The Ticket to #RapertMKTG: 5 Key Takeaways ???

Going into my senior year, I never would have thought that I was about to take the most impactful course of my college career. Impactful for various reasons, with Molly Rapert being the biggest reason for my newfound enjoyment in the world. The title 'professor' doesn’t do her justice—she is a mentor, challenger, friend, and overall connector. A connector who helps students work closely with executives, while also helping you move forward into post-grad with a vision, drive, and a newfound purpose in life. Today, I am a #RapertMKTG former student here to proclaim how this course and professor are so much more than that—this is your ticket to success!

1. What's Your Purpose?

As that might feel heavy—"What's my Purpose?"—this class will help you take a step back and start small, focusing on the little things that make you you. It’s not about having everything figured out or crafting a perfect life plan. It’s about discovering what truly gives your life meaning and leaning into it, one small step at a time.

It takes honesty, and sometimes a little courage, to reflect deeply. But I’ve learned that when you’re willing to be vulnerable, you give others permission to do the same—and that’s where real growth happens.

Finding your purpose isn’t about rushing to get it right. It’s about giving yourself grace, starting with small pieces of who you are, and letting it all build into something meaningful. Life will change, and so will you, but that’s the beauty of it. Your purpose grows and evolves with you, becoming a steady reminder of what matters most, no matter where you go. Waking up and reminding yourself of your purpose will allow you to put your best foot forward. Knowing your purpose allows you to align it with employers and others to create deeper work and relationships to flourish.

2. Dive Deep in Exploring Yourself

I know myself more now than I did before. Through the Values Project, I had the chance to be surrounded by incredible resources, including executives from around NWA. Their insights didn’t just shape my perspective on business; they spoke into my personal growth as well. But it didn’t stop there. My classmates played a huge role in pointing out traits and strengths I didn’t even realize I had. It was like they held up a mirror, helping me see myself in a new light.

On top of that, I reached out to people in my life—friends, family, mentors—and asked them what they thought my core values were. Their feedback helped me realize how closely my self-perception aligned with how others saw me, which was eye-opening. Understanding who I am at my core, and whether it lines up with how I present myself, really drove home the importance of knowing yourself deeply and honestly. It’s not just about labels or titles; it’s about being true to who you are and making sure your actions reflect that truth. This experience gave me the clarity to approach my values with purpose, and I feel more grounded and confident in knowing who I am!

3. Understanding Marketing is Constantly Changing

Articles, Articles, Articles! Get ready to read about all kinds of topics that are shaping the marketing world right now. Most classes will start with an article you’ve already read, and while reading might not always sound fun (and it’s easy to forget), the ideas really come to life in class. Dr. Rapert has a way of making the articles click, helping you see how they connect to real-life marketing.

Take the time to really think about what the articles are saying, almost like you’re sitting with the authors and figuring out their ideas. It might feel like a lot at first, but by the end of the class, you’ll realize the reality of the topics. I left with not just facts but a better understanding of what’s happening in marketing and why it matters. What we learned might not be the same in five years but that's where the curiosity grows! Also note that these articles hold value in the working world right now and #RapertMKTG past students send in relevant articles right now, speaking of...

4. #RapertMKTG Family

Coming into this class, you’ll quickly become familiar with the term “#RapertMKTG Family,” and trust me—it’s more than just a hashtag. This class carries a legacy, built by the outstanding and creative Rapert students who came before us, and you’ll feel that sense of connection from day one.

Throughout the semester, you’ll have the chance to engage in experiences that go far beyond a typical class. From insightful guest speakers to eye-opening in-store walks, every moment is designed to push you to think differently. You’ll even get the unique opportunity to connect with past students who are now out in the workforce, opening doors to advice, mentorship, and maybe even a future job.

But what makes this class truly special is the guidance you’ll receive—not just from Dr. Rapert, but from the energy and support of everyone in the room. This isn’t just a class; it’s a chance to grow alongside people who inspire you, challenge you, and help you shape your future in ways you didn’t even expect. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after the semester ends.

5. Trust How Your Dominoes Fall

As our class came to an end, Molly provided us with great advice by sharing her life through the metaphor of falling dominoes—you never know when the first one will fall. Such a simple concept, but the beauty lies in its deeper meaning: it’s not just about the unpredictability of life but about trusting that each domino will lead to the next. It’s about embracing the journey and having faith that there’s always more to come—more opportunities, more growth, more moments that shape who we are.

As a senior in college, this message resonates deeply. These times are full of uncertainty, big decisions, and moments that feel overwhelming. But Molly’s perspective reminds me that every step, even the confusing ones, is part of a bigger picture. It’s not about having everything mapped out—it’s about trusting the process, staying open to possibilities, and believing that each step forward is leading to something meaningful.

Lastly

Be proud to be in this class and be ready to challenge yourself. This class has the potential to create powerful outcomes both within you and around you, as long as you embrace each project, the people around you, and your own growth. Coming into class will feel like holding a ticket for an amazing ride!