A Browns internship as a freshman? Here's how mentorship is putting Ciel Wise in the game

At UA, you'll always have someone in your corner. Through real stories from students and their mentors, MentorZip highlights the support network that makes UA a place where every Zip thrives - whether it's a professor igniting a passion for research or an upperclassman helping a first-year student find their path.

Be inspired as we showcase impactful mentorship stories that prove one thing. Here, success isn't a solo journey - it's powered by mentorship, guidance and a community that truly cares.

Ciel Wise didn't come to The University of Akron (UA) planning to wait her turn. From the moment she stepped on campus, she looked for ways to grow - to find people who would challenge her, support her and help turn her interests into something real.

"Coming into college, I saw a lot of online media about how isolating college can be," said Wise, whose hometown is Findlay, Ohio. "That gave me big fears. However, UA completely blew me away with the amount of community I found here. Seeing how willing people were to put time into me made me feel confident that I was in the right place."

That early encouragement shaped how Wise approached her first year.

Rather than holding back, she leaned into opportunities - even when they felt unfamiliar - trusting that the support around her would help her succeed. While many college students wait until later in their academic careers to gain experience, Wise began building hers immediately, even including securing an experience with the Cleveland Browns as a first-year student.

Finding confidence through community

Wise arrived at UA with a strong sense of what interested her: creativity, strategy and sports. That combination led her to major in marketing in the College of Business - a decision influenced as much by the people as the program.

"From the very beginning, Dr. Vanja Djuric Zoric was very open and met me to give a personal tour of the Department of Marketing," Wise said. "She showed me labs like the Suarez Eye Tracking Lab, research opportunities and student organizations.

"The main attraction was how much the department cares about getting students internships and real opportunities."

Through those early connections and involvement in the Sport Analytics and Business Association, Wise continued to refine her goals. With encouragement from faculty mentors, she added a second major in sport business, expanding her academic path while staying aligned with her long-term interests.

Turning support into real experience

With guidance from mentors and access to UA's career platform, Wise discovered a fun opportunity working with the Cleveland Browns that was the beginning of her experiential journey.

"It gave me momentum to keep trying and to put myself in places to reach my goals," she said. "UA made this possible by giving students the chance to apply for roles like these."

As a brand ambassador for NJM Insurance Group, Wise worked directly with fans on game days - promoting events, coordinating with mascots and alumni, and helping create a high-energy environment.

"My role gave me real-world insights into my intended field," she said. "Even though I didn't know much about football, it gave me the chance to put myself out there and meet professionals."

That willingness to step outside her comfort zone carried into additional professional experiences across the sports industry. Across each role, one theme remained constant: mentorship gave her the confidence to take risks.

"From my mentorship at UA, I've gained reassurance," Wise said. "The main skill I've learned is to not be afraid. Because of that, I've been able to apply to new positions and put myself in situations where I can grow."

Behind that growth is a network of mentors - faculty and peers - who continue to guide her development and encourage her to think bigger.

One faculty mentor, Tina Murray, a visiting professor of practice, has played a key role in helping her navigate her goals and think bigger about what's possible, even when Wise hasn't taken any classes with her.

"She has guided me through my passion projects, new ideas and my career," Wise said of one faculty mentor. "The biggest advice she's given me is that everything I want to do is attainable."

Helping others find their 'YES' moment

That encouragement has shaped a simple philosophy.

"I've said yes to every opportunity - or tried to - when it matched my goals," Wise said. "Professors and upperclassmen have encouraged me to keep saying yes."

Peer mentorship has also played a key role in shaping her experience. Through student organizations such as Undergraduate Student Government, the Sport Analytics and Business Association and Delta Sigma Pi, Wise connected with upperclassmen who offered practical advice on leadership and career preparation.

Now, she's beginning to do the same for others.

"I support other students by sharing what I've learned," she said. "Whether that's offering advice, pointing them toward resources or being someone they can come to, I try to be the kind of support system that helped me succeed."

Her experience reflects a broader culture at UA - one where mentorship is embedded in the student experience and students are encouraged to act on their ambitions early.

"UA has turned my goals into achievements by giving me access to opportunities I once only imagined and the environment to rise to each one," Wise said.

Story by Alex Knisely
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