HELLO, I'M
Ysabela Rodriguez
University of Central Florida - Intergrated Business Student
Ysabela Rodriguez
BS in Integrated Business
Minors in Psychology & Proffesional Selling
(305)-778-6238
Memorable, Loyal, Passionate, Resilient, Leader
My Mission
The reason that I push to make sure that I take advantage of every opportunity possible and pursue my dream life and career is to make sure I make my family proud and that I create the life I dreamed of that allows me to help everyone. My grandparents came from Cuba in the 1980s to escape communism and make sure that they could give their future generation a better life and more opportunities than they had living in communist Cuba. I grew up hearing of the hardships they faced and seeing them stand by my side for every milestone, no matter how big or small, which pushed me to make sure that I achieve a career and dream that would make them proud. Once my grandfathers passed away, it pushed me even farther to make sure that I achieved a dream and a career that I know they would be proud of. I wanted to make sure I ended up in a career that would ensure I got to help people and be able to change their lives for the better. I loved the concept of being in business because of the freedom of being able to pick the industry, service, and product that you are the most passionate about and deeply know the impact it could have. My mission statement, which I have developed through everything I've learned throughout my experience, is to lead a life where I do my best in every occasion, no matter how big or small, and to do the best for everyone I come across and make sure I help them and give them the best possible resources to succeed.
Why Sales?
Sales has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started in Girl Scouts, selling cookies outside hair salons, bakeries, around my neighborhood, in the lunchroom, and even going door to door at school. From a young age, I was drawn to connecting with people and helping them find what fit them best.
I was also lucky to grow up with strong role models. My dad worked in medical sales, eventually becoming VP of Latin American Sales at Olympus, and my mom was a beauty consultant with Mary Kay. Watching both of them work with people, solve problems, and succeed through building trust showed me how meaningful and empowering a career in sales could be.
I realized I love learning about what people care about, what they need, and how I can help. Even when selling cookies, I enjoyed helping people choose based on allergies or dietary restrictions, or encouraging them to donate to troops or those in need. That spirit carried into my internship at Northwestern Mutual, where I learned how much impact sales can have on someone’s future. I had the chance to help clients set up policies that could change their lives financially—and potentially those of their families for generations. Of course, I also faced rejection. Sometimes, friends or even family didn’t follow through. But I’ve learned that the value of sales lies in persistence, empathy, and genuinely wanting to help.
What excites me most about a career in sales is that it’s never one-size-fits-all. Even within a large company, your approach, your relationships, and your growth are unique to you. Sales gives you the freedom to build something personal while making a difference in people’s lives. I want to use my career in sales to help others, grow into the professional I envision, and carry on the legacy my parents inspired in me
Professional Selling Program
The Professional Selling Program has been an opportunity I've worked for since Dr. Steigner presented it to my class in my intro to the College of Business, and I was in awe of everything I could become through the program. Using the skills taught during the courses and through the speakers that come in to give us insight, it allows us members to gain as much insight as possible, and the chance to work with impressive members of different industries for real-world experience. Additionally, connecting with the other members of PSP through class meetings, competitions, and networking events helps members be able to create lifelong relationships with like-minded people, allowing us to grow with people who support our dreams of working in sales. This program is extremely competitive, and it is truly an honor and a privalge to be selected. Here are some additional facts and references of the program to display how prestigious the program is, along with the tremendous amount of success is has received.
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The Professional Selling Track is a prestigious, specialized program offered by the Department of Marketing in the UCF College of Business Administration
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The competitive program accepts no more than 35 exceptional students each year
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To be accepted, one must show potential and promise in the fascinating and lucrative field of sales
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In the nation, there are only approximately 50 specialized sales undergraduate programs. UCF is one of the 50, and out of those 50, we are one of the top recognized and most prosperous programs
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The Professional Selling Track is at the forefront in preparing students for successful careers in the competitive job market of today
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Admitted students will partake in rigorous sales training and preparation during the program's one-year duration
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Students are paired with a professional mentor for both semesters of the program
Dylan Peltier
I watched Ysa grow tremendously during their internship at Northwestern Mutual. They were eager to learn, quick to take initiative, and always willing to go the extra mile for clients and the team. Their positivity, professionalism, and genuine care for people make them stand out, and I’m confident they have a bright future in financial planning.
Aline Gonzalez
I’ve known Ysabela since she was a bright, curious 6-year-old starting her Girl Scout journey, and I’ve watched her grow into a confident, driven young woman. She showed up year after year—competing in events, leading activities, and selling cookies with unmatched energy and determination. No matter the challenge, she faced it with a smile, a plan, and a team-first attitude. I’m so proud of the leader she’s become.
Stephen O'Connel
I value my interactions with students here at the University because they are limited due to my current administrative role and feel so fortunate to have this relationship with Ysabela this year. It has assured me that the future is bright for us due to her commitment, passions, and her authentic call to lead. How fortunate for me to have these experiences too and the opportunity to provide this letter of reference for such a deserving individual.
My Library
Favorite Quotes
"To the stars who listen – and the dreams that are answered." - Sarah J Mass
"You Are One Decision Away from a Completely Different Life." - Mel Robbins
"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take."- Wayne Gretzky
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - The emperor, Mulan
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Education
MAR 3407 - Intergrated Marketing and Sales
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Types of relationships between buyers and sellers
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Types of Social Buying Styles
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Legal and ethical situations faced in sales and business, and how to execute them properly
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Complete sales process
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All the different Strategies for approach, relationship building, needs Identification/confirmation, objections and questions, benefits and features, and closing.
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Role-play presentation of each step of the business cycle in class
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The guest speaker role-play in executing all the role plays, combined with everything we practiced in class
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The video to the left is a role-play of an elevator pitch for one of our end-of-semester assignments.
About
LDR 3215 - Adv Leadership Studies (Peer Mentor)
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Work with a professor for the LDR 2001 class to create assignments, ice breakers, and be the point of contact for students.
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Create different activities or lessons using our leadership personality types and Myers-Briggs type.
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Worked with an assigned classmate to present to our class the importance of professionalism and how to handle events such as job interviews, networking events, social media, and the difference between business casual & professional.
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Organized a volunteer service event and two outside class activities for the students we are mentoring to help them bond outside the classroom and give back to the community.
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Set up one-on-one meetings with each of the students to make sure they need more resources and advice for things academically, extracurricularly, or personally.
MAR3023 - Marketing
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Emphasize the importance of creating and enhancing the brand for yourself.
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Understand the Four P's of marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion
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Using a simulation to implement the Four P's for a market gave us the chance to see how even the tiniest of adjustments within a segment can drastically impact the results.
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Learning about SWOT analysis and reflecting on our own (the assignment is shown on the left)
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Doing group analysis of the simulation within teams and reflecting on the steps the group members made together and how we acheived the final goal
About
ENT 3613 - Creativity & Entrenuership
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Learn about the importance of creativity & entrepreneurship through guided video lectures containing multiple choice questions that help ensure retention.
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Connect with other classmates and practice creating a product that aligns with the list of needs your consumer has.
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Make your own business through the different start-up business steps and create PowerPoint presentations with notes elaborating our thought processes and resources
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Presenting our finalized business idea by combining all the assignments throughout the semester and ranking the best business idea within the group.
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Practice creating a website for a business idea created by the group, and learn how to make it presentable and attractive to our consumers.
My Experience
I've been able to learn so much through the different opportunities I've had within all the programs, jobs, and even my personal experience. A few of my highlights that are included in this page are my internship with Northwestern Mutual, my participation in the Lead Scholars Academy, and my personal experience being Cuban-American in a professional world.
Northwestern Mutual
CFR Summit
I was given the opportunity after continuous hard work and the education from my mentors and joint work partners to qualify and win a spot in the list of the top 100 interns in the country. We attended a series of educational & inspirational sessions in New York City that taught us more skills and allowed us to connect with mentors and other interns from across the country. I am grateful for the opportunity that pushing myself to make the top 100 gave me, and having qualified for this will remind me that nothing is impossible and I can do things that I never would've imagined.
Lead Scholars Academy
I joined the Lead Scholars Academy in my first year at the University of Central Florida as an open-minded experience to the start of my college journey. I'm so proud of myself that I took the blind leap and joined this program because it has given me so many amazing lessons and experiences. The professors I had the privilege of learning from and getting to know taught me so much about leadership, the kind of leader I want to be, and how I can implement my skills in real-world settings. I had these chances through volunteer opportunities, different events LEAD hosted for members, and also being a peer mentor and helping freshmen adjust to UCF. Even though you are only a part of the Lead Scholars academy for the first two years of undergrad, I'm grateful for all the memories and relationships that I have developed, and everything I learned will give me all the tools I need for every professional role I take.
Northwestern Mutual
Annual Meeting
I had the opportunity to attend our annual conference meeting at NM headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I qualified as a titanium intern and was honored at the internship award show, as well as being a part of the #1 college unit in the country. This conference had a plethora of amazing speakers, from our top advisors to Mel Robbins, and it reminded me of the importance of what our company does and that it's critical to always push yourself to be the best version of yourself. Additionally, I got to have many insightful conversations with people in positions that I normally would've never had the opportunity of speaking with. While there, I was also able to start conversations about provoking change within the industry for women and to work hard to inspire other women. I'm happy I was able to meet so many wonderful people from all around the country, and got to connect with people I can learn from.
Billingual Experience
My family came from Cuba in the 1980s to escape from communism that had erupted in Cuba. Even though they came to America, they wanted to make sure they kept their culture and traditions while adjusting to life and customs in America. My grandparents had different experiences once they came, but none of them ever spoke to me in English, so the only way I could talk to them was in Spanish. When I was younger, I wished they were able to speak English, but growing up, I was able to understand how amazing it was and that I could use the experience in my career. Within my internship, I learned very quickly that I was able to help twice as many people as my fellow interns and some senior advisors couldn't. I'm grateful every day for the family that God gave me and the women that they made me today by being there for me and giving me all the resources that they didn't have growing up in communism.