by Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Intern
“It’s never too late to try something new” is what my advisor told me during the second week of school last fall. My decision to become part of the ISU’s National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Marketing Team was a spontaneous one that turned out to be a highlight of my college career.
As a part of the marketing team, we developed a three-year marketing plan rollout for a new product, including marketing materials and a final presentation for competition. The 2016 competition took place in Kansas City, Missouri from April 12 – 15. I have included the top 4 reasons why any college student should become a part of the NAMA club or marketing team.
- You will make life-long friends.
Being on the NAMA Marketing Team, I spent countless hours with the same group of people. While spending so much time together, the only option is to become friends! I would not have had the opportunity to meet and interact with such talented people if I would not have been involved in NAMA.
- Gain skills that are not taught in the classroom.
NAMA offers real world experience that is not taught in the classroom. This isn’t due to lack of curriculum, but because of the complexity of our project. It required our team to identify a market potential and target market for our product, perform secondary and primary research, then develop a presentation and marketing materials and plan for competition, judged upon by professionals in the industry.
- You will become apart of something larger than yourself
Achieving a personal goal is satisfactory, but NAMA gives you the chance do so on a larger level. While being a part of NAMA, you are constantly surrounded by people with the same passion as you, working towards the same end goal.
- Networking, networking, networking
There’s not better place to network than a conference of students and professionals in the same industry! The student competition is just one portion of the conference; there are break out sessions and mingling events for professionals as well. Networking is key when building your brand in the industry.
The ISU NAMA Marketing Team made it past the first round and into the semi-finals! Although we did not advance into the finals, the skills gained and lessons learned served all students well. Consider these pointes when contemplating on joining any extra circular activity. Just remember, it’s never too late to try something new!
