MKTG 3250 Summer 2019 Marketing Strategy Course Winners

This summer, MKTG 3250 students worked as teams to put together a marketing plan for Abby's Butter, Inc. This included research on the external environment, a SWOT Analysis, identifying the target market, then putting together tactics with a budget and timeline.

The class was given insight into the company dynamics by UNCC alumni and Senior Brand Manager, Aaron Kircher. His sister, Abby, who started the company also gave guidance.

Winning team members, Jessica Richardson, Jaden Janvier, Dejah Denis, Autumn Carney, and Macy Pegram are pictured below with Abby and Aaron. Hear more about their team experience by reading their thoughts below.

What class(es) or experience prepared you most for this course?

Marketing Research definitely prepared me the most for this course. The methods of market research and all the other useful tools when it comes to conducting market research that I learned in that course made completing this project easier. Marketing Research, Social Media Marketing, along with my writing courses really gave me the experience needed to successfully complete the Marketing Competition. - Dejah

Marketing Concepts helped introduce how to write a SWOT analysis and what to include. Global Marketing and Consumer Behavior had a project that essentially required us to do an External Environment Analysis. These ended up being two sections of the marketing plan and helped make sense of why we learned about them in those classes. It really helped tie everything together! - Jessica

The courses that prepared me most for this course include MKTG 3222: Marketing Research, as well as other writing intensive courses including COMM 3160: Business Communications, which helped build my writing and presentation skills. -Jaden

What was the most challenging or rewarding part of MKTG 3250?

The most rewarding part was definitely winning the competition. My team and I dedicated a lot of our time on a daily basis to complete and perfect our project. Seeing the fruits of our labor play out successfully in our favor was a feeling that I can’t describe. We all came into the class nervous, and left the class confident. Winning gave me the reassurance I needed to know that I can actually be successful in my field upon graduation; that I actually have what it takes to become a successful marketer. -Dejah

The most challenging part was getting everything done and done right by the due dates! Another challenging thing was despite all of our "great" ideas that we brainstormed together we had to realistically budget and finance them which was eye-opening! The most rewarding part was seeing everything come together and seeing how a good team operates! -Jessica

The most rewarding part for me was being recognized by a real company for our creative ideas. It made me feel confident about my transition from Marketing student to Entry-level Marketing professional -Jaden

Additionally, Jessica says "Going forward I feel more prepared for a marketing career because of this experience. Working with a real company and using data from them as well as conducting our own research, pushed us to come up with realistic ideas. I also feel like I have a greater sense of how to create and implement an idea in a corporate setting."

Professional Development: It's important for everyone!

As students, it is important that you are supplementing your coursework with professional development activities to improve your knowledge and skills. These opportunities are endless and can include conferences, webinars, and workshops.

Visit the Niblock Student Center Guide to see what activities you should be completing each year to help you develop skills and the mindset needed to lead and cultivate a meaningful career.
You can also visit the NSC calendar for professional development opportunities available this Fall.

Recently, Niblock Student Center staff worked on their own professional development by completing the Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0. Staff members where able to see how they scored in various emotional and social areas while making goals for improvements.

We are excited to help you reach your professional development goals!

Welcome New Students to the Belk College of Business!

5 Things You Can Do This Summer to Maximize your Network this Fall

1)      Check out the Fall 2019 events hosted by the Professional Development team in the Niblock Student Center. Mark your calendar now for opportunities that look helpful to you. Here is an overview of the different types of events:

a.      Meet Ups: These are 30-minute workshops focused on one topic to prepare you for your career

b.      Lunch & Learns: These are 1-hour workshops or panels, typically including alumni or employers, where you can learn a skill or competency and enjoy lunch

c.       One- time events: Whether this is a career panel, networking night, or industry-specific event, these events can be a great way to learn more about your industry or career

2)      If you do not already belong to a Belk College of Business student organization, choose one to get involved with! Student organizations can provide you with networking, leadership skills, and problem solving.

3)      Make plans to attend the Fall Career Fair, Friday, September 13. Update your resumenow!

4)      Update your LinkedIn Profile, and join relevant groups to grow your network.

5)      Ask someone to do an informational interview and complete one informational interview before the summer is over.

If you are looking for more ways to work on your career readiness this summer, check out the competency- based Niblock Student Center Guide, which can give you guidance for development at any level of your undergraduate journey!

2020 Bank of America Recruiting Process

-If you want practice for video interviews and best practices, utilize Big Interview at biginterview.uncc.edu!