Like many young men, Michael Cumberland wants to build a career around a sport he loves. But he's not looking for a spot on a team — he'd be very happy behind the scenes.
Michael Cumberland
Cumberland, who hopes to someday work for Nike, or move to Canada to join the marketing department of the Toronto Raptors, is making the most of his Akron Experience to reach his goals.
The second year student from Columbus, Ohio, says he chose to come to The University of Akron for its traditional campus setting and the academics. Cumberland is pursuing double majors in integrated marketing communications and marketing management, and currently maintains a cumulative 3.25 GPA. He chose these majors because he wants a job where he can produce tangible results, and enjoys the idea of creating advertising projects that he can one day go back to as a piece of work he created.
As a freshman, Cumberland participated in the African American Male Learning Community through the Office of Multicultural Development. He says that his favorite teacher in the learning community was Dr. Sheldon Wrice because of his comedic personality and passion to teach.
Campus involvement complements studies
When asked what programs and services helped him succeed as an incoming freshman, Cumberland says that the learning community had mandatory study tables, and this helped him stay organized and manage his time wisely. Cumberland also credits the success he had during his freshman year to getting involved in clubs and organizations on campus. He is in the Public Relations Student Society of America, Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB), Male Excellence Network (MEN) and plays on the club basketball team.
Cumberland spends most of his free time doing freelance photography, playing video games and utilizing the Student Recreation and Wellness Center to play basketball. Some of his most memorable moments at UA include making the dean’s list his first semester and going to see a hypnotist at a University-sponsored event.
His advice for incoming freshmen?
"Learn how to balance your time. Although it may sound cliché, it's absolutely necessary."