Year two of our Marketing Explorers program was a resounding success! The learning sessions went well because our students Astou and Dianalys were attentive, curious, and inspired. Before they leave for summer break, we asked our explorers to share more about themselves and what they enjoyed about their time with us.
Check out the Q&A below to see what they had to say.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself. What year are you in high school? Where are you going to college? What are your favorite classes? What do you like to do outside of school? Do you play a sport or an instrument? Do you have a hidden talent? Are you really good at a craft?
Astou: My name is Astou Diallo, I am a senior in high school and aspiring entrepreneur. In the fall of 2019, I plan on going to the University of Connecticut. My favorite classes are business & technology classes such as AP Computer Science and marketing. Outside of school, I love to read and watch Netflix. My hidden talent is being able to read people well, and the only craft I’m good at is envisioning the unimaginable and figuring out ways to make it possible.
Dianalys: Hey 🙂 My name is Dianalys Bonilla, I’m 18 years old and a senior at Hill Regional Career High School. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Connecticut and pursuing my bachelors in the business field. My favorite classes are AP U.S. Government and Politics, University of Bridgeport Principles of Accounting, and marketing. Outside of school, I go to the gym way too often, read, and watch documentaries and international dramas.
What made you interested in marketing and advertising?
Astou: My interest in marketing and advertising began when I took Marketing 1 as a junior and joined the DECA chapter at my school. It was interesting to me because it deals with the psychology of how people think and is also a way to show people products and services that could benefit their lives.
Dianalys: I’ve been involved in the business world since I was 14, from classes to summer programs. I’ve always been curious to explore how things work behind the scenes. Business has its own language and tons of layers which really intrigues me. Everything is a business and there’s never a dead end. I became very fascinated in advertising recently because it baffles me how this small group of people can create this image, video, or statement that is seen by everyone and can impact the world and people’s lives.
What are you looking forward to coming out of this opportunity?
Astou: The main thing that I was looking forward to coming out of this opportunity was being able to learn about marketing and all the different aspects that go into it, and how you can successfully market items and services while still implementing your own thoughts and beliefs. And within the time I’ve been here, I’ve learned even more than I thought I would.
Dianalys: I’m looking forward to seeing things from a different perspective. Since starting my internship at Response, I’ve started to see things from a marketing perspective, like the placement of candy in a grocery store or the purpose of certain music in advertising or the reasoning behind why Kohl’s is now accepting returns for Amazon. It’s baffling.
What has been exciting to learn so far?
Astou: It’s been exciting to learn about how Response assists all the different companies with the campaigns, products, and services they want to launch. For example, with an Uncle Julio’s campaign, it was really cool how some of the team went to Texas. I never knew that marketers were hands on, I’ve always thought of them as behind-the-scenes guys.
Dianalys: One of the most exciting things that’s happened was getting to sit down and talk with all the different people in different fields at Response and gain an understanding of the purpose and part they play. Whether it be copywriting, coding, social media managing, accounting, or graphic design, they were all equally fascinating.
What area do you see yourself in your future marketing role?
Astou: In the future, I see myself as being the employer of a marketing manager or seeking a marketing agency and hopefully having the ability to work directly with them and learn about how their techniques and strategies can improve my business.
Dianalys: I definitely want to get into international business and possibly marketing management with a minor in accounting. I enjoy the creativity and curiosity of marketing so I’ll definitely be implementing those aspects into whatever career I pursue in the future.
We couldn’t be more thrilled with these two young ladies and their love of learning.
We know that wherever they end up in the business and marketing world, whether it’s on the client or agency side, they’re going to be a great addition to the industry. Â