Thanks to those who helped along the way!

As I wrap up my final weeks in the Marketing Program at Western Washington University, I want to take some time to make reflections on things I’ve learned from specific places, and make some thanks to people I really enjoyed working with and learning under. First though, I’d like to talk about what the Marketing Program overall meant to me.

I entered Western uncertain, but excited. I felt like I had direction for the first time in a while, and that I’d entered a positive new period in my life. How right I was! I found that rather than being discouraged or subdued by the challenges I met in my new classes, instead I was excited and invigorated, and felt driven to learn as much as I could. Even from classes that would have normally intimidated me like Business Stats or MIS, I felt that I was moving on a path toward toward being more valuable as a professional, as well as more becoming more equipped to be a better person overall. 

I’m also grateful for the time I spent in academic settings outside of class, particularly those that came as a result of my being in IMC. Network nights, the student workshops, things like the Case Competition and all the other great experiences I got to take part in shaped me into a better person than I was before. I can’t say thank you enough for the wonderful times I got to spend with great colleagues and friends outside of school during my stay here at Western.

Start, Stop, and Do More Of!

Speaking of IMC, I’ve been tasked with addressing a time-tested process that I’ve come to learn over the time I spent in IMC- a start doing, stop doing, and do more of, one of my favorite methods of reflection that I’ve come to use a lot (not just in school, but in basic things like, well, taking care of myself in the house, or even video games!). Last time I did this, I did it with regards to my being a Project Manager. This time though, I thought more broadly, with lessons learned both as a person and things I can take forward with me as a marketing professional. Hopefully the reflections I made can give some insight into my thinking process- and who knows, maybe my goals can make good inspiration for someone else’s goals too!

Start Doing

My Start Doing section, along with most of my other insights I made for this reflection, include things like “Embracing Obligation” or “Applying Myself”. This isn’t to say I am not already doing these, but I can put more effort toward these qualities and improving myself overall.

Stop Doing

This one is always harder to do in terms of a reflection. Critiquing yourself can be a challenge, especially when doing a wide view of yourself as a whole rather than focusing on one specific quarter. This time around, I focused on my occasional aversion to risk taking, and wanting to stop settling for something less- I always want the best I can get, both in the results I expect from myself as well as the environment around me. I also want to get better at getting out of my damn bed!

Do More Of

For this Do More Of, I focused on my core strengths- and I think they’re good. I bring energy and enthusiasm to the things I put effort into, I feel I have creative ideas, and I love the relationships I get to make with people- being a people person is one of my biggest strengths, and I want to do more there and capitalize on this quality as much as I can!

Thanks to those who helped me find my potential!

I didn’t become more proficient in marketing skills or organizing myself overnight, and I certainly didn’t do it alone. I want to take some time to thank those who have helped me along my path to being a better person- it’s important to recognize the great people around you who help in making you the best you can be!

My Peers

Firstly, thanks to my friends in AIMC- all the PM’s I had the fantastic opportunity of working together with, as well as the content creators I had in my prior quarter doing PM work myself.

Secondly, thanks to my fellow Executive Team members- Kyle Berg, Kaitlin Simpson, and Gavin Bohling. They’re fantastic people and helped me to be the best I can be today- and anyone would be lucky to have them on their marketing team!

My Teachers

Finally, I’d love to thank all the faculty and professors at the College of Business and Economics at WWU, but especially express huge gratitude to Dan Purdy, one of my favorite teachers I ever had. Dan has always pushed us to greater heights, made us think in ways we hadn’t yet, and constantly does everything he can to make sure students at WWU are becoming the best versions of themselves they can be. Dan, you’re an inspiration to me and many others, and we cannot say thank you enough.

This Isn’t Goodbye!

And by the way, this is in no way a “goodbye” blog. I never intend to let go of the fantastic relationships I’ve made at WWU, and I always will be interested to see what the latest things the IMC team has been cooking up for the quarter are. The content creators, PM’s, and Executive Team for each IMC group are always hard working, creative, and well-balanced individuals that I am always going to look for to draw guidance and inspiration from.

For the next round of Executives, I wish you the very best, and remember, always stay AGILE!