Star gymnast finds her passion in business
The collegiate journey of Lauren Thomas, a senior pursuing a professional sales certificate, is a testament to the good that can come from taking chances and following your passions.
Before becoming a Cyclone, Thomas attended the University of Washington, a good distance from her hometown of Loveland, Colorado. This decision was fueled by her goal of continuing gymnastics at the collegiate level, and just a year after walking onto the team, her pursuits were recognized through an athletic scholarship.
Despite her early success at the University of Washington, both athletically and academically, Thomas felt it wasn’t the right place for her. Seeking a setting better suited to her aspirations, Thomas eventually found the perfect place for her: Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business.
Finding her path
“I decided to transfer to Iowa State because of its welcoming, small-town feel. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home. The people were incredibly kind, and the environment was something I could really connect with,” said Thomas. “In the short time I’ve had at this school, I’ve grown immensely as a student, a leader, and a teammate.”
Originally a management student at the University of Washington, Thomas’s first experiences at Ivy involving the introductory marketing course led to her discovery of what she truly enjoyed studying. Wasting no time, she switched to a marketing degree before her junior year.
“The core courses gave me insight into what I truly enjoyed and what I didn’t, and marketing felt like the natural fit for me,” said Thomas. “It came more easily than I expected, and I was really passionate about the subject.”
In a perfect twist of fate, her decision to switch to a marketing degree introduced her to the world of sales and set the direction for her future career pursuits.
“My experience in the Intro to Professional Selling course opened my eyes to how well sales aligns with my personality,” said Thomas. “I found I really enjoyed it, so I started taking more sales-focused courses.”
Thomas’s progressive learning of sales further grew her passion for the field, eventually leading to her sights being set on attaining a professional sales certificate. After graduating with a marketing degree in May 2024, she was offered the chance to return for another year in pursuit of the certificate and didn’t hesitate to continue pursuing her newfound passion.
Collegiate success
Making the most of her time at Ivy, Thomas has taken full advantage of the many opportunities available in the college, specifically noting student resources and the exciting supplemental learning opportunities featured in her courses.
“Ivy has provided me with countless opportunities outside of the classroom,” said Thomas. “My professors have been incredibly supportive in helping me with my job search, reviewing my resume, and connecting me with professionals. Additionally, my classes bring in industry experts, which has given me invaluable real-world insights. These experiences have also encouraged me to attend networking events and competitions, all of which have contributed to my professional growth.”
“My biggest piece of advice is to live in the moment. College goes by quickly, and making the most of every experience is important. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – attend that event, introduce yourself to someone new, or speak up in class.”
— Lauren Thomas
Thomas has created useful connections with Ivy faculty and staff, which have helped boost her understanding of course materials and greatly improved her learning experience. She noted Raj Agnihotri, Morrill Professor, Mary Warner Fellow, assistant dean of industry engagement, and director of Ivy Sales Forum, as a professor who’s had an especially strong impact on her.
“Lauren and I first met when she took my Foundations of Personal Selling class in the fall of 2023,” said Agnihotri. “I was so impressed by her honest approach to balancing her academic pursuits, athletic commitments, and traveling. I can see how Lauren’s athletic background enables her strong work ethic. I know she will do great in the future.”
Another large contributor to Thomas’s success at Ivy has been her support network. As a student-athlete, Thomas noted the gymnastics team as having a tremendous impact on her.
“Being a part of the team has taught me valuable life skills that are transferable to any situation I face,” said Thomas. “I’ve been surrounded by people who elevate and push me to be my best every day, which has shaped me into the person I am today.”
By taking advantage of the resources available to her and following her passions, Thomas has achieved many triumphs and, in just two years at Iowa State, has put together an impressive list of accomplishments.
- Earned a scholarship for senior year after walking onto the gymnastics team in 2022.
- Received the Mari Rae Sopper Outstanding Performance Award in February 2023.
- Received Newcomer of the Year Award in May 2023.
- Inducted into the National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society in May 2023.
- Awarded Big 12 Academic All-American in 2023.
- Received Big 12 Dr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award 2023-2024.
- Competed in Big 12 Championships and NCAA Regional Championship in 2023 and 2024.
Adding to her athletic and academic commitments, Thomas coaches at Success Gymnastics Academy and has worked part-time in multiple positions, including an internship with Red Bull. Despite her busy schedule, she has maintained a 3.8/4.0 GPA, which acts as a testament to her time management skills.
“Balancing my busy schedule comes down to having a solid routine and sticking to it,” said Thomas. “Building positive habits has been crucial in staying on top of everything while feeling good about it. I also make sure to take advantage of my incredible support network and ask for help when needed.”
Future plans
Nearing completion of the professional sales certificate, Thomas has been utilizing her support network to seek out sales positions in the sports and entertainment industries.
“What drew me to sports and entertainment is my deep passion for both,” said Thomas. “I’m the type of person who wants work to feel less like a job, and combining these two areas seemed like the perfect fit for me. I love the energy and creativity in both fields, and I can see myself thriving in that environment.”
With her track record of success and her passion for the industry, there is no doubt that Thomas will continue to thrive in whatever is to follow. Having created a productive and enriching experience for herself at Iowa State, Thomas shared her thoughts on making the most out of one’s time in college.
“My biggest piece of advice is to live in the moment. College goes by quickly, and making the most of every experience is important. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – attend that event, introduce yourself to someone new, or speak up in class. College is the time to discover who you are, and the opportunities to grow are everywhere. Also, remember to take advantage of the resources your school offers. Whether it’s networking, mentorship, or extracurricular activities, use everything at your disposal to grow and thrive.”
To connect with Lauren Thomas or follow her collegiate and professional journey, visit her LinkedIn profile.
