The first thing that struck me about Northwestern's IMC program when I arrived on campus was the tremendous amount of diversity among the participants. We have students from all over the world, each bringing a unique perspective on marketing and consumer insight. Most of us have work experience in a multitude of industries, but some came to Evanston directly from their undergraduate program. And our prior education varies to a great degree - I have a Finance background, but others haven't dealt with math and statistics for years!
We all came here for different reasons, but with the same goal - to learn how to market in the 21st century.
The concept of a "melting pot" is one that most of us have heard about, describing the mix of cultures in American society. I believe it accurately describes the IMC population as well. I got my bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, a large school with a substantial number of international students and faculty. But I can honestly say that I have had more engaging conversations with people unlike myself in the past 2 months than I did in 4 years in Madison.
Why? Here are a few reasons:
1. Class size/structure - The 2008 Medill IMC class is roughly 75-80 students, split into 2 sections. Class participation is vital for success (we get graded on it!) so it pays to be speak up, talk about your life, and even challenge the professors occasionally. It's a very different environment than the one I was used to: huge lecture halls and a lot of listening.
2. Personality - one characterization I can make about my peers is that everyone is really excited to learn from each other. It's pretty common for someone to send an email with an interesting article that relates to concepts from class. In many ways, we are teaching each other IMC. I'm sure that this is a quality that the admissions board attempts to identify in prospective candidates during their interviews.
3. Social networking - IMC students from the 2007 class are focusing on graduation in December, but they did a fantastic job acclimating us to the program during orientation. Medill sponsors several events that allow us to interact with each other (happy hours, lunch with the Dean, etc.) and to interact with industry leaders (Professional Speakers Series). In the same respect, most of us are new to Chicago, and have relied on each other to explore the city.
4. Mutual interest in cultures - American students took the initiative to teach their foreign counterparts about our brand of football at the NU-Michigan game. We also introduced some of them to Halloween and Thanksgiving. Conversely, the Asian students allowed us the privilege of helping them celebrate the Moon Festival and there have been plenty of potluck dinners exposing us to traditional dishes from their homelands.
--Paul
Monday, November 26, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
When is IMC?
When is IMC? IMC is NOW.
Now, more than ever, the insight into consumer needs and desires is a key element in the business empire. We as marketers NEVER stop questioning. We’ve answered the vigorous question of ‘what’ IMC does, now let’s discuss the significance of ‘when’ IMC. IMC is NOW. IMC is penetrating corporate communications and businesses at a phenomenal rate. IMC is becoming the basis for strategic communications for all types of companies. Cutting-edge companies are now using integrated marketing communications.
Check out this article:
Knowledge of the program is also growing. Employers are seeking out IMC grads at a higher rate every year.
Click Here To learn More:
IMC is all about differentiation. Differentiating yourself. Differentiating your company. Differentiating your brand. As an IMC student, you will undoubtedly stand out in a saturated world of competition when you enter the job force. This program stands out, not only as a premier program with a unique curriculum, but as the pioneer force in IMC. And IMC is now and IMC is the future of business strategic communications.
Now, more than ever, the insight into consumer needs and desires is a key element in the business empire. We as marketers NEVER stop questioning. We’ve answered the vigorous question of ‘what’ IMC does, now let’s discuss the significance of ‘when’ IMC. IMC is NOW. IMC is penetrating corporate communications and businesses at a phenomenal rate. IMC is becoming the basis for strategic communications for all types of companies. Cutting-edge companies are now using integrated marketing communications.
Check out this article:
Knowledge of the program is also growing. Employers are seeking out IMC grads at a higher rate every year.
Click Here To learn More:
IMC is all about differentiation. Differentiating yourself. Differentiating your company. Differentiating your brand. As an IMC student, you will undoubtedly stand out in a saturated world of competition when you enter the job force. This program stands out, not only as a premier program with a unique curriculum, but as the pioneer force in IMC. And IMC is now and IMC is the future of business strategic communications.
Friday, November 23, 2007
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
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
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Why IMC? Sweet Home Chicago!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Why Should I Choose IMC? Part II
After graduation, I took a job in the energy industry in Houston, TX. The pay was great. The company was great. The job was great. But, as time went on, I realized that if I wanted to be able to contribute as much as my coworkers – who were 20+ year career professionals – I would need to go back and hone my skills.
But, where should I focus myself?
I kept asking myself that question because my job had me wearing many different hats. So, I sat down and listed all of the aspects of my job that motivated me the most and I learned one thing above all else: I do my best work when I use both sides of my brain.
I liked finance. I liked industrial relations. But, I liked it the most when I was doing both at the same time.
Business school seemed to be the initial answer. However, I noticed that most schools force students to take courses that just did not interest me. What interested me was innovation, and I wanted to be a part of it.
I took another look at IMC and I realized that I need to go to Medill. To me, the benefits and opportunities were endless. (Take a look at the video’s on the side of the screen about residencies.) Fortune 500 companies are looking for people who can think in terms of Integrated Marketing Communications. The leaders of the marketing and advertising world are coming to Medill.
But, where should I focus myself?
I kept asking myself that question because my job had me wearing many different hats. So, I sat down and listed all of the aspects of my job that motivated me the most and I learned one thing above all else: I do my best work when I use both sides of my brain.
I liked finance. I liked industrial relations. But, I liked it the most when I was doing both at the same time.
Business school seemed to be the initial answer. However, I noticed that most schools force students to take courses that just did not interest me. What interested me was innovation, and I wanted to be a part of it.
I took another look at IMC and I realized that I need to go to Medill. To me, the benefits and opportunities were endless. (Take a look at the video’s on the side of the screen about residencies.) Fortune 500 companies are looking for people who can think in terms of Integrated Marketing Communications. The leaders of the marketing and advertising world are coming to Medill.
Why Should I Choose IMC? Part I
Hey everyone, this is Matt. When looking at grad schools, I got tangled up in the details of every program that interested me. So, rather than create a new brochure for Northwestern IMC, I am going to share why I chose Medill.
I first learned about IMC while I was an undergrad at Northwestern. Majoring in English, I added a Business Institutions minor with hopes that it would help me land a job when I graduated. Through the minor, I discovered IMC.
My last quarter of my senior year, I took Randy Hlavac’s class on Direct Marketing. Each lecture was filled with his stories from the trenches of the marketing world and they sparked an interest in me that stayed.
I first learned about IMC while I was an undergrad at Northwestern. Majoring in English, I added a Business Institutions minor with hopes that it would help me land a job when I graduated. Through the minor, I discovered IMC.
My last quarter of my senior year, I took Randy Hlavac’s class on Direct Marketing. Each lecture was filled with his stories from the trenches of the marketing world and they sparked an interest in me that stayed.
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