Last week, we dove back into KPUMA history to gain some sage insights from past program alumni. This week, you get the inside scoop on the best takeaways from being in the KPUMA, wisdom on leadership, and tips for working from home during COVID-19 from Joseph Watson-MacKay!
Q: What was your experience like in the KPUMA? How did your time here change you?
A: My time at the KPUMA gave me different hats to wear as a student. I find it really helpful to take on different roles because they’ll push you to do things that are unfamiliar or scary. Just knowing that there are expectations outside myself helps motivate me.
Community-building was another big takeaway that I realized I enjoyed after my time in the club – realizing that I’ve created value for others beyond what I’m even aware of is really cool. In fact, some of my most memorable moments from the club included forming some strong alumni relationships. I did that through hosting panel discussions and working with faculty – I learned that professionals are very time-conscious and want people to get to the point, so I had to be really concise when pitching for faculty support. The ability to try out so many roles and learn about what I truly liked in marketing were huge learning opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have had without the KPUMA.
Q: What was the leadership component like for you as a president?
A: I actually never pictured myself taking on the president role. To know that my predecessor, Vanessa, believed in me enough to pass on the torch was terrifying. I didn’t think I could pull it off, but somehow having that external belief that you sometimes can’t see yourself can really help push you into that next step. I was also blown away with some of the team members I got to work with – they made all the twists and turns and unexpected disappointments of running a club manageable, as though the failures weren’t “the end”. Having a great team where everyone has each other’s back made it easier to move through. (I guess the team in some ways helps you lead!)
Q: How has the KPUMA changed the way you look at marketing or how you conduct yourself as a professional?
A: The club allowed me to further explore different careers and applications in marketing – I figured that even if I didn’t personally follow these paths, the act of broadening my perspective of what marketing could be and meeting people in the industry allowed me to better connect other students with professionals from all walks of life.
I also developed a sense of ease when talking about marketing over time – people always loved to hear that I volunteered with an internet marketing company from Squamish – that was a great ice breaker. They love to see students going beyond the classroom and meeting other professionals, getting informal mentoring sessions, and learning the ropes. That practice of “getting out there” made my confidence grow enough that at one point, I felt that I finally had something worthwhile to contribute to the conversation – I learned I could be just as engaging and interesting as someone who is years into their career and an apparent expert!
Q: Any advice you’d give to students hoping to get the most out of their education?
A: Make a big, conscious effort to develop relationships with the people you’re volunteering alongside and who you work in group projects with – eventually, those will be the people who can speak to what you’re like to work with, and who can introduce you to new concepts and initiatives. You can do your education in isolation, but I think it’s the peer learning and the experience of applying what you’re learning with other people that makes the biggest impact.
And take advantage of faculty office hours! So many nuggets of wisdom I’ve gotten outside of class – they want to encourage your curiosity. And this way, they’re typically way more invested in your success!
Q: How do you stay productive during COVID-19?
A: Using an automatic break timer! “Google Break Timer” blanks out your screen – digital wellbeing is essential.