I recently had the honor of attending the AMA Regional Conference 2023 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater alongside members from the AMA at UIC. Attending the American Marketing Association Regional Conference 2023 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was not just a learning experience but a clarion call to action. Engaging with AMA members from different and diverse institutions opened my eyes to the vast potential of what we can accomplish back home in Chicago. The camaraderie and enthusiasm at the conference underscored the significance of such platforms in bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s AMA chapter presented an impressive program marked by strong student involvement and substantial corporate sponsorship. Discussions with their students and faculty advisor underscored the importance of a community’s dedication and active participation.

Reflecting on the insights from the conference, I am inspired by the potential for AMA UIC to create a much more influential program. Our university’s strategic location in downtown Chicago and its diverse student population place us in an ideal position to build connections with industry professionals.

However, I am also mindful of the unique challenges we face at UIC. While the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater benefits from being located in a less bustling environment (Middle of nowhere, no offense) , where students are naturally more inclined to engage in on-campus activities, UIC operates in a dynamic urban environment. As a commuter school, our student body may not always be the most engaged in extracurricular activities, posing a potential obstacle. 

So, how do we transform our chapter into a beacon of marketing excellence and a hub for networking? Where do we begin? A SWOT analysis seems like an apt starting point:

Strengths:

Diversity in Perspective: UIC’s melting pot of cultures and backgrounds enriches our community with a multitude of perspectives, essential for innovative marketing.

Prime Location: in the heart of Chicago, we are at the crossroads of global business activity, an invaluable asset for networking and corporate partnerships.

Weaknesses:

Engagement Challenges: The commuter nature of UIC poses unique challenges in fostering consistent participation, an issue we must creatively address to ensure our program’s vitality.

Opportunities:

Growth Potential: UIC is a rapidly growing, fertile ground for AMA UIC’s expansion and influence.

Hub of Collaboration: Our chapter can become a central node for activities among AMA chapters in the Chicagoland area, leveraging our location and resources.

Threats:

Rapid Industry Changes: The marketing and business landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Adapting our program to address these changes while maintaining consistency in our offerings is a significant challenge.

Skill Relevance: As the marketing world evolves, aligning our focus with the necessary skills for the future is both essential and challenging.

So, what are the next steps?

Drawing from my experiences and learnings, both within and beyond UIC, here are some thoughts:

For engagement initiatives, I propose market segmentation within our membership, recognizing that different members seek different benefits. Freshmen may want to enhance their college experience, while seniors might be seeking jobs and internships. Undeclared majors could be exploring the field of marketing, and researchers might be seeking industry insights. To increase engagement, we should identify these needs and tailor our programs accordingly.

We should also bolster collaboration efforts. Connecting with other AMA chapters in and near Chicago could lead to a collective for regional marketing events and initiatives. Like airline companies that “code-share” flights, we could share internship opportunities or collaborate on events, both in-person and virtual.

These are just a few random ideas I have at this moment, Implementing these initiatives may span years and require the dedication of multiple cohorts of students. However, the foundation we lay will cement a strong and vibrant AMA UIC presence. As we progress, we do so with the understanding that we are nurturing not just a club, but a community of aspiring marketers, leaders, and innovators. Our actions will reverberate beyond academia, influencing the industry we aspire to join. The journey will be arduous, and the obstacles are significant, but such challenges pave the way for progress and the forging of leaders.

https://blog.business.uic.edu/news-stories/uic-business-students-attended-the-16th-regional-ama-conference/