Why Marketing?
Leveraging what makes people tick is a powerful concept. There's a lot to be said about being able to reach people with a positive message - but first you have to find out what makes them pay attention. One day I'll figure out what message I want to make a positive impact with and run with it. Until then I learn, get inspired, and try to spread good on a smaller scale.
Pardot: marketing intern
I'm currently interning at Pardot LLC, provider of marketing automation software. I author the corporate blog as well as conduct marketing research. This summer's projects included the development of "State of the Database", a market intelligence project using different types of statistical analysis to uncover trends for our company and our clients. I also consolidated online trend monitoring tools into a holistic "Buzz Management" program to stay updated on our company's online brand perception.
Personal Branding Magazine: book reviewer
I author a column reviewing marketing, business and career development books. Personal Branding Magazine editor Dan Schawbel (author of Me 2.0) introduced me to this opportunity earlier this year, and it's a pleasure to get access to pre-releases from some of the greatest thought leaders in Business, Psychology and Economics.
Certification: Principles of Marketing Research
By this time next year I will have a certification in marketing research, sponsored by Market Research Institute International, ESOMAR and the Market Research Association. Conducted through the University of Georgia.
Coca-Cola: the timeless campaign
Our integrated marketing communications class consisted of a semester-long consulting engagement with Coca-Cola. Our challenge: create a marketing campaign that would engage 18-24 year olds through the cinema channel. Four months of coordinating with clients, creating and fielding surveys, market research, and developing our creative ideas resulted in a final product Team Cinovation was extremely proud of.
Suunto: watch yourself
My directed study involved developing an implementation plan for Finnish-based sports watch company Suunto to expand globally. The global brand project involved industry and competitor analysis; survey fielding and the development of a complete marketing mix plan. Our group's findings on best practices along with a blown-out step-by-step plan for expanding globally were included in our consolidated paper at the end of the semester.