Travis Draeger is an excellent example of how a single class can change the trajectory of one’s career.
“I originally thought I would be a political science major and maybe go to law school,” Travis explains. “At FVTC, I was taking general education classes that would transfer to UW, but then I signed up for a marketing class and I loved it.”
That class changed everything. Travis pivoted and in 2014, he graduated with an associate degree in Marketing. He’s grown his career with Silver Star Brands in Oshkosh ever since and currently works as a brand manager, where he oversees two health and wellness brands.
Reflecting on his career, he emphasizes the importance of data and analytics in the marketing field. “Your opinions are only opinions until you can back them up with data,” he says. He encourages students to master tools like Excel and Google Analytics, noting that marketing today is driven by insights and measurable outcomes.
Travis also plays a role in hiring new talent and has consistently found FVTC graduates to be ready for the workforce. “In my experience, when you come from FVTC, you have more real-world learning because you are actually collaborating with companies,” he explains. “That hands-on learning really shows when they come into the organization.”
Travis stays connected to the college by serving on FVTC’s Marketing Advisory Committee. This role lets him help make sure the program’s curriculum stays current with industry needs, especially since marketing is rapidly changing with AI and new digital platforms. He also makes the case for keeping some of the key tools and resources in the program that were crucial to his own success.
“When I was in school, we worked with actual business owners, developed marketing plans, and applied them in real settings,” he recalls. “I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t go through that experience.”
