Semify Scholarship Created Many Opportunities for Fall 2013 Winner Carlos Martinez

For the May edition of the Semify newsletter “The Shout,” Semify Marketing Team and Development Specialist Angelina Hilton interviewed Carlos Martinez, a recipient of the Semify Digital Marketing Scholarship

When Carlos received the Semify scholarship in November 2013, he was a marketing major at California State University-Long Beach. He has since graduated is now a marketing specialist at Digital Watchdog and a “pioneer of digital marketing” for the company.

WHAT KINDS OF OPPORTUNITIES OPENED UP FOR YOU AFTER YOU RECEIVED YOUR SCHOLARSHIP?

Being a Semify scholarship recipient allowed me to create many opportunities for myself. The scholarship helped me to buy my first laptop, which helped me to get through college and, most importantly, to apply to many internships. This scholarship definitely enhanced my list of achievements and helped me stand out from my peers, and it became a good asset to have when interviewing.

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION AT YOUR COLLEGE?

As the president of the American Marketing Association, I was responsible for leading a team of 15 student leaders and 100+ club members. One of my main responsibilities was to make sure that we collectively planned and executed different strategies to keep the CSULB AMA Chapter among the best in the country. I was responsible for planning and managing over 50 events throughout the academic year, including fundraising events, recruitment efforts, and professional conferences. I managed and raised a starting budget of $784 to $13,533 in one academic year. The most important achievement as president of the CSULB AMA Chapter was to lead the chapter to win 13 awards and be recognized as an Elite Top 15 Chapter out of 390 AMA Chapters.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM CAREER GOALS?

Short term goal: I’m currently a Marketing Specialist at a technology company called Digital Watchdog. As my short term goal, I plan to continue taking advantage of all the responsibilities I’m getting assigned with. I’m a driven individual, but I still have a lot to learn before I move into a bigger challenge; therefore, my short term goal is continue being a “sponge” and absorb and learn as much as possible.

Long term goal: I have a great desire to get into digital marketing. In my current position, I’m the pioneer of digital marketing for the company. Eventually, I would like to focus my career practicing digital marketing, especially email marketing, SEO and analytics.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?

I have to say that some of the best advice I have received has come from my mentor, Michael Tomlin. I remember since the first day he started mentoring me, he would always say, “CONTINGENCY PLANS! Always be prepared, have contingency plans and never assume a project will go 100% perfect.” This advice has resonated so much now that I’m in the “Real World.” Every time I have to coordinate an event or a marketing campaign for my company, I make sure that all possible outcomes are covered with contingency plans. Being prepared for any sort of situation is the only way to guarantee that you will be successful at whatever it is that you are coordinating.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOURSELF?

Find a mentor – I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the mentoring that Michael Tomlin has done with me. It is very important to have someone who will give you professional advice and will always try to expand your mind.

Network – I believe that now more than ever, having a solid network and going to networking events and connecting with people within your industry/field is an essential asset to have if you want to achieve your career goals. You never know who you will meet and when you will need them.

Always go the extra mile – Don’t settle. Always try to do a bit more!

LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR THE Semify SCHOLARSHIP

Applications for the Fall 2016 Semify Digital Marketing Scholarship are now being accepted. Visit the Semify Internet Marketing Scholarship page to submit an application.