UT’s Advertising Club and the American Marketing Association will host a panel discussion on contemporary business issues Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the UC Heritage Room.
Five business professionals will discuss relevant topics ranging from social media for businesses to digital and online marketing. Professionals in the advertising, entertainment and media industries will offer pointers on job-searching as well.
Professionals representing a range of distinguished corporate entities will be participating, and students should dress in business-casual attire.
“This will be the best opportunity all year for business majors to interact with and learn from high-ranking, branding professionals all in one place,” Wes Nelson, AMA president, said.
Planners for the event took an unconventional approach, hoping to facilitate more interaction between students and panel members.
“We wanted to have an event with a little more interactivity, because we’ve found that guest speakers often turn into more of a class lecture, so the panel gives students a chance to hear about topics important to them and to mingle with the professionals,” Stephanie Weirwille, vice president of the Ad Club, said. “Students are encouraged to submit questions and topics that they would like to see discussed.”
Students who want to ensure that their particular question is answered are encouraged to send these ideas to [email protected]. Participants will be free to raise questions during the panel and speak directly with panel members as well.
“Dr. Courtney Childers, professor in advertising, will serve as the moderator for the panel and will field questions,” Wierwille said. “This is also a unique opportunity in that we’re allowing time for students to meet the panel members, mingle and create relationships while light snacks are served. We’ve tried really hard to make it a professional networking event instead of a guest-speaker lecture.”
UT students from all colleges and majors are invited to attend the session.
“We wanted to create a round-table discussion with professionals that would appeal to students in a wide range of majors. It’s a great chance to network and learn about the jobs that are out there,” Michael Dean, Ad Club president, said.
The panel will be comprised of highly qualified individuals to engage students across their various disciplinary interests.
“Our goal in organizing and promoting the event is to bring professionals to campus with real-world experience and a fresh perspective so that students can learn about the industry and prepare for a career,” Wierwille said. “Each of the panel participants are leaders in the marketing and business world. We’re honored to bring them to campus. David Bohan is the CEO of (a) leading Nashville ad agency, and Susie Norris is the CEO of Knoxville ad agency Orange Apple Branding. Jeff Cuellar represents AC Entertainment, Knoxville’s music promotions company that generates a great deal of buzz on campus. Chris Casteel of Knoxville News Sentinel focuses on the changing face of business due to digital media, and Michael Goeke of Knoxville News Sentinel provides insight in sales, business growth and media.”
As one of its major selling points, the panel was structured to appeal to students interested in diverse career paths.
“Whether you’re interested in working in the music/entertainment business, the media, marketing, business, sales or you want to be the next Don Draper from Mad Men, coming to this event can help get you started,” Wierwille said. “All of the companies involved offer jobs and internships for UT students.”
The Ad Club is sponsoring this particular event, and it engages in a variety of different activities on campus.
“Ad Club offers workshops, guest speakers and ad agency tours,” Wierwille said. “Recent workshops include a portfolio workshop, personal branding workshop and an Adobe Creative Suite tutorial.”
The club is engaged in travel and learning experiences offered on campus to enrich its course studies as well.
“In January of every year, about 20 students travel to New York City for a week to visit top advertising agencies and media companies,” Wierwille said. “Dr. (John) Haley, a professor in the advertising department, organizes the trip every year and schedules internship interviews for students. This past January, students got to meet with members from the team (that) developed the famous Betty White Snickers commercial. This May, 25 students will travel to Atlanta to visit marketing companies such as the Atlanta Braves and Chick-fil-A.”
Co-sponsoring the event, the AMA has a presence on campus as well. It currently holds weekly meetings and invites guest speakers. The association also hosts competitions, provides internship opportunities and sponsors networking lunches. The group’s main focus has recently been on exploring online marketing and strategies for research. Practical advice for job hunters is a priority as well.
