This month, the Department of Marketing spotlights Fernando L. Rodriguez Lopez—a Marketing Department student worker and now a Peer Leader at Missouri State!

Fernando was born in Puerto Rico and was raised in Comerio. Fernando is a biology major and is on the pre-med track. Fernando is on track to graduate by Spring 2026. He recently took a position with the Marketing Department as a peer leader. In this position he will help students in their GEP 101 class and assist his assigned instructor with class activities and building relationships with students. Fernando will be working with first-year students in their transition into college. Moving into this role, Fernando is excited for the opportunity to help students during this transition and making a difference in the lives of freshmen here at Missouri State University.  

The Marketing Department is proud of Fernando and his accomplishments, so we decided to interview him to learn more. Here is some things Fernando had to say:

Q. How will this position shape you?

“Being a peer leader would shape in that it would create opportunities for meeting with other peer leaders and sharing experiences in developing leadership skills. Furthermore, being a peer leader would be a great opportunity to not only improve my communication skills but also my leadership skills.”

Q. Do you have any advice for younger students looking to gain professional experience/ leadership opportunities?

“From my experience, I advise younger students to join student organizations on campus that would relate to what career they are striving for. Being in these organizations would help students network and gain more opportunities as they progress through college.”  

Q. How has your interactions been with the Marketing Department? 

“I am a student worker for the Marketing Department and my interactions with the professors and staff have been a delight. I have always felt comfortable and supported in my job and the staff have taught me a great deal in my experience working as a student worker.”   

Over the summer Fernando hopes to be selected for the Gilman-McCain scholarship in order to form his study abroad research program in Zambia. After graduation Fernando hopes to join the medical field and pursue a career as a medical professional.

Thank you so much for meeting with us, Fernando! We look forward to keeping up with your endeavors and appreciate what you had to share! We all wish you luck!