3 Things I Learned During My First 3 Months on the QMA Team
By: Antonia Jaramillo
Joining QMA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my university life so far. As a first year, I was eager to get involved and learn as much as possible about marketing, and QMA provided the perfect platform for that. Here are three key lessons I've learned during my first three months with QMA.
1. The Power of Networking and Building Connections
One of the most useful lessons I've learned this year is the power of networking. Networking within QMA is not just about exchanging business cards; it's about building meaningful relationships. Through Marketing Career Day, I had the opportunity to meet and connect with upper-year students, alumni, and industry professionals, giving me intimate access to industry leaders and representatives from leading Canadian marketing firms. The event taught me the importance of asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest in others' experiences, ultimately leading me to build strong connections.
I've also learned to be proactive by attending as many QMA events and meetings as possible. Introducing myself and starting conversations with new people has become second nature, and these connections have broadened my understanding of the field and opened doors to potential internships and career opportunities.
Another crucial factor in effective networking is after meeting someone, I always make it a point to send a thank-you email or message expressing my appreciation for their time and advice. This simple act of gratitude goes a long way in maintaining and forming these valuable connections.
I am now looking forward to continuing to create these connections at QMAC 2024 in Toronto, and I encourage all commerce students to apply this fall to be delegates. This year will be like no other.
2. Balancing Academics and Club Activities
Managing my time effectively has been another essential lesson I've learned during my first three months with QMA. Balancing academics and extracurricular activities can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. One of the first steps I took was to create a schedule; in fact, Google Calendar has become my best friend when organizing tasks. The tight-knit community of the QMA team means we all support one another; this creates a fast-paced but supportive environment that fosters growth and success. Therefore, by creating a calendar, I've been able to allocate time for my studies and QMA activities. I make sure my tasks are broken into smaller steps, which helps me manage multiple large projects without feeling overwhelmed.
"Embrace life's full spectrum."
When I first heard this, I instantly fell in love with the phrase because it reminds us to be human. By becoming an advocate for the importance of a balanced university experience with QMA, I learned to value all dimensions of my life: excelling academically, participating in extracurricular activities, attending social events, and finding time for relaxation and my well-being. I now recognize that to succeed in my studies, engage in diverse activities, build meaningful relationships, and prioritize self-care, I must maintain a healthy balance with my various priorities.
3. Gaining Practical Marketing Experience
One of the main reasons I joined QMA was to gain hands-on experience in marketing, and the club has certainly exceeded my expectations. Through participating in real-world marketing projects and campaigns, I've applied theoretical knowledge from my previous classes to practical scenarios. I have developed my communication, analytical, and creative thinking skills by working on various marketing strategies and collaborating with the team. The QMA also offers workshops and hosts speakers from leading companies, providing opportunities to learn new skills and stay updated with industry trends. For example, the annual Master Class in July features industry-leading speakers and workshops that enhance our marketing skills and prepare us for recruitment, whether it’s for an internship, march hiring, or job interviews. Additionally, serving as the Content Coordinator at QMA, I have had the opportunity to edit and enhance our website, which has taught me many skills I otherwise wouldn't have learned until working in the industry. I now have experience in web design, content management, and digital marketing, all crucial skills in today's marketing environment.
To say the least, my first three months with QMA have been a period of significant growth and learning. This wouldn't have been possible without the incredible team I have had the privilege to work with. Their generosity in sharing advice and knowledge has been nothing short of inspiring. I have had learning opportunities beyond the classroom, and if you're passionate about marketing and eager to develop your skills, I strongly encourage you to get involved with QMA. Whether through our Brand Ambassador Program, attending our Master Class event, participating in Marketing Career Day, or becoming a delegate at QMAC, there are numerous opportunities to learn and grow in this community. These experiences have set a strong foundation for my future growth and success in the marketing field. I am excited to continue my journey with this team, knowing I am well-equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive.