Students in Advertising at University of Iowa Welcomed Speaker Heather Rast

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (03/26/2011)(readMedia)-- Students in Advertising (SIA) is a student-led business organization comprised of over 60 members from freshman to senior levels. The organization includes degree-seeking young men and women pursuing careers in web design, public relations, advertising and film, marketing, and copywriting.

As owner of Insights & Ingenuity, a Cedar Rapids brand management consultancy providing branding, content, and digital marketing services, the eighteen-year veteran offered the perspective of a small business owner schooled in agency and client-side environments.

Rast's presentation, given in February during a chapter meeting, included best practices for distinguishing oneself during the review and hiring process. She coached members to focus on accumulating experiences and skills typically unexpected of fresh young recruits. "Every student with the drive to carve a career for themselves and the creativity to build a relevant offering presents a valuable opportunity to employers," said Rast. "At this stage, they should be discovering ways to plug together knowledge gained through their studies with their personal talents, then exploring methods to do something most other students aren't doing." Even if a student simply starts a blog, consistently writing about observations in product design and packaging (for instance) demonstrates critical thinking and discipline. Blogging could also provide tactical entry-level experience in web publishing and search engine optimization, she advised.

The interactive discussion included ad-hoc questions from students, many of whom are interested in securing full-time positions or internships in marketing departments.

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Insights & Ingenuity is a Cedar Rapids brand management consultancy led by principal Heather Rast. We partner with companies to build enduirng brand identities and breakaway market positions.

We create brand-building strategy, remarkable content, and plan needle-moving digital marketing programs. And we do it with moxie. Call 319-573-5452 or visit our web site to learn how.