In March 2016, Semify awarded its 10th online marketing scholarship to Mia Bajic, a student at University of California, Davis. While we continue to offer the scholarship, awarding it twice yearly to outstanding students who demonstrate a strong interest in digital marketing, we like to check in with previous winners and find out where they are now.
AT THE TIME YOU RECEIVED YOUR Semify SCHOLARSHIP, YOU WERE WORKING ON A NEW FOOD ORDERING APP FOR FELLOW STUDENTS. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THAT PROJECT AND WHERE IT IS NOW?
I spent one semester working on that app and played a big role in its presence becoming known on campus. Now, Tapingo is an essential part of campus life!
WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR GOALS YOU WERE LOOKING TO ACCOMPLISH AFTER YOU RECEIVED THE Semify SCHOLARSHIP?
Though I knew I could do marketing and that I was good at it, I wanted to explore my possible career options by doing lots of internships. I achieved this goal! I interned on campus, at a TV network, and with NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executive), and a YouTube MCN (multi-channel network)!WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT ASPIRATIONS?
Well, I graduate in less than two months, so my current aspiration is to have a job that I can start right away! Other than that, I’ve become really passionate about digital media, so I really want to not just work in the space but become an influential piece in shaping what the digital media industry becomes.WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
A friend of mine is taking a class called How to Get the Job You Love. I was ranting to her about how entry-level positions always require years of experience, and she told me about packaging. While I might not have 3+ years of social media management post-graduation, I have been a social media manager at my on-campus internship for three years, and I have been personally managing my own accounts for even longer. It’s not about lying, it’s about acknowledging the skills that you do have, no matter how you got them. That definitely changed the way I approached my job search.WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS?
Definitely network! LinkedIn is my best friend. I wouldn’t have gotten some of my internships without knowing who I know. You can take advantage of being a student and ask people you look up to for advice from a student perspective and build a relationship like that.
LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR THE Semify SCHOLARSHIP
The next Semify Digital Marketing Scholarship will be awarded in November 2016. For details on how to apply for the Fall 2016 scholarship, please visit the Semify Internet Marketing Scholarship page.