Dowie participated in Rider’s Innovation Intensive at Oxford which takes aspiring student entrepreneurs to Oxford, England to explore business growth strategies with top entrepreneurs.
As a student, Dowie learned early on the importance of building a professional network.
“When I was [at Rider], I made so many connections with students, graduates, and professors. This sped up how fast I would learn about different topics that I was interested in because I was able to learn from other people’s experiences. I loved how Rider encouraged making new connections with social events, business events and clubs that were easy to attend. Luckily I continue to have a connection with most of my Rider network to this day.”
Dowie also notes that making connections with Rider faculty led him to learn more, and later participate in, an internship opportunity with the Uncommon Individual Foundation, a mentorship program for students and inspiring entrepreneurs.
Rider taught me many valuable lessons: number one being how important it is to grow your network while in college. When I was there, I made so many connections with students, graduates and professors.”
CEO, Indigo Promotions
He later explored business on a global scale in Rider’s Innovation Intensive at Oxford program.
Dowie participated in a signature Engaged Learning experience offered by Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business, the Innovation Intensive at Oxford. This unique program takes aspiring student entrepreneurs to Oxford, England, to interact with leading entrepreneurs and innovators to explore successful business philosophies, techniques and strategies.
“One [Rider] experience that sticks out was when a select few Rider business students went to Oxford, England, along with entrepreneurs and Rider professors. The fact that I was able to meet so many successful entrepreneurs and learn from them truly helped me grow my business into what it is today. We were able to pitch them ideas, learn about mistakes they made in their companies, and see the type of mindset you need to run your own company.”
Fostering his entrepreneurialism through hands-on learning opportunities
“During my junior year of college, I was chosen to compete in Upitch, a New Jersey business competition. There I was able to pitch my nonprofit, Dowie Corp, to a panel of judges. I walked away with the prize for the best early-stage startup idea and $1,000. That win gave me so much confidence and confirmed that I was on the right path and ready to get started in the business world. Dowie Corp still exists to this day and raises money for children with cancer.
After graduating, I felt extremely prepared and ready to take on the business world.”
CEO, Indigo Promotions
Turning his business dreams into a reality
“I am currently the owner and CEO of Indigo Promotions, a distributorship that designs and creates branded merchandise for companies throughout the United States. My role at Indigo is to manage and grow customer relationships and help customers find the best products to suit their project needs.”
In addition, Dowie’s days consist of creating product presentations and quotes for clients, coordinating with manufacturers, and managing an in-house production team responsible for the custom products produced in the facility.
Norm Brodsky College of Business
Named a College of Distinction, Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business is one of only two colleges in New Jersey with dual-AACSB accreditation. With expert faculty who bring their industry experience to the classroom and immersive and experiential learning opportunities, we help students to build valuable skills for the career they desire.