Pictured: Alan Shawgo ’18, second from right, with rock band Fivefold

Majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing, Shawgo emphasizes the importance of experiential learning. “The experiential learning opportunities I had were the most important part of my time on campus,” Shawgo notes.

As a first-year student, Shawgo’s residential assistant took photos and videos for the Office of Marketing & Communication. He leveraged that relationship to begin work at Illinois College for the Office of Marketing & Communication himself and gained valuable experience in video production and content creation. This experience was instrumental in helping him transition into the professional world. 

Shawgo was also able to make real-world connections through his student job on campus. At the time, Route 3 Films, a videography company based in St. Louis, Missouri, was doing freelance work for the College. Shawgo’s persistence and determination resulted in an invaluable internship with Route 3 that has since turned into an enduring partnership. 

Shawgo’s hands-on learning included global travel through BreakAways and an internship at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. There he worked on the “Rare and Rarely Seen” exhibit, which featured unique artifacts, including a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe, a letter from Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant, and shoes from the Dachau concentration camp. 

Shawgo credits his willingness to hear the word “no” and put himself out there with his success as an entrepreneur. Today, Shawgo owns his own photography company, Shawgo Studios, and has worked with various brands in the Saint Louis area, including Modern Brewery and Main and Mill Brewing Co. Additionally, Shawgo manages content and booking for local rock band Fivefold. 

For current IC students aspiring to start a their business, Shawgo advises, “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask people questions.” He credits this proactive approach with his success, noting, “It’s not always going to work out, but if you get that one yes, that’s what counts.”