Today@Sam Article

COBA Students Gain Digital Marketing Skills In Unique Program

April 26, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

From left: Krishna Patel, Calyn Dugat and Sonia Diaz.

By Tory Josey

Calyn Dugat, Sonia Diaz and Krishna Patel, students of the College of Business Administration (COBA) Social Media Marketing class at Sam Houston State University, took a leap into the HubSpot x LinkedIn Ambassador Program, encouraged by their instructor Gina Brynildsen. Their participation in this seven-week program not only enhanced their knowledge and skills but also helped them build professional networks and gain practical experience.

Initially, the trio underwent a rigorous three-week boot camp where they delved into LinkedIn Advertising details. Guided by industry experts, they learned about marketing strategies, campaign optimization and audience targeting, navigating a steep learning curve as they absorbed valuable lessons. The boot camp provided a solid foundation for the next phase of their journey.

With new-found knowledge, the students transitioned into a four-week project phase, collaborating with HubSpot customers. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply their skills in crafting and executing LinkedIn Ads campaigns tailored to specific business goals.

"Working independently with a client on their advertising campaign significantly boosted my confidence in my abilities, proving the value of what I've learned,” Dugat said.

Throughout the program, the students focused not only on delivering results for their clients but also on cultivating meaningful relationships within the industry. They actively engaged with peers, mentors and professionals, expanding their networks and gaining valuable insights into the dynamic world of digital marketing. This interaction provided them with new perspectives and the opportunity to discuss emerging trends and strategies.

"For me, being able to extend my knowledge regarding marketing on LinkedIn is a nice challenge that requires a lot of time, but it is very rewarding. I am looking forward to using the knowledge from this program and my Social Media Marketing class to create an amazing project," Diaz said.

As the program ended, the young marketers successfully completed their projects and earned industry-recognized certificates along with a financial stipend of $750 each. These rewards confirmed their abilities and contributions. Their newly acquired skills provide a strong foundation for their future careers in marketing.

"This program has given me the freedom of doing what I believe is best for the company without being critiqued by anyone, making me more confident in the quality of ads I produce," Patel said.

Looking ahead, Dugat, Diaz and Patel are ready to leverage the skills and certifications they gained through the HubSpot x LinkedIn Ambassador Program. They are excited to make meaningful contributions to the marketing industry and continue their journey of growth and achievement. Their success serves as a testament to the program's effectiveness and the transformative power of experiential learning in shaping the next generation of marketing professionals.

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