Student Organization Spotlight: American Marketing Association
Zach Juarez, President of the American Marketing Association.
The Fowler College of Business is highlighting the American Marketing Association (AMA), a student organization that is helping students gain experience in the marketing industry. AMA planned events with guest speakers and hosted a career fair for members to speak to industry leaders directly. Zach Juarez (Senior, Marketing), President of American Marketing Association, describes how AMA helps students find internship opportunities, contributes to their local community, and more!
About the American Marketing Association
Q: What are the goals of your organization?
The American Marketing Association at San Diego State University is focused on bringing together passionate students who seek to better themselves and their peers through the exploration of diverse, real world marketing and business skills. We achieve this through professional networking opportunities, insights from industry leaders, community engagement, and peer connections. We help prepare our members with the knowledge and ability needed for a fulfilling career in the world of marketing and beyond!
Q: Why should students join your organization?
AMA is a great place to start for any and all interested in the concept of marketing! From the most experienced marketer to the biology major interested in learning how to boost their social media presence to the freshman or transfer student looking to begin their professional post-college plan, we aim to cover the topics our members look for most!
Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
Our meetings include resume and professional development workshops, guest speaker presentations from companies such as TikTok, Disney, Google, Amazon, and local marketing agencies, and themed social events. Additionally, we host a bi-annual marketing-focused career fair to allow for students to speak directly to company executives and apply for internships in-person!
Q: When does your organization meet?
We host regular meetings every Tuesday from 5 pm - 6 pm! We also pride ourselves on our revamped Spring 2022 hybrid model so members can always attend virtually!
AMA Case Study Competition.
Q: How does your organization connect with the community outside of SDSU?
SDSU AMA prides itself on our community outreach, specifically as it pertains to marketing advice to local businesses! Throughout our workshops, we have rebranded two local businesses and continue to seek opportunities to use our marketing efforts to support San Diego businesses!
Q: How can a student get involved with your organization?
Membership applications for the spring semester are open for all of February 2022! Members have many additional benefits they receive with membership including a club swag pack, access to our regular meetings, and the ability to join one of our regular committees! Please contact us with more information on how to join SDSU AMA.
Q: What are your organization’s social media handles?
@sdsuama on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook!
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about your organization.
AMA’s spring application window is coming up! We are open to ALL majors and meet regularly on Tuesdays from 5 pm - 6 pm. Be sure to follow us on our social media to stay up to date!
Q & A with American Marketing Association President, Zach Juarez
Name: Zach Juarez
Major: Marketing
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
I transferred to SDSU in Fall 2020. Being a fully virtual and quarantined student, I felt incredibly disconnected from my school and peers. I found AMA by chance and decided to give it a shot! I was so glad to join because it INSTANTLY gave me a friend group, and beyond that developed me professionally more than any other initiative I took by myself! I served as VP Membership in Spring 2021 and was elected President for my final year at SDSU. I am incredibly grateful for all that AMA has given me!
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful so far?
As mentioned, AMA regularly hosts professional development workshops. I attended a “rebrand competition” during Fall 2020 and ended up winning with my team! A few weeks later, I interviewed for an internship with Amazon Web Services (AWS). During the interview, I discussed our “rebrand case competition” and how my team was able to work together to win the competition. Through discussing what I did at AMA, I was able to secure an internship with AWS, which has now led to a full-time job post-college! I am incredibly grateful for AMA’s ability to constantly provide value for students to use down the line.
AMA's Executive Board for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Q: Why is getting involved on campus important to you?
In all honesty, I wanted to join an organization to develop the ol’ resume. My intentions were quite objective. What I found instead was a place that has a really defined sense of community while being the MOST open to new members joining. Getting involved on campus can help your professional standing, but more importantly, it allows you to deepen your connection as an SDSU student more than anything else!
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Dr. Andrew Baker, one of my former professors and personal mentor, helped me prepare for my internship with AWS in spring 2021. He told me to “go all out and impress as many people as possible.” His words and encouragement helped me a ton to learn and push to receive my offer. I am so grateful for his wisdom!
Q: What is the best advice you have for future Fowler College of Business students?
I could say that my best advice is to put your head down and work really, really, really hard. However, I want to say that the reason I have found success is because of three simple concepts: kindness, sincerity, and empathy. These attributes are easy to downplay (in fact, I bet I lost a few people at one of those three words), however I genuinely believe that if you can work hard, be kind, and empathize with others, you will find success. Working hard will get you places, but working hard and being a good human being will get you anywhere you want to go.
Q: Are you involved in any internship opportunities?
In spring 2021, I interned for AFMKTG, an incredible boutique marketing firm in north San Diego county. Additionally, I was a Sales Intern for Amazon Web Services in summer 2021 and will be returning in spring 2022 as a full-time Amazonian! I ABSOLUTELY recommend finding a mentor who can guide you and give advice at any internship you have! Even if it's an older individual or someone with more experience at your internship, ask them questions and for advice!
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
As mentioned, I will be relocating to Seattle, WA, to start my full-time position in AWS’s sales division. I am incredibly excited to be in the PNW and to start a new chapter!
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about your time at SDSU/experience in your organization.
I want to say that if you are on the fence about getting more involved in campus, GO FOR IT! I am not typically a person who is involved in student organizations, but the second I did it opened so many doors for me. I will forever encourage all to get involved as much as possible in campus activities and groups!
AMA at the 2021 Fowler College of Business Career Fair.
Q: Pancakes or waffles? Waffles! I used to be team pancake, but my girlfriend has converted me.
Q: Favorite band? I have gone through a ton of phases, but I gotta say that Daniel Caesar, Daft Punk, and Justice have always been there.
Q: Instagram or TikTok? Oh TikTok for sure. Their algorithm is insane! I regularly delete it to stay off of it haha.
Q: Horror or comedy movie? Recently, horror! I dig cinematography and it makes it less scary when you think about the technical achievements horror films have made!
Q: Sunset Cliffs or La Jolla? La Jolla! I’m from Oceanside and something just seems similar to my hometown.
Q: Pancho’s or Trujillo’s? Ok, I won't front. I haven't been to either. If you know me, please let me hear both sides of the debate!
Q: Fun Fact? I was a performing/teaching musician for a bunch of years while at community college! I taught high school drumline for a few years and still regularly do gigs around SD.
