Promotion Execution Partners, a Cincinnati-based marketing and promotions agency, welcomed in October eight students from Central State University to participate in the second PEP/CSU Clinic. The program was created in an effort to provide CSU’s College of Business and Industry students with the opportunity to take what they have learned in the classroom and connect it with the real business world.
Each Friday for seven weeks, the hand-selected college juniors and seniors travel from their Wilberforce, Ohio campus to PEP’s headquarters in downtown Cincinnati to get a taste of life after college. The curriculum includes an introduction to the marketing and promotions industry, job search training, a tour of a commercial printer for marketing materials, guest speakers, and a marketing-related team project.
“We wanted to make sure we are focusing on what’s relevant outside of the classroom so that they are prepared when they enter the field of marketing,” said Stacey Fulgham, PEP Account Supervisor, leader of the clinic and diversity recruiting.
Through interactive games and discussions, the students are engaged to help them better retain the information and apply it at that first job after graduation. “I like the games because they make learning fun. You don’t have to stare at a PowerPoint the whole time,” said Terrance Starks, a senior double major in marketing and management. “I believe they are preparing us for the marketing industry and it’s giving me a more in-depth experience in my future career.”
PEP and CSU make an easy partnership. As a certified Minority Business Enterprise, PEP places an emphasis on diversity and recruiting minority candidates; while Central State University, an esteemed Historically Black University in the region, connects PEP to promising potential hires. Clinic participants are provided an automatic interview should they chose to apply for an internship or a career opportunity at PEP.
Jacinta Roberson, a senior marketing major, plans to apply to PEP and take advantage of the mentor program. Each student is paired with a PEP mentor to assist them through the program and even after graduation in applying to positions at PEP or to other career opportunities. “I feel I can always go back to PEP and get recommendations or even apply to PEP,” Roberson said. “I now have a foot in the door and know PEP will definitely help me in my career.”
CSU Market Research Professor Dr. Henry Schrader knows his students learn best by doing and that’s why he says the hands-on program is so valuable. “The experience is really priceless,” Schrader said. “The students are gaining first hand knowledge from today’s business practitioners, seeing the importance of organizational culture and they are able to put into practice what they have learned in their classes.” PEP’s project managers are sharing experience gained from executing more than 6,000 promotions for its clients, such as Procter & Gamble, H.J. Heinz and Fifth Third Bancorp.
The clinic continues weekly through Dec. 4, when the program will culminate with final team project presentations and a closing celebration.
ABOUT PROMOTION EXECUTION PARTNERS
Promotion Execution Partners (PEP) is a Cincinnati-based company that provides strategy, creative, project management, and measurement for its clients in healthcare, CPG, franchise food, financial, and business-to-business markets. Started in 2004, PEP, through its principals, provides over 40 years experience and a track record of meeting project management performance goals and exceeding client expectations. With a staff of over 70 and five offices nationwide, PEP brings not only proven, innovative approaches to promotion execution management but as a MBE, also helps companies who have adopted supplier diversity initiatives meet their tier one spending objectives. For more information about PEP visit http://www.peppromotions.com.
ABOUT CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
Central State University is a nationally recognized academic institution located in the heart of Ohio. The University has leading edge programs in urban education, emerging technologies, and fine and performing arts.
Central State University has a welcoming diverse community designed with students in mind.
More than 80 percent of Central State University graduates go on to a graduate school or a career in their field of study within one year of graduation.
Central State University is where leaders are creating change.
SOURCE: Promotion Execution Partners, 2009