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The AMA Collegiate Marketing Week Competition is a great opportunity for chapters to generate interest on campus and earn national recognition. It can be daunting, especially if this is your first competition, but entering is relatively easy. This post will walk you through some key tips for planning the week’s activities, as well as preparing your report. Activity Planning A great Marketing Week includes a wide variety of activities. You’ll want to reach an audience beyond our members, promoting both AMA and the importance of marketing as a whole. Choose from guest speakers, a competition, tabling, games, workshops, and socials to create a cohesive plan tailored to the board’s strengths, university needs, and the National Marketing Week goals. Regardless of your activities, it’s crucial to plan early. Last-minute prep was the pitfall of the 2022 UNT Marketing Week, leading to a low turnout at what we had hoped to be our most exciting event. Laying the groundwork for your plans early on will allow promotional materials to be created and shared long before the event happens. If you’re hosting an event in an unfamiliar space, be sure to scout the room ahead of time to make sure you can provide any directions needed to attendees. It’s best if officers wear their AMA shirts to be recognizable. Creating the Report Check the current Marketing Week Competition guidelines for the most up-to-date information on appropriate formats, important points to include, and more. Then, begin by creating an outline that lists your events with their descriptions, target audiences, locations, goals, and other important info. You can use this list as a starting point: Event Name: Describe event Goals: Goal 1 How the goal was met or what to improve on Goal 2 How the goal was met or what to improve on Attendance: Time and Date: Location: Target audience: Again, be sure to check current guidelines and include all relevant information. Use Canva to select a report template, then begin customizing it to fit your needs. Consider combining paragraphs, shortening text, or adding details. Include visual aids such as event photos and standout figures such as event attendance or funds raised. Be creative in designing an effective and visually appealing report that aligns with UNT AMA and Marketing Week branding. When you’ve completed the report, have someone else look over it for errors or opportunities to improve. Confirm that you’ve met the requirements outlined in the competition guidelines, save the file with the appropriate name, and submit.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are becoming buzzwords in the business industry. What do they mean? Are they really that important? And most importantly, what can you do? Erik Rueter, a senior project manager at the American Marketing Association’s global support center, visited UNT AMA to tell us all about it and set us on the right track to creating a safe space for all in our chapter. He provides diversity, equity, and inclusion education to organizations ranging from medical device manufacturer Medtronic to basketball team the San Antonio Spurs. He also spoke at AMA’s International Collegiate Conference last March. Why DEI Matters No one wants to feel left out. It’s been pounded into our heads since elementary school, and yet we still do it. Marginalized groups are left out of important spaces and conversations every day. These groups experience discrimination because of their identities, or even their perceived identities. This marginalization has severe effects on physical and mental health. Not only that, but it’s extremely damaging to productivity at work, at school, and in organizations like ours. What’s the Difference? Diversity, equity, and inclusion can be confusing. Aren’t they the same thing? As Erik tells us, no. Diversity is as simple as having different kinds of people in the same space. All you have to do is let people in. Inclusion, on the other hand, involves actually improving opportunities for disadvantaged groups. Equity is sometimes the most difficult term to understand because it is mistaken for equality. In equality, everyone is treated the same. That means getting the same resources and having the same opportunities to use them. Equity, on the other hand, works to address the issues at hand. One group may need different resources to address additional obstacles and that’s okay. Design Thinking Erik believes in using Design Thinking to solve DEI problems. This method of product and service creation puts customers at the center of innovation. While it was traditionally used for technical creations such as engineering, it has evolved to provide solutions for complex situations like corporate cultures or the ideal layout of a retail store. Design Thinking consists of five steps: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Because it puts people first, this is the perfect tool for DEI. We begin by understanding the groups we want to reach. Once we have an empathetic understanding of the end user, we work with them to co-create a product, service, or result that will provide them the most benefits. Most importantly, we test our idea and get feedback from real people to improve the concept and its execution. Empathizing: The Hardest Step We’ve all heard about empathy, but why is it so important? And why is it so hard? Before you can help someone, you have to understand what they’re going through. A part of that process is knowing that you don’t have the lived experiences of the marginalized groups you want to help. This means you’ll have to acknowledge your privileges. Privilege is unearned access to some benefit that other groups don’t have. It’s flexible, meaning that you can be privileged in one area while being disadvantaged in another. Empathizing with marginalized groups means seeing your privilege and how much easier life is with it. Once you understand some of the ways members of a marginalized group are affected, you can begin to look for ways to alleviate these challenges in the spaces you create. Language Matters The way we talk about certain topics and the words we use to refer to people and the struggles they face make a difference. Words like “crazy” and “insane”, for example, are biased language that perpetuate stigmas against people with mental health issues. Biases like this show deeply embedded prejudice in our society. They include the words we use, the systems we function in, and the ideas we believe. They perpetuate stigmas, which Erik describes as “the mark of disgrace that comes with being a member of a marginalized group.” Biases and stigmas are the reason for aggressions, like segregation and bans on gay marriage, as well as micro-aggressions. Micro-aggressions are much more subtle. They can even be unintentional, but that doesn’t make them any less harmful. As marketers, it’s important to be aware of the language we use in our work. The audience we want to reach won’t be fully or equally privileged and we don’t want to leave anyone out. We also have to account for regional and cultural differences, as what’s preferred in one area may be harmful in another. Don’t be afraid to ask about the appropriate language for a particular audience. Why Here? Why Now? Every day, we’re surrounded by people facing struggles that we can’t see. These invisible burdens are carried into our classrooms, our workplaces, our friend groups, and our AMA meetings. Too many people are afraid to bring their whole selves into these spaces. These individual burdens can drag down entire teams. People who are weighed down and distracted by micro-aggressions can’t bring their full skillset to the table. These stressors also lead to long-term mental and physical health struggles. For everyone to reach their full potential, we need to create spaces where they can be their authentic selves. Erik left us with one final challenge: How might we create a team environment that makes marginalized groups feel safe and comfortable? Carry this question with you everywhere you go. Approach conversations with empathy. Bring those conversations into your relationships, student orgs, workspaces, and more. You never know how far the ripple effect could go.

During his visit to UNT AMA last week, Dr. Pelton shared stories of his experience in the global marketing industry, provided insights into the booming marketplace, and offered advice to our students as they begin their careers. Keep reading to learn more. About Dr. Pelton Dr. Lou E. Pelton has been a UNT professor for roughly 28 years. His global experiences as a scholar and practitioner make him uniquely qualified to offer advice to young marketers. Role in AMA Dr. Pelton has a long-standing relationship with the American Marketing Association, including being the Vice President of the AMA Academic Council. During his time in that position he worked to develop special interest groups for scholars in the program, modeling them after similar groups for practitioners. When Dr. Pelton first came to UNT, they didn’t have AMA, only a Marketing Club. As a result of his involvement in the organization, he proposed the creation of an official American Marketing Association chapter in 1996. Colleagues were skeptical, but he had faith in the program and began it anyway. While the first meeting had only six attendees (four of which were there for extra credit), he was able to watch it grow to as many as 75 members. International Experiences Throughout Dr. Pelton’s career as both a scholar and marketing practitioner, he’s had the opportunity to work all around the world. For over a decade, he employed a London-based booking agent to find international roles in executive education. He continues his work in that field, having produced an educational film in Thailand just this year. Dr. Pelton also has extensive experience leading study abroad sessions during his 20 years at UNT. He’s taken groups to Hong Kong, Singapore, Morocco, Thailand, and more. He has especially enjoyed leading study abroad through his role as a U.S. Delegate to the Asia-Pacific Cooperation. In this position, he took a small group of UNT students selected by the U.S. Department of Education to Asia each year. Opportunities in Marketing The marketing industry is booming with growth, with demand and wages increasing every year. Marketers with undergrad degrees can expect their salaries to increase by about 12% each year, while this number doubles for those with a graduate degree. Because marketing spans every business, many non-marketing majors end up in marketing roles. In fact, about 76% of business majors will find themselves involved in marketing tasks such as lead generation and customer relationship building. UNT students are especially well-positioned to build careers in marketing. One reason for this is our strong Professional Selling Program. The program is so well-known that companies interested in getting involved have to be put on a waitlist. Another is the hands-on experiences available, especially for graduate students. This year, Masters students are doing a hands-on project with Cake Craft USA, with 15-20 permanent marketing positions available. Another benefit of UNT’s program is its proximity to Dallas, where a number of major brands thrive. The DFW area is the number one regional trade partner of China, creating a window to international opportunities. With UNT’s outstanding career center, students can readily connect with these opportunities and begin building a strong career. Students interested in careers abroad should also consider jobs in the public sector, working for the government. For example, U.S. embassies and the Department of Commerce have many marketing roles with opportunities for international travel or permanent relocation. Advice for students Overall, Dr. Pelton emphasized the idea that “You can do anything while you’re young.” Already, our generation has proven its resilience in the most trying circumstances. It’s important that we remember this skill as we begin our careers. Think about how well-prepared you are to handle disruptions in the workplace. Be prepared to overcome challenges, despite potential learning curves. He also offers advice for students interested in the world beyond the United States, saying that the world is more heterogenous than we think. When you begin to live and work in other places, you’ll see just how different things are. He also recommends researching the cost of living in other countries and evaluating it against how much you can reasonably make before planning a move. Above all else, Dr. Pelton believes in relationships as the foundation for success. He says that course content is only a small part of the college experience. While we’ll need to know the information, it’s the relationships that will truly make the difference. Finally, Dr. Pelton introduced a few ways to develop these relationships and expand your network. For AMA members, he invited us to look for upcoming meetings of the DFW professional chapter. Attending as students will help us plug into a network that will support us throughout our whole lives. He also encourages us to take advantage of the resources available at UNT, especially our professors. These experts can provide great insights into the fields we want to work in. Their doors are always open and they’re excited to get to know us and help us connect with others. Don’t be afraid to email them with your questions or to ask for help or guidance.

Southwest is one of the most popular airlines in the U.S. Working for them sounds like a dream come true! We brought in campus ambassador MaKayla to tell us all about the company, her experiences working for them, and how we can start our journey there. Who Is Southwest Airlines? Southwest Airlines is best known for the incredible customer service on their flights. There’s more to this brand, though. As MaKayla told us, it’s not just a travel company. Founders Herb Kelleher and Rollin King were on a mission to help people connect with one another and the things they valued. Since 1971 Southwest has sought to do just that by providing friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. Many companies strive to replicate Southwest’s impeccable culture. Creating an environment loved by both customers and employees, it centers around nine core values: Why Work at Southwest? Both Forbes and Glassdoor have ranked Southwest Airlines among the best employers in the country. They’re known not only for their culture of caring but also for their competitive compensation and benefits packages. For MaKayla, one of the job's highlights was the themed culture centers throughout the offices. These centers are like break rooms, except way more fun. She especially loved the Halloween culture center near the executive offices, where even the CEO could be seen kicking back in costume. One of the greatest benefits of working in the airline industry is the access to unlimited free flights. Traveling nonrev standby can be tricky and takes an expert eye for availability, but that doesn’t stop the interns at Southwest. Some even compete to see who can make the most of this perk, with one intern hitting over 40 destinations in a single summer. What is Campus Reach? Campus Reach is Southwest’s program for college internships. Regardless of your future career path, Campus Reach has a position that will help you learn and grow to be your best self in the workplace. Interns have access to all the benefits in the previous section, plus even more. You’ll meet Senior Leaders, take professional development classes, receive a mentor, participate in service projects, and more. If you need to temporarily relocate closer to the Corporate Campus in Dallas or upgrade your internet, you may be eligible for a $1,000 internet and housing stipend. The Campus Reach Program also includes a Neurodiversity Internship Program designed to benefit students who identify as having autism. Participants will get all the benefits of a typical internship, plus access to a Job Coach. These roles include remote work with optional in-person visits to the Corporate Campus to work with your team. You can learn more about the Campus Reach program by searching #CampusReach on Instagram. How Do I Get Started? If you’re ready to start your journey with Southwest Airlines, start getting your resume ready for a Summer 2023 internship. Applications will be open October 1st through October 15th for the May 23rd to August 11th program. All positions are structured with 40 hours per week during Monday-Friday business hours, with most taking place in person with flexibility. After submitting your online application, your resume will undergo a formal review. The next step for successful candidates is a phone screen, though you’ll be contacted regardless of whether or not you advance. Next steps include a panel interview, receiving an internship offer, and beginning your role at Southwest. MaKayla recommends that applicants be ready to adapt and be flexible in the roles you’re willing to take on. She was offered a different position than she initially applied for but still loved her experience with Southwest. To apply, visit careers.southwestair.com. You can also visit the Campus Reach website or contact CampusReach@wnco.com for more information.

Case studies are a crucial step in the marketing process. They outline how a customer can use a firm’s product or service to overcome a problem or satisfy their wants, needs, and aspirations. They provide a competitive edge and create direction for the marketing department to follow. There are five key steps in creating a case study. Step One: Familiarize Yourself with the Company and Their Goal Before getting started, you’ll need a good understanding of the company. Knowing the target market in particular is essential for any marketing situation. Especially when working externally, you’ll need to do thorough research on the company’s mission, offerings, and background. What makes them special? You’ll also need to know what your case study is trying to accomplish. Are they looking to expand into new markets, prepare for a new launch, or recover from a decline in sales? Know the root of the problem and how it’s affecting different areas of the company. One great way to explore the company is through interviews. Speaking to current and former customers and employees can create an understanding of new perspectives that online research or internal resources may not provide. Step Two: Identify Your Audience and Begin Solving the Problem While it’s often top executives that make the final call on marketing direction, others may see your presentation as well. Be aware of who you’ll be addressing and the key points they’ll need to know. Consider not only their roles within the company, but their backgrounds and values as well. Once you know who you need to influence, you can begin working towards a solution. The first step in doing so is to take notes on all the relevant background information. What would a stranger need to know in order to understand the problem? Step Three: Begin Your Research and Collect Data This step is the most important part of any case study. Start by gathering everything you already know about the situation. Once you understand the problem and have developed potential solutions, you can start looking for information to support your ideas. Using the company’s internal data is a great approach to supporting your solution, but it isn’t the only way. You can also look for case studies and research completed by other companies. What have competitors done in similar situations? Did it work? Compile all of your research into charts and graphs that help illustrate your key points. These will be useful visual aids for your own understanding and the eventual presentation of your case study. Step Four: Determine Your Most Important Points While you’ve likely uncovered mountains of interesting information, executives don’t have time to read through every single stat. Go through all of your research and determine the most important points for your case study. Remember to keep your audience in mind. Some of the most important stats about your solution include ramp up time, expected sales results, total return on investment (ROI), and productivity increases. This information will tell executives if your solution is effective and practical for their situation. Step Five: Draft the Case Study Now that you have all of your key points ready, it’s time to formally compose your analysis. Like many other written reports, there is a specified structure to follow. This one has four parts. Introduction Begin your case study with a thesis statement. This should indicate the problem you’ve been analyzing and why it’s relevant. Your introduction is also a good place to provide some context for any audience members that aren’t familiar with the situation. Background Information In this section, explain the pertinent facts and noted issues that led to your research. You should also include some existing research from other sources. Findings This is the main section of your case study. It will include the observations and data of your own research. Be sure to include all of your key points determined in Step 4, as well as charts and graphs from Step 3. This section can be broken into subheadings to help the reader understand exactly what is being addressed. Conclusion This section should wrap up all of the information previously presented. You may also want to include a call to action, especially if you’ve been hired externally. While there’s always more to learn, this overview provides all the basics you need to create a case study of your own. This knowledge will give you a competitive edge in your future marketing career. Happy case studying!

This summer, UNT AMA members Michael Kirchoff and Barbara Lamont had the opportunity of a lifetime. They traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina with Marketing expert Bill Imada and his National Millenial and Gen Z Community (NMGZ). While there, they met executives at major companies like Wells Fargo, engaged in conversations about the future of corporate America, and built professional connections founded in genuine friendships. Joining the Community Before we get into the details of their trip, how did Michael and Barbara get to have this opportunity? And what even is the National Millenial and Gen Z Community? It all starts with a man named Bill Imada. Bill is a leader in the Marketing industry, and he places a high value on diversity. One element of that is hearing from people across generations to learn how different age groups view the workplace and what they expect while in it. The National Millenial and Gen Z Community was created to start meaningful conversations about how our generations think and get insight from some of the brightest business minds in our midst. For its members, it’s also a good way to get their foot in the door of the professional world by meeting high-profile executives and learning from some of the best in their industry. Bill was also a speaker at AMA’s 2022 Intercollegiate Conference in Chicago. Several of our members, including Michael and Barbara, heard his powerful presentation on the L.A. Arboretum’s Moonlight Forest case study. They connected with him afterward and were able to stay in touch and build a relationship where he trusted them enough to invite them to his organization. Shaping the Future While visiting Wells Fargo, Michael and Barbara had the opportunity to shed light on what Gen Z’ers graduating from college will expect from their prospective employers. The group was asked what they would do if forced to choose between an employer with great pay or one with great morals. The reality is that many people are done having to choose. They won’t sacrifice one for the other, but instead, keep looking for a company where they can have both. Michael felt that helping people in positions of power at a major company was a memorable and impactful moment of the trip. For Barbara, this conversation was a reminder of the importance of knowing your worth. “This generation is unapologetic in asking for more,” she said, reasoning that we have the power to make employers listen and shouldn’t accept less than we know we deserve. The members of the NMGZ Community were also given a chance to help paint a mural at the offices of Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. The nonprofit organization provides kids with financial education by giving them roles in a miniature society where they learn to budget, maintain their credit score, and handle other important financial situations. The AMA pair remarked on how powerful it felt to leave their mark in a place making a positive impact on its community and the future. The Moments that Matter For Barbara, the best activity of the trip took place at South Park Mall. Looking for a way to advertise their back-to-school collections and deals, the mall invited NMGZ in to see what outfits they could create on a tight budget. The group broke into small teams and were given an envelope with limited funds and a store to include in their outfits. Then, they were let loose to see what they could find! After an hour of team-building, planning, budgeting, and shopping, the groups got to show off their hauls. While each team was only required to find two outfits, many were able to walk away with even more. It was a great lesson in budgeting, teamwork, and communication. Michael’s highlights came from around the dinner table. Guests joined them each evening and rotated to different areas so they had plenty of time to get to know everyone. Between these guests and the budding friendships in the community, the rich conversation made for an amazing experience. His favorite night of all was at Mirό Spanish Grille, where amazing food took everything to the next level. Learning Through Discomfort One of the most important lessons the pair learned during their trip was that you should never be afraid to start a conversation. Surrounded by people from different regions and in different stages of life, conversations could be intimidating. But when you’re willing to open the door, you never know the relationships you could build or the opportunities you could unlock. This is also a key to professionalism. Being able to find a place in diverse environments, begin conversions with various people inside and outside your industry, and work well with others is essential in almost any role. Knowing how to start a conversation with someone new will allow you to build your network everywhere you go. To help simulate what working on a team is like in the real world, Bill didn’t make the group projects easy. Instead, he created diverse groups where individuals might usually be uncomfortable to see how they would react. This taught groups to overcome their differences and accomplish the task at hand, valuing teamwork over all else. Creating Connections Connections are the foundation of the business world. Barbara and Michael proved that in the way they reached this community. But by the end of their trip, they had built a network of connections that could never be broken. Surrounded by kind and caring people, it was impossible not to make friends. The group still stays in touch, maintaining their friendship from around the world. In the moment, they were a cohort traveling through every part of their day together. In the future, they’ll be building blocks for each other's careers. For both Michael and Barbara, the connections and friendships were the most important takeaway from this opportunity. They look forward to the future opportunities that the National Millenial and Gen Z Community will provide and the many more connections they’ll form along the way.

Last semester was so much fun! We hosted lots of events, grew our org, and had great opportunities to network. Keep reading to relive all our favorite memories while we sit on the edge of our seats for the semester ahead. Informational Session We knew this semester would be something special when our first meeting had a record turnout. It was a packed house as the officers introduced everything about what we do and shared important info for the upcoming semester. At the end of the meeting, we got to network with a game of get-to-know-you bingo. Workshops Our officers have so much to share! We love hearing about all the things they’ve learned at UNT and in their careers so far. Career Fair Prep Before each semester’s business career fair, we like to help our members get ready with a prep workshop. Officers handed out elevator pitch prompts and took professional headshots while students learned about the best tips and tricks to create the perfect resume and LinkedIn page. Be sure to keep your LinkedIn active by interacting with others’ posts. You could even post this blog to show your connections what you were up to last semester! Online Marketing Officer Camryn Yoder gave us her professional insight on how to market for different social media platforms. Each platform has its own target audience and creates a unique viewing mindset. It’s important to tailor your content to the right demographics and atmosphere. TikToks, for example, should be targeted at a younger audience. They need to be on-trend, fun to watch, and worth stopping the scroll. Even if they don’t create immediate conversions, you’ll get your brand in someone’s head and plant a seed for them to think about later. User Experience Officer and design major Hannah Moeliono brought our members up to speed on her area of expertise: user experience. She taught us all about using positive psychology to create memorable experiences. People need to enjoy your brand so they want to come back! After the presentation, we put our knowledge to the test by brainstorming ways to improve user experience in our own chapter. What makes people come to our meetings? What will make them want to stay? Guest Speakers Hearing from professionals can be so inspiring. This semester, we received lots of advice and anecdotes from some of the best. Gartner Representative Kelly Haney Members learned all about careers at Gartner and how to build their professional networks. The advice? Don’t be afraid to have conversations, even if you’re not looking for a job right now. That’s right, you can still attend career fairs, reach out to recruiters, and connect with people in your field. It’s all about building your network so that when you’re ready to start looking for a job, you know who to ask. Career Development and Online Networking with Elizabeth Miralrio At this special Thursday event in the Union, young professional Elizabeth Miralrio visited to tell us about getting started with your career in the digital age. As a member of the Mean Green Mentors program, she invited attendees to reach out to her for one-on-one meetings and mentorship. Alumni Panel with the Women of AMA Former AMA members Bita Motiie, Karina Perez, and Kayleigh Maddie came back to visit and answer our members’ pressing questions about how they began their successful careers. Their consensus was to network early and broadly. Not only should you get to know your peers, but also treat your superiors like regular people and build a network that reaches outside your department. Finally, get involved sooner rather than later by joining organizations like AMA! ICC Speaker Bill Imada Marketing expert Bill Imada shared his experience leading the marketing efforts for the L.A. County Arboretum’s Moonlight Forest. He discussed the process of hand-selecting a team of young marketers, setting goals, and developing a campaign that would target both regular visitors to the arboretum and new groups in the area. Then, when an unexpected competitor appeared, how the team pivoted to a 24/7 political campaign style. He offered great insight on all the strategic decisions a marketer has to make to succeed. Rise Against Hunger Project This semester, we took on a major service project by fundraising and hosting a meal packaging event for Rise Against Hunger. It wasn’t easy, but we’re so proud of our org for tackling this goal. Strategy Meeting We kicked off our project with a strategy meeting to brainstorm for our semester-long campaign. One group discussed social media marketing and handled Canva content creation while another brainstormed ideas for a live fundraising event. Fundraising Once we had strategized, it was time to get started. Our Canva group’s graphics were posted on org and member social media pages, as well as around campus to bring in digital donations. Members tabled in the Union with Rise Against Hunger pins to create awareness while fundraising and looking for volunteers. Most importantly, officer Hannah Moeliono put together grant applications and presentations to win support from Simpli.fi and the UNT Student Government Association. In total, we exceeded our goal by raising $3,985.95 to fight world hunger! Collaboration and Coordination We couldn’t have pulled this off on our own. Throughout the process, we had help from other student orgs including UNT Rotaract, the Nonprofit Leadership Student Association, and Women in Business. In addition to our fellow student orgs, we coordinated with representatives from Rise Against Hunger, the UNT Union, and UNT Parking Services. Officers practiced professional communication skills and learned how to navigate the complicated bureaucracies that govern everyday life. The Big Day Finally, after months of making arrangements and raising funds, the big day came. Ninety volunteers from the UNT community met in the Union to help package 10,000 meals for communities around the world. Even after having to evacuate the building when the fire alarm went off, we got it done. We’re so proud of all our members and grateful to everyone who helped us achieve this goal. International Collegiate Conference Over spring break, six of our members traveled to Chicago to attend AMA’s annual conference. They came back with lots of new knowledge and connections to share with the group. Learning Opportunities The conference was first and foremost an opportunity to learn from expert speakers. Its focus was on diversity, equity, and inclusion, a topic of growing importance in all professional fields. Marketers in particular need to pay careful attention to the image they portray of their organization. Inclusive and appropriate language can go a long way for building a positive reputation with potential customers. In addition to learning how to create safe and inclusive spaces, attendees heard some great marketing tips, learned from leadership at award-winning collegiate AMA chapters, and received one-on-one professional development advice. Networking The incredible guest speakers weren’t only there to teach, they were there to network too! By introducing themselves to top professionals, students boosted their LinkedIns and have the potential to get their foot in the door at a future dream job. In addition to the speakers, we were able to network with students from other schools around the world. We’re now plugged into a network of our peers where we can learn from each other, cheer for each other, and possibly one day work for each other. Seeing the City Outside of the conference, our members had plenty of time to explore the beautiful city of Chicago. They were even able to take a boat tour on Lake Michigan to get a great view of the city’s famous skyline. Chicago might be best known for its delicious deep-dish pizza. We met up with our neighbor chapter from UTA to try it at one of the city’s most popular restaurants, and the night was made even more special when a nearby couple got engaged! The members who were able to travel to Chicago together have built a lifelong bond, and we hope to take an even bigger group to the conference in New Orleans next year! Social Events Our social events create a great foundation for community building. We had so much fun getting to know each other outside of our meetings this semester! Professional Speed Dating We celebrated Valentine’s Day by collaborating with UNT’s Women in Business for a professional speed dating event. It was a great opportunity to network with people inside and outside of our org. We also got in some practice for our communication skills. Rotaract Sharetea Fundraiser We loved collaborating with UNT Rotaract on our Rise Against Hunger project, and this was a great way to support their service org. After one of our regular Tuesday meetings, a group of our members headed over to enjoy some boba together while giving back to the UNT community. Roller Skating Our biggest social event of the semester was our roller skating event. We carpooled off campus and spent the evening getting to know each other and building friendships and our sense of community. There may have been a few falls along the way, but it was still lots of fun! End of Semester Celebration We wrapped up the semester with one of our favorite activities: trivia! Members were quizzed on AMA facts, marketing knowledge, and UNT history in a competitive Kahoot. The officers also handed out personalized awards for every member. This semester was so much fun, and we’re already hard at work planning to make the next one even better. See you in the fall!

Thanks for visiting the UNT AMA blog! As our chapter grows, we’re excited to take on this new project. This will be a great opportunity to provide the in-depth information that’s out-of-place on other platforms. It’s also a new way that our members can stay engaged with the club. Keep reading to learn more about it. What to Expect As we get started with our blog, we’ll explore several types of content. Here are some of the things we’re excited to share with you in the coming months. Information about AMA In addition to all the great info on our website, some of our blog posts will provide an inside scoop on what AMA is all about. We can’t wait to share all the benefits of joining and some sneak peeks at what it takes to keep a student org up and running. Recaps We’ll be posting our notes and thoughts on workshops, guest speakers, and other meetings. That means no more stressing about missing an event or losing your notes. It also gives incoming students an idea of what to expect. Marketing Topics Sometimes, our students will do a deep dive on their favorite marketing topics and bring all that new knowledge here to share with you. We’ll also be looking for guest posters to share their unique knowledge of the field. The Why: Supporting Students Our chapter’s purpose is to set UNT marketing students up for success with information, experience, networking opportunities, and a strong community. We love having a blog because it allows us to support our members, as well as anyone else looking for marketing information. Take a look at all the benefits this blog can provide for our members. Providing Information Like we talked about before, this blog will contain info about our organization, past events, and relevant marketing topics. It’s a great one-stop shop for our members to find the AMA info they need. The blog isn’t just for our members, though. It also creates a resource for other UNT students and the marketing community at large. Creating Opportunities A blog isn’t just about the readers. It’s beneficial for the writers too! Our students have so much to learn by writing blog posts. They’ll get to develop important skills like writing, creativity, and SEO. Most posts also require research, which is a great way for students to boost their knowledge of their favorite marketing topics. What about guest posters? While not every post will be written by our students, contacting guest posters is a great way to improve professional communication skills. It’s also a networking opportunity!