Molly Sneddon
Molly Sneddon, a senior marketing student and our March Student of the Month, chose to pursue marketing at Penn State because it offered the perfect blend of business and creativity. With a long-standing interest in entrepreneurship, from reading business books to selling handmade accessories at craft fairs in middle school, she knew she wanted to study business. Marketing stood out as the ideal path to combine strategic thinking with creative expression.
One of Molly’s favorite courses was MKTG 442: Sustainable Consumer Behavior with Dr. Karen Winterich. Passionate about sustainability and social impact, she valued the opportunity to explore how marketing can support responsible consumption and meaningful change. A semester-long project with Redyoos was especially impactful, giving her hands-on experience working at the intersection of sustainability and marketing while contributing to one of the most meaningful group projects of her college career.
Outside the classroom, Molly’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit continue to shape her experiences. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, crocheting, crafting, gaming, and spending time with loved ones. She also runs her own secondhand clothing business for the past five years, blending her passion for sustainability with hands-on marketing and business management experience.
After graduation, Molly hopes to work on the marketing team for a social impact organization or sustainability-focused company. Her long-term goal is to build a career that contributes positively to the world, even in small but meaningful ways.
Molly has built an impressive portfolio of experiences through internships, leadership roles, and creative work. She currently serves as Social Media Manager for Happy Valley Hannah and is a Schreyer Scholar, while continuing to run her secondhand clothing business. Her past experiences include serving as a Campus Manager for Depop and working as a Digital Outreach Intern with Penn State Forward. She has also contributed to sustainability initiatives through roles with the Penn State Center for the Business of Sustainability as both a Content & Storytelling Intern and Event Planning Specialist.
In addition, Molly participated in a digital marketing practicum with Amazon Advertising and Global Overview, and completed the Creative Exchange program with Uncommon Creative Studio, experiences that further strengthened her skills in storytelling, digital engagement, and campaign strategy.
When asked what advice she would give to new students entering Smeal or the Marketing Department, Molly emphasized the importance of connection:
“Connect with other students! I’m very introverted, so I didn’t reach out as much as I wish I had. Having friends in your classes makes them so much more enjoyable, and you never know where those connections might lead.”
Her nominator, Dr. Karen Winterich, shared:
“Molly is an all-around superstar! She’s started her own business, held several internships and other relevant marketing roles, and is committed to helping our planet through secondhand consumption. She always has a bright smile and warm personality to share.”