Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have a diverse range of nearly 30 student-led groups on campus, offering students opportunities to connect, engage and grow in their personal and professional interests.
Skylar Reiss, Class of 2024 marketing and business analytics double major, is the president of the Blue Hen Marketing Club (BHMC) at Lerner College. Reiss shared why she joined BHMC, what makes this group stand out and how to get involved.
Lerner: When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Reiss: I joined the BHMC my sophomore year after attending the Spring Involvement Fair, and I have been a part of several different committees within the club and have held different leadership positions ever since. I decided to join BHMC because I wanted to learn more about marketing, meet more marketing/business students and be a part of a Lerner club. I really enjoy attending club meetings that feature various speakers from Fortune 500 companies, attending networking opportunities via the club’s coffee chats, and participating in various community-based consulting opportunities.
Lerner: When and where does your student group meet and approximately how many members do you have?
Reiss: We currently have 200+ registered members and BHMC meets about 2-4 times per month both virtually and in person.
Lerner: What is the mission/goal of your student group?
Reiss: As a registered student organization at UD and in affiliation with the American Marketing Association, we aim to unite students with other peers, faculty, and professionals, creating a productive atmosphere to develop professionalism, networking skills, and more beyond college.
Lerner: What is your best memory or proudest moment from this student group?
Reiss: My proudest moment from the BHMC was organizing and planning the Freshman Welcome Party this past fall. The Freshman Welcome Party is one of our largest events of the year where we welcome Lerner students to campus through a relaxed social environment with a mini presentation that features guest speakers along with catered food and beverages. This year we doubled the attendance rate from the previous year, making this one of the most successful events for the BHMC in recent years. This event helped me gain invaluable leadership and public speaking skills and I am so grateful to have been a part of this experience.
Lerner: What is unique about your student group?
Reiss: The BHMC accepts students of all years and majors. It is never too late or early to join! This past semester the BHMC has taken the initiative to provide members with hands-on marketing projects for local companies and organizations in addition to providing networking opportunities with guest speakers from various Fortune 500 companies.
Lerner: What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Reiss: My goal for the future of the BHMC is to become one of the largest RSOs on campus by offering a wider variety of events that interest club members. I would also love to see the club participate in the AMA Annual Trip and other AMA Marketing Conferences offered.
Lerner: How has your student group helped you grow, personally or professionally?
Reiss: The BHMC has helped me develop my leadership, public speaking, and professional skills. This club has taught me how to network by comfortably reaching out to UD alumni for Speaker Series events and developing new partnerships with both Fortune 500 companies and other RSOs to continue to develop in the future. Being a part of the BHMC is an invaluable experience that I will continue to cherish throughout my future business and marketing endeavors.
Lerner: Does your group have any social media handles?
Instagram: @bhmarketingclub
Lerner: Does your group have a website?
https://bluehenmarketingclub.wixsite.com/bhmc
Lerner: Is there any additional information regarding your student group that you believe has not been covered?
Reiss: Our organization fosters connections between students, faculty, and professionals who share an interest in marketing and practicing professionalism. BHMC’s events and resources also give members the opportunity to develop a variety of skills and relationships that they can carry with them beyond college.