To gain new insights about the career field of marketing and learn what soft skills are essential for aspiring marketing professionals, UMD AMA hosts a panel discussion with two members of the AMA Baltimore chapter. Dr. Sylvia Long-Tolbert, VP of Mentorship & Professional Development, and Moni Oloyede, VP of Marketing Technology, answer different questions about their marketing experience over the years.
Why did you choose a marketing career path?
Dr. Sylvia Long-Tolbert
After participating in a particularly energizing group project, Long-Tolbert enrolled in marketing courses to learn more about effectively and efficiently executing similar collaborative assignments. Her first job out of college was an assistant buyer at a large department store in Pittsburgh. She started in the lingerie section, and throughout her time there, she supported breast cancer patients. This memorable moment challenged Long-Tolbert to view her customers as humans with real needs and issues, impacting the philosophy she leads by in her current marketing career.
Moni Oloyede
Oloyede started her career interning at a marketing company, mainly running their operations and systems. The technical side of this field influenced her decision to transition over to the fundamentals of marketing, specifically guiding businesses on how to treat consumers as people, not numbers. Oloyede helps these businesses understand the core of marketing to better serve their customers.
What has been the most rewarding part about joining AMA?
Dr. Sylvia Long-Tolbert
What Long-Tolbert admires about professional associations such as AMA is their ability to keep up with changing times. Having been a part of five different chapters over the years, she also appreciates how each chapter has its own character and personality, yet all of them are a wealth of community and support. A lifelong AMA and National Black MBA Association member, she enjoys meeting individuals who diversify her experiences.
Moni Oloyede
Similarly, Oloyede values creating connections with AMA members and the businesses she works with. Understanding individuals’ challenges, desires, and needs is all a part of establishing strong relationships and learning from one another. She insightfully comments that price tags cannot be put on the act of reaching out to people and connecting with them, as they are far more valuable.
What’s your favorite memory from AMA?
Dr. Sylvia Long-Tolbert
Long-Tolbert’s favorite memory from AMA was when she was working on her PhD. In AMA, there are academic special interest groups called SIGs where members with common scholarly interests share their experiences, ideas, and knowledge. At the time, there was no SIG for diversity in marketing, so Long-Tolbert initiated that group, impacting AMA as a whole. Long-Tolbert comments that marketing is not solely about selling and closing deals, but more so creating impact and value among organizations in need.
Moni Oloyede
One of Oloyede’s favorite memories from AMA was an improv event held by one of their sponsors. The engaging and interactive experience prompted Oloyede to take improv classes on her own. She enjoys how this hobby allows her to open up and practice creativity, a skill especially important in today’s world since many individuals tend to shut themselves out, thus limiting their ideas. Another memorable moment for Oloyede was when she earned an opportunity to present at an AMA event, setting her off on the public speaking path and discovering that it was one of her passions.
What resources have you accessed through AMA?
Career development
Community
Connecting with those of common interests
Key Takeaways
You can learn a lot about consumers’ needs and wants just by listening and observing
Find out what your niche or unique proposition is - this skill/trait will carry you far with employers
Brand yourself, have a strong sense of who you are, and connect with different identities - when you graduate, you will become a commoditized brand
When applying for jobs, clearly understand why you are applying for the job
Have good judgment and be self-aware - prospective employers cannot give their best if you cannot tell them where you are and what you need
With the job market and professional world constantly changing, it is good to have one main career you want to achieve, but also recognize two adjacent areas you can imagine yourself pursuing
In between structured coursework, complete certifications that pique your interest and will develop your marketing knowledge
Communication will always be important, and 70% of good communication is listening to understand - the best marketers are people who listen very well
Being able to write is an important skill for marketers to have
Employers look for employees who take initiative and can figure things out on their own
Audience Questions
In contrast to the discussion of the importance of face-to-face interaction in marketing, how can marketers utilize technology to enhance their brand?
The fundamentals of marketing are needed to make technology work the best for you. Creating an audience, brand, and point of view are unique to your ideas and thoughts. Technology is merely a vessel. Even with AI, the output is only as good as the input.
How can freshmen and sophomores get internships?
Don’t rely on the Internet. Instead, ask employers if they need help. Observe the environment around you and listen in on conversations concerning people complaining about their work. Take advantage of the fact that employers like it when individuals ask to do things for them.
AMA Baltimore Mentorship Program
“AMA Baltimore is dedicated to building conversations, connections, and community helping marketers in all stages of their career grow. That’s why we launched the Mentor Connections program.”
What’s in it for You?
1-on-1 development & coaching
Add a new node to social media for professional networking
Peer-to-peer connections
Expanded perspective on career opportunities and pathways
Build a foundation for your own professional branding
If you have any additional questions for Dr. Sylvia Long-Tolbert or Moni Oloyede, reach out to them through LinkedIn.
- Chaewon Cheon
Commentaires