Growing up with a father who works in sales and a grandfather who worked in public relations, Shannon Riordan, an annual member, knew her future career would include business. When deciding where she would attend college, Riordan, a Little Rock native, set her sights on the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.
“I always knew that I wanted to be a business major; however I was unsure what my focus should be. When I took marketing I really enjoyed it. I think it is very interesting to understand how to appeal to individuals, along with establishing a reputation for a company, brand or product,” she said. Of course, much of her business guidance came from her father, whom she credits as being an influential figure in many of the decisions she made while in school.
Owning AAMSCO, a company who “is the source for the Campus Card Office’s ID printers,” Riordan’s father helped her get a job with the Campus Card Office in the Arkansas Union. Between her sophomore year and graduation, she balanced not only school and work, but involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ and attending all but two Razorback football games.
Her school spirit shows as she firmly believes that “as an Arkansan, being a Razorback is everything.” When asked where the most unique place is she has Called the Hogs, Riordan has two: on Hampton Beach in New Hampshire and at the home of her aunt, who just happens to be a longhorn fan.
Her work in the Campus Card Office, and the various opportunities she received while on campus, she believes, prepared her for her future career as a sales representative for her father’s company.
With the ability to stay connected to the university through her work, Riordan also enjoys attending various Razorback sporting events in her spare time. “I think that I’m pretty lucky to be able to come on campus for work and play,” she said.
Looking back on her time spent at the university, she recognizes all of the things that helped lead her where she is today and encourages others to not be afraid to take chances. “Opportunity is everywhere. You just have to be ready for it.”
