From Computer Science to Business: Zach Niles finding what he loves

By: Macie Morgan

Zach Niles’s switch to the College of Business (COB) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) was unconventional compared to many students. At UAH, Niles decided to start in computer science, but that quickly changed after a job opportunity.

Niles worked at Vector Marketing for some time as a sales representative. In this position, Niles was able to sell over $70,000 worth of product in a short time. Niles was quickly promoted to the assistant managerial position at just 19 years old.

In the assistant managerial position, Niles was responsible for recruiting and training new sales representatives. He and his team were able to sell over $750,000 worth of product in 2022.

Niles was then promoted to the district office managerial role. This is when he decided to switch to UAH’s COB. “After working for Vector Marketing for a number of years, I decided to switch to the business school, as sales ad managerial work showed me just how proficient I was in regard to networking, marketing, and interpersonal capabilities,” Niles said.

Niles also serves in many on-campus organizations. At UAH, he serves as a Lancer where he helps host presidential events. Niles also served as the fraternity President of Sigma Nu, vice president of the Interfraternal Council, vice president of The Order of Omega, and the team captain of the Rugby Club.

While serving in these positions and working, Niles has maintained a 3.52 GPA. “I am driven by my conviction that ongoing knowledge expansion is key for personal development as a prospective business leader,” Niles said. His leadership skills do not only pertain to campus and work.

Niles said he places much importance on giving back to the community. He donates his time to the Huntsville Margarita Society, where he and a team have raised over $250,000 of toys for underprivileged kids in the past two years. Niles also has volunteered at Camp Winnataska as a camp counselor for over 600 hours in the past four years.

Niles extends his volunteerism to students on campus through teaching non-business students about UAH’s COB. “[As an engineering major] I am very appreciative of Zach and the selflessness he shows by offering to be a resource to my endeavors of becoming a successful employee,” said Steven Cornelius, a friend of Niles. 

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