Name: Ryan Mayfield
Age: 18
Major: Business Administration, with an emphasis in marketing/management
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico (Yes, like Breaking Bad…)
Ryan is a first-year at UCI, and seems to have quite a bright future ahead of him. With his ambitious mindset in the business field, he is quite the catch! Plus, he’s a huge lover of Disney. With this interview with HerCampus, he shares some insider business tips and other keys to his success!
What are some of your involvements on campus?
Well, within the campus I am a part of a few non-profit organizations, such as Helping Hearts, where we go and volunteer and help out homeless people in areas like Santa Ana and Skid Row. There’s also GIVE UCI, which deals with local hospital work and can even involve international traveling. For example, there was a possibility that I was going to go to South Africa to help out but in the end it didn’t work out.
I am also part of a couple business associations, as well, such as MUSA and the Undergrad Business Association on campus.
How about your involvements outside of college?
I work at RAJ Manufacturing as the Network and System Administrator. I actually found out about the job through ZotLink, where an alumnus had posted about it. But here’s a tip: after sending in my application, I didn’t hear back soon, so I realized that they often don’t check their ZotLink accounts, so I personally contacted them and got an interview! I’d recommend that as a helpful hint for people out there looking for jobs online.
But at RAJ, we design swimwear for companies like Dolce & Gabbana and Luxe. My job deals with the technology aspect of things, such as ensuring that the shipping goes through and troubleshooting things (I use Google a lot).
So what made you want to move out to California?
My family is originally from California, so we are technically California natives. But I really wanted to go out-of-state for college because business in New Mexico is just not competitive.
What motivated you to pursue business?
I have to definitely credit my parents and all family for motivating me. My parents were from northern California and they were raised in an environment of not having much. But they met each other 23 years ago, when my dad was a construction worker and my mom was a field worker. They soon decided to start their own business and knew that New Mexico didn’t have construction but saw that it was a growing industry. They moved there and started some companies in 1990, called Mr. Frame Inc. (they build the houses) and Mr. Trim Inc. (they trim the houses with doors, windows, and more). The two companies complement each other, just like my parents! The entrepreneurship mentality has always stuck with me.
What experiences do you look for in college?
Well, undergrad is a time meant to explore different things. I’ve known for a while that I wanted to go into business, but here I’ll be testing different things within business. It’s a time to explore internships and even yourself! I feel like it will definitely be a lifelong experience for everyone.
How do you balance everything you’re involved in?
Honestly, it was difficult at first being at school full-time as well as working 35 hours a week, but time management is crucial. That’s one thing I’ve learned for sure. You can party and all, but if you don’t have your work done, it’s going to catch up with you, especially with the quarter system. But if you manage your time well, you can enjoy yourself.
Speaking of enjoyment, what are your hobbies?
I like to be adventurous and travel. It’s so exciting to just go somewhere and get lost. It sounds crazy but really—pick and day and just get lost. I’ve explored lots of local spots like this with friends.
But I also love going to Disneyland. I’m kind of addicted at this point. I’ve had it for one and a half months, and I’ve been 9 times. I’m thinking of even upgrading my pass to Deluxe. But I like having a pass a lot because it pays for itself. There are no amusement parks in New Mexico, so this is a fun experience for me. Plus it brings out the inner child in me, where I can just get away from work and school with friends. And don’t forget: they have amazing churros
Who is your favorite Disney character?
For the classic characters, it would have to be Peter Pan because he’s ambitious and adventurous, which I strongly admire. But for modern characters, it’s hands down Olaf, because how can you not like him? He likes warm hugs, and I like warm hugs too.
What are your plans for the future?
I can see myself owning my own business, but then again you just never know where your undergrad will take you. After graduation, I’m looking to get my MBA or pursue higher education in economics or marketing. I want to go into the industry of technology and stay on the west coast, because there are more technology-based industries here.