American Marketing Association expands student's professional development
The American Marketing Association practices a principal core of business: networking.
Concentrating on expanding professional development, connecting with today’s professionals and understanding the business environment, the association holds weekly meetings, Wednesday in Grawn Hall's Pierpont Auditorium.
“The organization gives students an idea of how the real business world works and prepares them for what is ahead,” said AMA President and Plymouth senior Harrison Michels. “Our meetings include speakers that give a brief overview of their company and examples of what they are looking for. This gives us all an opportunity to learn about these companies and also network with them for future internships and jobs.”
The organization kicked off its first meeting of the semester Jan. 28, in Pierpont, inviting guest speaker and CMU alumna Rachel Chizek. She works for Thomson Reuters, a New York-based multimedia and information firm.
Chizek shared her personal story of receiving a job at Thomson Reuters directly after graduating from CMU in 2002. She talked about how students should make the most of their time at CMU, the importance of leadership roles, what companies are looking for and how to transition from college to the workforce.
She also provided interview question examples.
“It’s important for students to get involved and make the most out of every opportunity,” she said. “Even if it’s just a question about your résumé, or if you are looking into an internship, you have the opportunity to benefit your future.”
Every Wednesday, meetings feature speakers, workshops, networking events and real-world marketing opportunities.
The organization also provides case study examples, LinkedIn and résumé workshops and networking events, which include their own mini-career fair called Marketing and Advertising Networking Night, or MANN Night, Feb. 19 which takes place in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.
“I wanted to broaden my spectrum of internship opportunities,” said Midland junior Hannah Zimmermann. “It is all about getting connected and networking in this organization and that will always meet many purposes.”
AMA secretary and Flat Rock junior Lauren Gibson joined the organization in the Fall 2014 to draw the necessary connections with professionals and students in her field.
“If it wasn’t for this RSO, I would just be a student going to class everyday,” she said. “I would not have any connections, and I’ve realized that it is important to network for any type of job or internship, because it’s not what you know, but who you know.”
