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Name: Ebonn Thomas
Class: Senior
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Summerville, S.C.
You're one of eight Marketing Scholars this semester. What does that program involve? It's offered through the marketing department at the Moore School of Business, and our objective this semester has been to create an internal marketing plan for the University. We want to communicate to faculty, staff, and students the fact that USC is doing things and on the move--that we're not just a southern football school. Some of the things we've targeted are Innovista, the green dorm, the Office of Undergraduate Research; anything that's new and interesting at USC.
And you're focused on undergraduate research. Yes, each of us is in charge of a single project; this isn't like a typical group project where you all work together. I'm working with Julie Morris, the coordinator of the Office of Undergraduate Research, and I'm developing a collection of posters aimed at informing faculty and students about undergraduate research opportunities. I didn't even know that office existed before, and I'm guessing that a lot of other students don't know, either.
What's the experience been like so far? Marketing Scholars is classified as an intensive marketing course; it's not an elective and it's not required, but it's been a very informative experience for me. We don't receive a stipend, but we do have a budget. I'll use mine to create the posters, which will probably be 24" by 36" in size and, I hope, very professional looking. [Marketing professor] Stacy Wood has been very informative about marketing strategies throughout this semester--it's been a great real-life experience.
So this is crunch time, right? The semester is almost over. Yes, I hope to get at least three posters produced by the end of the semester. I'll probably put them up at Russell House and other places where students and faculty go. The next Marketing Scholar who works with the undergraduate research can take it from there.
What's been your most formative experience at USC? I really liked the dorm experience even though it wasn't always the best thing. I think everyone needs to do it for one year just to realize how different everyone is. I was in McClintock my freshman year, then in Sims for my sophomore year. I still have good friends from my freshman year. I stayed in off-campus apartments for students my junior year and have lived on my own my senior year, which was my best decision ever.
What's next after graduation? Finding a job! I'm trying to decide whether to go back home [in Summerville] or stay in Columbia, which seems to have a few more opportunities. I'm looking for a creative position in public relations, advertising, or event coordinating. My mom owns a tea room and gift shop in Summerville, and I've been doing all of her marketing for the past three years, so that's one thing I can count on.
4/06
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Ebonn Thomas, senior, marketing
