender, race and inclusivity. I learned a lot about the culture in South Africa and how things were before there was apartheid.
South Africa has been one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever traveled to, and I would consider moving there one day.
How has Georgia State prepared you for a career in marketing?
I feel like Georgia State has good courses. A lot of my professors were hands on with our projects. The business classes are project related, which is very helpful for the real world. You’re always going to be working with project-related stuff, rather than being tested on something.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I hope to start my career with a role that combines creativity and strategy within brand management or digital marketing. I hope to own my own agency one day, too.
And I’m a big foodie, so I hope to open my own fast-casual restaurant as well.
My favorite food is Mexican food, and I am Indian, so one day I want to fusion it up and establish a fast-serve restaurant — Indian mixed with Mexican food.
How do you plan to impact the world through marketing campaigns?
I believe marketing is super powerful, and it has a big influence on people. I hope to promote positive messages, inclusivity and real stories. I feel like small shifts can change people’s minds and culture.
What internships have you held while at Georgia State?
I currently hold a public relations internship at Alliance Marketing Partners. We do public relations for big restaurant brands like Sonic, Dunkin’ and Buffalo Wild Wings. I was most recently an intern for Formula 1 in Miami.
Tell me about your experience working for Formula 1.
In the first week of May, I worked for Formula 1 in their guest experience division, helping their clients and customers. Miami was amazing. Working such a big, world-class event was a great experience, and it was so different from anything I’ve done before, but exciting and fun at the same time. My friend found the opportunity on LinkedIn and we went from there!
I would absolutely recommend it to other students, especially anyone who loves Formula 1. It’s such a unique opportunity and a great way to gain exposure to a major international event.
