New York Minute

My Eller College Marketing Study Trek Experience

My second time being back in the city that never sleeps was an eye-opening experience. I fell in love with New York City summer 2018 when I landed a fashion public relations and social media internship at a small agency called, ELR Media Group. The fast-paced, unique, and exciting atmosphere grew on me. The career opportunities are endless, and let’s just say the food is one-of-a-kind as well.

Being invited to attend the NYC Marketing Study Trek provided me an opportunity to explore career options that I could pursue after graduation. After being met with time constraints in balancing coursework and applying for pure marketing positions throughout my senior year, I knew that this trip could give me an encouraging outlook to learn about different industries, work cultures, and after-college career programs.

Our first, and my favorite company tour, was NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is a non-traditional mass media platform that owns television networks, theme parks, news mediums and more. Our visit consisted of speaking with Eller alum, Hayley Schwartz, a Q&A panel discussion with three current NBCUniversal employees, and an exclusive look at some of their studios, such as where they film the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The work culture seemed fun, inviting, and fast-paced—which I love!

My passion for marketing and public relations were also met at our FleishmanHillard tour, which was my assigned company to research prior to visiting. FleishmanHillard is a marketing and public relations agency that operates on a national and international level. Some of their clients include Proctor & Gamble, Olay, General Motors, and the ConAgra Foods Foundation. Along with the delicious cupcakes they had for us, I really enjoyed learning about the different practices and sectors they work in. Brand marketing, social and innovation, and corporate communications particularly caught my attention.

We also visited two startups, Freshly and Ceros, along with the world-renowned Spotify. We then took a trip to the Financial District to visit BlackRock, an investment management company, where we had an inside look at their marketing department.

The NYC Marketing Study Trek not only started many new friendships with the other students, but it also left me in bit of a wonder about where I’m meant to be after college; but this wonder that I have is full of optimism.

One thing I am positive about, is that I have a passion for marketing, I have a strong work ethic, and I am always ready to take on a new challenge. After the NYC Marketing Study Trek, I came to two conclusions. First, if you want to have a career in marketing, you may have to find a different outlet to work your way up into that industry—such as starting off as an intern or participating in an after-college program. During our visit to NBCUniversal, Hayley said “Taking an internship may not be your dream, but you are taking the step in the right direction."

Second, you have to be patient, and it’s all about the right timing. Kevin Schatell, an NBCUniversal panelist said, “Things are going to work out when they are supposed to.” Good things take time, and this is something that I am learning.

Although my college career is ending, my career journey is just beginning.

Stay tuned!

TSS