Students apply marketing skills through local chapter
Every time a student turns on the TV, reads a newspaper or walks down the halls in the TSC, they are the subject to marketing. Catching an individual’s eye as a consumer and drawing them in to take an interest in their products is called marketing.
The American Marketing Association (AMA) is a national association for those who, according to their website, are “leading the practice, teaching and development of marketing worldwide.” It is made up of professional and collegiate chapters all across the United States. The AMA aims to focus on creating opportunities for students to express creativity, innovation and to apply marketing skills to something real.
Brent Meacham, junior in marketing and acting president of the Huntsman Marketing Association at USU, said the Huntsman Marketing Association is the local Utah State chapter of the AMA. Meacham said they have different career resources to take advantage of like a resume rescue, career tips and strategies and a special AMA job board. They have a networking database that can be beneficial for those looking for a connection into the marketing world. He said there are different academic opportunities that present themselves through the AMA as well, which include a lot of interaction with other collegiate conferences and case competitions.
Meacham said through USU, students have the opportunity to join both the national AMA and the local chapter.
“There are many great opportunities to assist in consulting work for both businesses and organizations, attend activities and club socials, network and learn from guest speakers and compete in case competitions,” Meacham said.
The HMA is unique to other collegiate chapters, because it is the only one in existence in the state of Utah. Meacham said the club’s goal is to “market principles in a real world setting.” They are working now with Café Sabor, on a special “Thursday College Night” where students will receive special discounts. The marketing for this night comes from the HMA. Their goals are to work closely with other local businesses, non-profit organizations, and Meacham said they would like to work with other USU clubs in the future. He said they are willing to offer their marketing services to other clubs on campus, to help both out.
Meacham said the HMA is not a club tied to the marketing major. Anyone has the opportunity to join.
“I’m not a marketing major and I don’t really know much about it, but it’s a great way to connect to campus and the local community and giving back,” said Logan Smith, junior in political science and economics.
Meacham said having the prestige of being the only AMA collegiate in Utah, the HMA hopes to hold a large conference in the spring. They will be having different socials, guest speakers, retreats and meetings all throughout the year. The club costs $15 to join for the Huntsman Marketing Association alone. If you would like to join the AMA, the cost is $60 for both chapters, and if you join before Oct. 11, the club will discount your membership by $10.
Right now the club is looking for people with an interest in Graphic Design to put together a team of designers to help them with marketing projects. The Huntsman Marketing Association is online at huntsman.usu.edu/ama.
– whitney.page@aggiemail.usu.edu