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In today’s competitive business world, simply getting good grades isn’t enough to set yourself apart. Whether you’re aiming for a high-impact internship, a full-time job, or admission to a top MBA program, you need to actively differentiate yourself from the thousands of other business students out there. The American Marketing Association at Saint Mary’s College of California is here to provide you with actionable steps to elevate your presence and stand out in a crowded field.
Compete in Business Case Competitions
Case competitions simulate real-world business challenges where students work in teams to develop strategic solutions for companies. They test your ability to analyze problems, craft innovative solutions, and present your ideas convincingly.
How to get started:
Join competitions like the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) (AAF NSAC), L’Oréal Brandstorm (L’Oréal Brandstorm), PwC Challenge Case Competition (PwC Challenge), AMASF Externship Academy (AMASF), or the Gaels Ignite Startup Pitch Competition (Gaels Ignite)
Form a team with students from different disciplines to bring diverse perspectives.
Develop skills in PowerPoint storytelling, financial analysis, and strategic thinking.
Attend workshops offered by AMA SMC.
Example: A current AMA SMC member participated in the American Marketing Association SF Externship Academy, where they conducted A/B testing and market research for a law firm based in San Francisco, CA. This experience not only sharpened their analytical skills but also landed them a paid internship at a top company.
Obtain Industry-Recognized Certifications
Certifications give you credibility and practical skills that employers value. They show initiative and expertise beyond what’s taught in classrooms.
Recommended certifications:
Google Ads & Google Analytics Certification (Google Skillshop)
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification (HubSpot Academy)
CFA Investment Foundations (CFA Institute)
Tableau or SQL certification (Tableau Certification, SQL Training)
How to get started:
Many of these certifications are free or available at a student discount.
AMA SMC offers workshops to familiarize students with these platforms.
Leverage resources like Coursera (Coursera), Udemy (Udemy), and LinkedIn Learning (LinkedIn Learning).
Access hundreds of professional certifications on LinkedIn Learning for FREE by obtaining a library card at Contra Costa County Library.
Build a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile is more than just an online resume—it’s your digital storefront.
Optimize your profile: Use a professional headshot, write a compelling summary, and highlight experiences with quantifiable achievements.
Engage with content: Post about projects you’re working on, share insights from industry articles, and comment on others’ posts.
Showcase projects: Upload presentations, research papers, or marketing campaigns you’ve worked on.
Network intentionally: Reach out to professionals in your field with a personalized message and request informational interviews.
For LinkedIn tips, check out LinkedIn’s Career Blog.
Gain Real-World Experience Beyond Internships
While internships are crucial, there are other ways to gain valuable business experience.
Alternative ways to gain experience:
Freelancing: Offer social media marketing, copywriting, or data analysis services on Fiverr (Fiverr) or Upwork (Upwork).
Start a Side Hustle: Launch an Etsy store (Etsy), affiliate marketing blog, or drop shipping business (Shopify).
Consult for a Nonprofit: Volunteer to manage social media or create a marketing strategy for a local nonprofit (Catchafire).
Externships: Check out extern.com for opportunities to accelerate your resume and career.
Engage in Leadership Roles
Employers look for leadership potential. Becoming actively involved in student organizations allows you to develop skills in team management, public speaking, and event planning.
How to gain leadership experience:
Join AMA SMC: Help organize speaker events, workshops, and networking sessions.
Start a New Club: Identify an unmet need on campus and launch a club to fill the gap.
Take on a Leadership Position: Move from a general member to a board role (President, VP of Marketing, etc.).
Network Like a Pro
Your network is your net worth. Building meaningful professional relationships can open doors that grades alone cannot.
Effective networking strategies:
Attend AMA SMC events: Our workshops, speaker series, company tours, and other events are great ways to connect with faculty and business professionals.
Request Informational Interviews: Reach out to alumni and professionals on LinkedIn.
Follow Up and Stay in Touch: After meeting someone at an event, send a follow-up message to keep the relationship warm.
Final Scorecard: Are You Standing Out?
Rate yourself on the following areas from 1-5 (5 being expert-level):
Category | Score (1-5) |
Case Competitions Participation | |
Industry Certifications | |
LinkedIn Presence | |
Real-World Experience | |
Leadership Roles | |
Networking Efforts |
If you score below 20, you have significant room to improve. Focus on the areas with lower scores and set tangible goals.
For more on this topic, check out this video from Applerouth Education:
To connect with the American Marketing Association | SMC, you can reach us at:
Email: Reach out to our executive team directly via email at gaelguerillas@gmail.com.
Website: gaelguerillas.com for information on events, resources, and membership opportunities.
Instagram: Follow our Instagram account, @gaelguerillas, for updates and community engagement.
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