How KU Prepared Me Professionally

A couple of weeks ago, I had been invited to volunteer to speak at the College of Business Open House for my school. It was a great opportunity–so I volunteered! The Dean provided the student speakers with questions. One question really made me reflect on my journey here at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania: “How has your experience at KU prepared you professionally?”

Kutztown.edu

It went like this: Freshman year, my biggest achievement was making it on the Dean’s list. I didn’t really realize how hard I was working. I would complete each assignment just to get the A. With some encouragement along to way, I started to realize how much I was getting out of school.

My professors have suggested taking courses tailored to my advertising, branding, marketing, and communication obsession. Many have pushed me to be a better writer. Others have suggested internship opportunities. A couple of professors have assigned material that involved working with real-life clients. I’ve even participated in various events. Internships and extracurriculars have prepared me professionally, too!

In Media Concepts and Planning, one assignment involved making an integrated marketing communication campaign. When I submitted it, I entered into a Digital Marketing Competition. Liquid International–a local marketing firm–held the competition. I was chosen as a finalist and presented my work for a real-life client. After all was said and done, I won first place!

An assignment in my Digital Rhetoric and Writing course required me to build a personal website. I now manage and update it with my content. I’ve even added content from other classes–like Writing for Social Media. I had weekly blog posts assigned. I’ve put each blog on my website to display my creative writing skills. My website has been a great tool to use during interviews; it highlights my best work!

In my Principles of Marketing course, I created a personal marketing plan. It included a personal mission statement, a SWOT analysis of myself, and a five-year timeline. I was also assigned to complete a career development center certificate. I attended resume writing workshops and mock interviews.

My advisor suggested I take an internship. My position as a social media intern involved working with social media platforms for a client. I gained experience in consulting, graphic design, customer relationships, website, and branding.

My advisor had also invited me to participate in an advertising campaign. It promoted a new general business degree my school offers. The business department wanted to represent its top students.

As an extracurricular, a sorority has taught me leadership skills, how to run a formal business meeting, and how to recruit. I even had the chance to attend two professional workshops: one in Atlanta, Georgia, and the other in Oxford, Ohio. These workshops taught me even more about leadership and networking.

I understand it all seems like a lot of work. But I suggest that you face it head-on with a positive mindset. An article in Forbes mentioned that you should treat college seriously to get the best outcomes. It will prepare you professionally if you take advantage of the opportunities. 

#College #Lifestyle #CareerDevelopment #Motivation #Professional