Charlotte, N.C./Nov. 21, 2023 – Johnson C. Smith University hosted 11 senior executives and managers representing more than eight advertising agencies across North and South Carolina during the inaugural Carolinas Agency Day Symposium.
“We are immensely grateful for the collaborative efforts that made the Carolinas Agency Day Symposium a resounding success,” said Dr. Nayyer Naseem, assistant professor of Marketing. “We look forward to continued engagement with the advertising industry and are optimistic about fostering meaningful connections between our students and the esteemed professionals who graced the event.”
More than 25 students majoring in disciplines such as Marketing, Communications, Sports Marketing and other business-related fields attended the two-hour seminar.
Kaia Johnson ’24, a Communication Studies major from Oakland, said the experience provided her with insight about the many opportunities a degree in her field can offer.
“The experience was eye-opening to what I want to do to further my career,” she said. “I want to go into public relations and marketing. Speaking to them helped me find internships and job opportunities I could look into for my major, which is helpful since I am about to graduate.”
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Jennifer Joyner, director of the Smith Institute for Research, Career Development and Postgraduate Readiness at JCSU.
"Partnerships are the cornerstone of what we do on campus,” said Joyner. “Our collaboration with the business department and engaging more than eight marketing and public relations firms from North and South Carolina is a game changer for our students. The Smith Institute is a game changer and pipeline for JCSU talent. We value productive partnership.”
The session featured self-introductions and a captivating video presentation showcasing TV commercials created by leading marketing agencies in the Carolinas.
“The engagement between students and industry professionals was truly enlightening, with students eager to glean insights into the personal experiences, motivations and professional challenges faced by these seasoned executives.”
The discussions delved into various facets of the advertising industry, including details about job profiles, entry-level opportunities and internship programs offered by the participating agencies.
Each student who participated received a $10 Amazon gift card in addition to the course credits promised by their respective faculty.
