05-03-2024
Against the backdrop of a bustling city skyline, a recent Chicago networking trip provided a platform for Ishita Agarwal and her peers at the Daniels School of Business to share networks, insights and experiences. Agarwal, MS Marketing ’24, attended this trip with other select students from the Daniels School of Business in fall 2023.
Agarwal, along with Hao Chuan Lee, Chi Wu, Naga Sai Krishna Chalapati, Bhawishya Juneja, Ronak Shah, Keyuri Desai, Rohan Shah, Professor Jinsuh Lee, Kangan Kher, Mansi Swami, Meghan Lam, Shubhi Srivastava, Marufah Akintayo and Mansha Chimnani, networked with the VP of Commerce Media Strategy at Profitero, the VP of Marketing for the Chicago Bulls, the Marketing leader from Mondelèz International, and marketing associates from Simon-Kucher, Adobe and 84.51, a retail data analysis company.
Networking has long been understood as a two-part process: establishing initial contact with a professional and then following up to maintain and build that connection over time. Through the Chicago networking trip, organized by Agarwal and her classmates did both.
“Building relationships with these professionals has not only broadened my understanding of the industry but also opened doors to mentorship, internships and potential job opportunities.” — Ishita Agarwal.
Following this experience, Agarwal connected with various professionals on social media and other professional networking platforms, ensuring the "continuous growth" of her network. Today, through the internet, companies and their operations are easily accessible worldwide. However, gaining firsthand experience and meeting professionals face-to-face significantly cultivates lasting connections, leading to outcomes that a mere LinkedIn message or email cannot achieve.
For example, Agarwal recalls being able to “establish contacts with individuals who are actively involved in the marketing field.” Meeting with Jie Cheng, the VP & Global Head of Digital Commerce at Mondelèz International, helped her learn about the professional opportunities available to her. The immense value of this opportunity stemmed from her ability to steer conversations with focused intent toward her career goals. In turn, this enabled her to engage in an exchange of experiences and goals more authentically – fostering powerful one-on-one connections.
In marketing, obtaining information can be both overwhelming and challenging. This trip addressed that holistically by providing opportunities for students to learn directly from industry experts. Through informational sessions, professional panel discussions and networking dinners with industry professionals and marketing alumni, students gained critical insights into the latest marketing trends, challenges and opportunities.
“We learned about clean rooms, media integrations and research techniques in class, which were exemplified with real projects in these sessions,” says Agarwal.
“Among other conversations, I remember learning about how data is used in the industry. ‘You work with data for non-data people,’ I learned from Paige LaNasa, the Head of Marketing at Goodship.” - Ishita Agarwal.
Agarwal vividly remembers her favorite "aha" moment from her conversation with LaNasa. She learned how data serves as a tool, allowing marketers to transition through multiple stages of branding. By first discussing strategies currently working successfully in the market and then analyzing them, marketers can artfully craft stories for their brands.
In addition to visiting Adobe, the trip also provided Agarwal and her classmates with the opportunity to visit 84.51 in person. Site tours like these were exciting, allowing students to walk through spaces where key business decisions are made daily. Being present in such an environment also encouraged students to demonstrate their initiative and craft strong impressions for future employers. Moreover, the trip presented an avenue for students to ask pressing questions, ranging from their roles to the projects they have enjoyed most. Most importantly, students could take advantage of environments that helped them visualize their futures.
“Immersive events such as the Chicago trip help build a broader perspective on the discipline and go beyond the written word. I would highly suggest future students seek out such experiences and participate in them. Be proactive, take control, and move around your calendar to go, if you must,” shares Agarwal.
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, please fill out the form and a program specialist will be in touch!
