As a college student, you may think that your only focus should be on your classes, grades, and getting that degree. While that is essential to be attentive to, your college years can provide many opportunities to get ahead and get started on your professional career – even before you walk across the stage! Taking these small but important steps can lead to more confidence, experience, and connections when it is time for you to start applying post-graduation.
Internships or Shadowing Opportunities
Before you become a full-time employee, internships or temporary shadowing roles can increase your knowledge of the marketing industry, show you what a day-to-day role for you may look like, and create a foundation for your professional network.
Internships and shadowing roles are also typically part-time, so you can still prioritize your class schedule and homework commitments, while also getting your name out there and getting some on-the-job experience. This will be valuable to future employers on your job applications!
Freelance Work
Another fantastic (and strategic) way to begin your professional career is to offer freelance work. Maybe there’s a particular aspect of marketing you really enjoy and are very talented at – content creation, video editing, copywriting, etc. – you can take that interest and talent, and use it to get some work for yourself!
Whether it’s helping out small businesses around your campus or supporting other school clubs in their marketing efforts, you can offer your skills and showcase yourself as a young professional eager to get hands-on experience and build your personal brand. Putting this kind of work on your resume shows employers that you are proactive, creative, and willing to take the initiative they are looking for.
Apply for Marketing Scholarships
Not only do scholarships help with the financial aspects of earning your degree, but getting involved with scholarship organizations and businesses can get your name in front of experienced professionals who are looking for the next generation of marketers.
There are several marketing scholarship opportunities available, including AMA Baltimore’s Eileen Gwin Undergraduate Marketing Scholarship. This annual scholarship provides college students in Baltimore and beyond the chance to take their first step into the thrilling world of marketing and begin their professional careers.
The Eileen Gwin Undergraduate Marketing Scholarship offers several scholarship awards – one of them could be yours! Apply here today – your application could be just what we are looking for.
Coffee Chats or Informational Interviews
Believe it or not, many marketing professionals are eager to share their experience and advice with college students. They remember that at one point, they were in your shoes, and they want to share their keys to success, growth, and what you need to win the marketing game.
If there is a particular company and/or role that you want to learn more about, ask a professional if they would be willing to meet for coffee for 30 minutes, or if you could conduct an informational interview with them. An informational interview is not a job interview; it is simply a conversation where you get to ask a professional your burning questions and gain insight into the field of marketing. Don’t underestimate the value of simply growing your industry knowledge outside of class!
Join (or Start!) an AMA Collegiate Chapter
Several local colleges and universities have active and thriving AMA collegiate chapters, including Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland.
Joining or starting a collegiate chapter can offer many benefits for you, as well as other marketing students on your campus, including:
- A network of young marketing professionals, like yourself, who are going through a similar journey
- A connection with AMA Baltimore Board members who are ready and willing to share their best pieces of advice and knowledge
- Access to AMA Baltimore events, where you can meet and network with top Baltimore marketing professionals and executives
- A community of support, fellowship, and camaraderie as you all cheer each other on towards graduation day and beyond
- And so much more!
If you need more resources or information about joining or starting a collegiate chapter, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lauryn Paradis, AMA Baltimore’s Vice President of Collegiate Relations, at lauryn@amabaltimore.org.
Learning and building your technical skills and concepts in the classroom is vitally important, but your college years are an AMAzing time to get started on your professional career outside of what you learn through your lectures. The key to taking that first step is to remember that you don’t have to limit yourself – dream big, aim high, and you will find yourself ready to take on the exciting world of marketing with your well-earned degree in hand.
AMA Baltimore is here to support your journey to success – personally and professionally. The city and the stars are yours for the taking!
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