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What as an entering freshman do you wish you knew or a mistake you could go back in time to correct & as a marketing major why is it important to share with me ? #spring25
Just a 1st generation college bound student looking for helpful hints
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4 answers
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Doug’s Answer
I was the first in my family to earn advanced degrees. If I could go back, I would focus more on planning. Decide on the types of roles and companies you want to pursue. Reach out to people already in those roles for informational interviews. Take on as many internships as you can manage for hands-on experience. Don't rely solely on advice from admissions and guidance counselors; do your own research. Talk to people working in your field of interest to understand your options. Volunteer and offer your help. You'll learn a lot and gain valuable connections.
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Dustin’s Answer
If I could go back and give my freshman self one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t wait to start getting involved. I wish I had been more proactive about finding leadership or business-related opportunities from day one. There were so many resources and clubs around me — like Enactus, a business club at my school — that I didn’t take seriously until later. Once I finally joined, it opened up a ton of valuable experiences: real-world projects, networking with professionals, and even volunteer work that helped build both my resume and my confidence.
I’d also recommend checking out whether your college offers work-study programs that are tied to your major. That kind of hands-on experience can really set you apart when you're applying for internships or jobs down the line.
Focus on networking! Seriously. It might feel a little awkward at first, but there’s always something happening on campus where you can meet people — professors, alumni, guest speakers, or even upperclassmen. Some of the most unexpected conversations can lead to internships, mentorships, or even job offers later on.
So much of marketing is about relationships — whether you're building a brand, managing a team, or pitching a strategy. Learning how to connect, collaborate, and put yourself out there early on will give you a huge head start.
Good luck!
I’d also recommend checking out whether your college offers work-study programs that are tied to your major. That kind of hands-on experience can really set you apart when you're applying for internships or jobs down the line.
Focus on networking! Seriously. It might feel a little awkward at first, but there’s always something happening on campus where you can meet people — professors, alumni, guest speakers, or even upperclassmen. Some of the most unexpected conversations can lead to internships, mentorships, or even job offers later on.
So much of marketing is about relationships — whether you're building a brand, managing a team, or pitching a strategy. Learning how to connect, collaborate, and put yourself out there early on will give you a huge head start.
Good luck!
Updated
Mike’s Answer
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Why not a BA? A Bachelor of Science is awarded to someone who goes above and beyond in their course load. I designed my own senior project, did two internships (one in radio, one in tv) and I had 12 credits going into college from taking AP Spanish in high school. That said, I only had one major -- communication. I wish I had double majored for two reasons. One -- it doesn’t cost any extra money to get a double major in college. Yes, it’s a lot more work, but it’s a two for the price of one kind of thing. I also wish I had gotten my masters degree. Journalism didn’t pay enough money to allow that. However, I have two certificates now, in addition to my college degree and learning opportunities always arise. My advice: take on as much learning as possible. I hope this helps.
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Andres’s Answer
Hi Elias, that failure will almost certainly come, but analyze everything you can about campaigns and how they can be more persuasive, what group of people the product or service will reach. If you start analyzing everything, you'll be doing more than just marketing.