Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have almost 30 unique student groups that they can choose to join. In each installment of this series, an executive member of one of these student groups will share their first-hand experience choosing, participating in and eventually leading their group.
Lexie Lattner, Class of 2020 marketing major with an advertising minor, is the co-president of the Blue Hen Marketing Club (BHMC) at the Lerner College. Lattner shared why she joined the BHMC and what makes this group unique and more!
When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Lattner: I became involved my first year at UD because I saw how this club could give me hands-on experience, networking opportunities and how I could be surrounded with students who shared similar interests to mine.
What is the mission of your student group?
Lattner: 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.
What is your best memory from this student group?
Lattner: My first year I was a general member and then I applied for the position of director of promotions and events, which I got elected into during the end of that spring semester. I spent two years in that role, working with an incredible executive board, and now I get to serve as one of two co-presidents for the club.
I am amazed at the progress and growth that I have seen in BHMC. My best memory is definitely attending the American Marketing Association’s International Collegiate Conference last spring, which we had not attended in many years. We were able to network with leaders in other chapters from all across the country and brainstorm endless ideas on how to improve our own chapter.
What is unique about your student group?
Lattner: Our student group offers a mix of social and professional activities. We have fundraisers on Main Street, events with other clubs, workshops for resumes, LinkedIn and headshots as well as big off-campus events.
We also just launched a new component of our consulting committee, in which an instructor at the university who owns his own consulting firm will give members hands-on experience in creating Facebook ads and learning the basics of marketing that may not be learned in a classroom.
What has been your proudest moment leading your student group?
Lattner: My proudest moment has definitely been spearheading our annual Freshman Welcome Party and seeing it be a large success. My other co-president, Dani, and I had worked tirelessly all summer long to ensure that all the details of this event were worked out. From contacting speakers, communicating with local businesses on Main Street to receive gift cards for a raffle and more, we were able to make this event more interactive and fun for the students than it has ever been in the past. We wanted to make sure that incoming freshmen were made aware of all of the incredible opportunities that BHMC and the Lerner College has to offer.
What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Lattner: Our main goal is always to find more and more ways in which we can give value to members. We really want to make sure that students can get a great deal of experience, connections, skills and general school help, like registering for classes, from our club and our executive board.
As a business student, life can sometimes feel overwhelming, juggling school work, job-searching, and always trying to make sure you are doing everything that you should be doing. We try to step in and help by bringing in accomplished alumni to speak on their path since UD, reviewing resumes and LinkedIn profiles and giving any feedback that we can to members who would like it. We want to see all of our members feel confident in their role as marketing students and reach their highest potential.
How has your student group helped you grow?
Lattner: This group has helped me grow in a myriad of ways. From being a general member, to running for an e-board position, to being elected as one of two Co-Presidents, I have watched myself grow through this organization. I have built confidence in speaking to large groups of people, built my network tremendously and attended trips that I will remember forever. This group has given me such valuable leadership experience and I feel so confident in my resume, as well as my knowledge in all different areas of marketing.
Blue Hen Marketing Club has approximately 100 members and meets monthly.