By Sasha Steinberg
(Photo by Beth Wynn)
Whether leading a student organization, pursuing an internship or planning her professional career, third-generation Bulldog Shelby Baldwin means business.
“I’ve always loved being busy,” said the Mississippi State junior business administration major from Ridgeland. “All of my experiences at MSU have been connected in some way, and I feel blessed for all of the opportunities I’ve had.”
Baldwin’s fondest student memories date back to her first year at MSU when she got involved with New Maroon Camp. The weeklong experience provides interested freshmen and transfer students with information about the university’s history and traditions. Students also can develop meaningful relationships with counselors and peers through team-building activities and group discussions.
“New Maroon Camp has been my biggest passion at State since I got here,” Baldwin said. “I’ve been a participant, held different leadership positions, and I’m excited to be overseeing everything this year as executive director. I love it.”
A marketing minor, Baldwin said she is considering additional minors in entrepreneurship and management because of her particular interest in startup organizations. She's been inspired by a fall 2017 marketing internship she pursued with Glo, a successful Starkville-based business created by former MSU students with support from MSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach.
“I loved the fast-paced environment at Glo,” Baldwin said. “After a couple of weeks working there, I changed my major from secondary education to business administration. Through Glo, I also got plugged into the E-Center. It’s such a nice state-of-the-art facility with all of these resources for students, and it’s so cool and unique to Mississippi State.”
Baldwin also has kept busy through her work as vice president of marketing with the university’s Undergraduate Women in Business organization, which she co-founded in fall 2017 with fellow College of Business student Feifei Zeng.
While the membership includes those pursuing a degree in MSU’s College of Business, the organization has grown to include 130 students from various academic disciplines who share a common interest in advancing the individual and professional development of women in business.
“It’s a blessing to be a part of an organization where we can discuss the hardships women face, share our passions and empower each other,” Baldwin said. “Like the MSU family, we are one unified force.”