What exactly is IMC?

What? IMC? What exactly is IMC?

So we’ve introduced you to Northwestern, Medill and Integrated Marketing Communications. The question that plagues every marketing-oriented person next is: ‘so what?’ Why Northwestern? Why Medill? Why IMC? In other words, what’s in it for me right? In order to answer these questions, this entry is dedicated to the ‘what’ aspect of our blog. What exactl does IMC do? Not only will we examine what IMC does as far as actions and purpose, but what IMC can do for you. After all, it is all about you.
Fundamentals are the building blocks that pave the way to your idealistic future. As cheesy and cliché as this sounds, it’s the honest truth. I guess there is no other truth. Although I’m sure our average visitors and admirers of IMC want to know more than the education, we all have to start somewhere. After all, that’s ultimately why we are all here. What will you learn and take away from IMC? Students in IMC are preparing for careers in marketing communications and marketing management. Students will learn about traditional areas of marketing communications, combined with business skills in marketing, finance, statistics and organizational behavior. You will learn how to be the best marketer and stand out in an inundated world of business practitioners. And let’s be realistic-it’s an incredibly competitive world out there for our business, but IMC holds the key to penetration and success.

You will learn skills to create customer-centric, data-driven integrated marketing decisions. You will learn how to reach consumers through interactive and emerging media and to combine real-world experience with knowledge of research tactics to create innovative approaches to today's marketing challenges. IMC is a journey towards self-discovery as well as truly constructing a place for yourself in the business and marketing world by leveraging your strengths. As you will find in IMC, no one problem is the same in the ‘real world,’ but IMC will equip each of its students with all the necessary skills and insight to deal with each problem and continue to be successful in whatever path they may choose. Below is a link to the most current IMC curriculum, check it out!

View or download IMC Full-Time Curriculum.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of IMC, I’m sure you’re all dying to know the lifestyle of a typical IMC student. Just what goes on during a typical day in IMC? Well your day starts bright and early. Classes don’t start until 9 am, but IMC’ers need to prepare for the long day ahead. You wake up and be sure to fuel with at least one cup of coffee, and then usually another in class. Caffeine is one of the many friends you will make in IMC! You head on to class, one from 9-11 am, the next from 11-1 pm. You’re thinking, wow only four hours a day, not bad! However, your day rarely ends there. You stop at Norris Café for a lunch break and then head right back to MTC, more than likely to the second floor lounge for a group meeting or to study. Before you realize it, another four hours have passed. Seems like a full-time job doesn’t it? You break again for dinner to re-fuel then more than likely head to the library for some personal brain-busting time. Library time will vary with each person and reading for the day. Also, sleep is entirely optional but strongly recommended, at least every once in a while! IMC is definitely a full-time job!

Don’t think IMC is all work and no play! This program, in addition to its diverse curriculum, is overflowing with continual social and networking opportunities. Almost every weekend is filled with happy hours, trips to the city, potlucks, parties, alumni gatherings and much more. As far as additional networking opportunities, various prestigious and premier employers visit Medill and give presentations monthly. Below is a list of our most
current calendar of events as well as future speakers.

Fall 2007 Lineup
Friday, October 5
Ogilvy Team

Monday, October 8
Mary Lou Song, BSJ91 (Founder, Tokoni Inc., Director, Community Development @ Friendster and Sr. Product Manager @ Ebay.

Tuesday, October 16
Fleishman-Hillard CEO

Thursday, October 18
IMC's Don Schultz on Marketing in China

October 23 or 23 or November 2 or 19
Google Panel Featuring IMC Alums

October 25
Mark Shadle from Weber Shandwick

October 30
IMC Alum John McLaughlin, Critical Mass

November 5
IMC Alum Babu Monie – Performics

November 8 or 9
MARCUSA

Week of November 5
Clive Humby

Week of November 26
Jonathan Lange – of the Milk campaign