Hi, Hounds! This week on Highlighting Hounds, we are featuring Max Fuoco, a rising senior majoring in International Business with a minor in Marketing, and a standout example of how passion, purpose, and global perspective can drive meaningful involvement and impact. From studying abroad at Assumption’s Rome Campus to interning with multinational companies like Da Silva International, Max has actively immersed himself in diverse cultural and professional environments that have shaped his academic and career aspirations. On campus and beyond, his commitment to leadership, community service, and collaborative growth is evident through his work as Marketing Manager for Matt’s Homestead and his involvement in student-faculty engagement. Read more to learn how, through these roles, Max has become a dedicated contributor to the Assumption community—one who fosters connection, inspires others, and exemplifies the university’s mission of thoughtful citizenship and global responsibility.
Give a brief overview of your campus involvement and impact on the Assumption community.
I’m currently a [rising senior] at Assumption University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Business with a minor in Marketing. I discovered that marketing provides the perfect platform to captivate my creativity within a dynamic business setting. Through my study abroad experience at Assumptions Rome Campus, I gained valuable cultural insights, which allowed me to present research on various historical and cultural topics, engaging my peers. My role as an International Sports Marketing Intern at Da Silva International has provided me with first-hand experience with a multinational company developing strategic marketing campaigns. My volunteer work as a Marketing Manager at Matt’s Homestead has honed my leadership and event coordination skills, having a greater impact on my local community. These experiences have enabled me to build meaningful connections with professors and students by fostering an engaging and supportive environment. Through collaborative projects, mentorship, and community engagement, I strive to actively contribute to the Assumption University community and be thoughtful towards others.
What inspired you to become so involved, and how did you obtain these positions?
Studying in Rome gave me the opportunity to explore my culture firsthand. The experiences I had overseas inspired me to expand my field of study to a broader horizon. Coming to Assumption as a Light the Way Scholar, I carried the values that I was given from a young age. My mother, Jennifer Barba, Alumni Class of 1993, not only taught me the values she learned here at Assumption, but also what it is to positively impact the world in a meaningful way. Having founded Matt’s Homestead, my mother has extended the opportunity for my brothers and me to donate our skills to all fundraising efforts that serve our community in need.
What are your career goals? How will your experiences help you reach those goals?
In my future career, I aim to market products or services that I am passionate about, whether they benefit others or excite me purely out of interest. I aspire to develop entry strategies for emerging markets and travel to new places to identify suitable markets for multinational corporations. My academic and professional experiences in international settings have enabled me to transcend physical and cultural boundaries. I have developed a deep passion for understanding how cultural differences translate into business strategies, and I am eager to apply this knowledge in a dynamic and impactful marketing role.
Studying at Assumption’s Rome Campus must have been a transformative experience. How did that time shape your understanding of global business, and how did it impact your decision to pursue a major in International Business?
During my time in Italy, I was able to witness business practices firsthand outside of my home country. Not only did I learn so much about the tourism industry in which I was actively participating, but what intrigued me most was local business practice. The value that local Italian business owners placed on strong personal relationships could be seen every morning in local bars as they would begin to prepare a customer’s order as they walk in the door, before they can even say “Buongiorno“. Traveling around Europe during this time allowed me to see the landscape in which I find myself best conducting business. The values of quality and excellence seen in products from Italy and its counterparts motivated me to extend my goals towards a career internationally. It was not until my experience abroad that my view on America’s youth as a country was understood, exciting me about what extensive rich histories in the EU have to offer.
During your internship at Da Silva International, you worked on projects for the Rudy Flag Football League across different countries. What were some key challenges you faced working on such a large-scale, international project, and how did you overcome them?
Gauging the familiarity of a brand overseas for an American sport presented significant challenges. One of the key challenges was obtaining contact information for federations in countries where American Flag Football is played, which required extensive research and persistence. Language barriers posed a significant hurdle when gathering information about recreational leagues in different countries. To overcome this, we translated our emails into the native languages of the host countries, alongside an English version, to ensure clear communication and accessibility on both ends. This approach not only facilitated better responses, but also demonstrated our respect for their language and culture. We had to adapt our marketing strategies to resonate with diverse cultural contexts, which involved understanding local preferences and tailoring our messaging accordingly. Our ability to overcome these issues taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving in global business environments.
Could you elaborate on the market research you conducted for the Rudy Flag Football League and any interesting findings that influenced your strategy? How did you approach seeking PR opportunities for the experiential cruise?
My initial research consisted of finding international markets where American Flag Football is played recreationally. I conducted analysis of research and created presentations for various target segments, including Canada, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Australia. By using geographic segmentation, I was able to further gauge familiarity with the “Rudy” brand overseas. We found that countries that align with American culture are more familiar with the motivational aspect of the “Rudy” story and consist of recreational leagues for potential acquisition. When seeking PR opportunities for the 1988 Notre Dame Champions Alumni Cruise, I got in contact with Lisa Kelly, a prolific author, having penned five books on Notre Dame football. I was able to leverage her expertise in experiential events with this specific group of alumni and create a PR strategy that aligned with her insight.
You’ve secured a new internship with The Attivo Group this summer. What drew you to this company, and what specific skills or experiences are you hoping to gain in the marketing department?
What drew me to The Attivo Group is the disruptive nature of the technology sector, which offers endless opportunities for innovation and growth. As an ERP reseller, the opportunity to get involved at the forefront of integrating advanced technological solutions into small business operations makes it an exciting environment to learn and develop my skills. I am particularly looking forward to increasing my knowledge in the AI technology sector of business, specifically in the dynamic SaaS marketplace. I will be gaining valuable experience with coordinators of the Marketing department. Some specific skills I hope to gain lie in outreach using Sales Navigator on LinkedIn, Market research of IT solutions, contributing to an online media kit, and experience in HubSpot with Search Engine Optimization & KWO. Other tasks that I will be focusing on include the overhauling of online presences as well as the organization of video assets utilizing transcripts for SEO.
Can you share a memorable experience from your volunteer work there and how it has shaped your perspective on community involvement?
My most memorable experience from my volunteer work with Matt’s Homestead is being the emcee at the annual picnic fundraiser. A plethora of donated items are raffled off in efforts to raise money for our charity, in which I get to draw and announce the winners of the prizes. While I unfortunately am not able to participate in the raffle, speaking on the mic and cracking a few jokes are the most memorable moments of my volunteer work. Hearing a few laughs from family and friends attending the event immensely shaped my perspective on community involvement. People in recovery do not need more hardship than what they are already going through. They need the stability that Matt’s Homestead strives to provide with the picnic and public assistance. Individuals may apply for assistance from the foundation to help secure essential resources such as bus passes, clothing, toiletries, assistance with treatment and living arrangements, etc…
How do you manage balancing your academic and internship responsibilities with your volunteering work? How have these experiences shaped your professional ambitions?
Having completed my responsibility alongside the Internship in Business seminar course in the Grenon School of Business, I was fortunate enough to gain hands-on experience and training. This experience taught me how to effectively manage my workload through organizational behavior. Not only did I demonstrate efficient communication and completion of tasks in a remote setting, but I was also able to balance 6 classes, an internship, and volunteer work. These experiences allowed me to be aware of my capacity while pushing to the limits of productivity.
What are your key takeaways from your experience?
My experience has been incredibly transformative, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings and develop essential skills. I was faced with challenges in problem-solving, which helped me develop my decision-making framework. Overcoming setbacks has built my resilience and perseverance, and working with others has improved my interpersonal skills. Exposure to different cultures and perspectives has broadened my understanding of the world, helping me discover my passions and sense of purpose. These experiences have also helped me identify and align with my values, demonstrating the importance of effort and learning from mistakes. My commitment to uprightness and frankness, core beliefs of Assumptionist tradition, is a testament to the growth that I’ve achieved.
How do you plan to carry the skills and lessons you’ve learned at Assumption into your future career or academic goals?
I plan on applying for a Fulbright scholarship to further my graduate education. Specifically, an M.A. in Marketing from Luiss Business School in Rome, Italy. This presents an incredible opportunity to represent my country as a scholar advancing the future of global business. As a Fulbright candidate, I plan on carrying the skills and lessons that I have learned at Assumption to further my education. Not only has Assumption provided prerequisite international business skills, but it has also allowed me to become an engaged community member in Rome. It has helped me understand what I love about Italy and how I could continue those passions on a Fulbright scholarship outside of the classroom.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your leadership roles, or any lessons you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish that I had fully understood the value of my education from day one. Having required a transformative experience like spending a semester in Rome, I would obtain such commitment to my education. If I had realized my passions earlier, I would have been more proactive in getting involved with clubs and organizations on campus, seeking leadership opportunities. This would have allowed me to develop my skills and interests more fully from the start. Overall, I wish I had learned how transformative the college experience would be, allowing me to develop my skills and passions into a future career.
If you are interested in being featured on Highlighting Hounds or know of any students who would be a strong candidate, please email us at careerdevelopment@assumption.edu!
