If there is one person here at American who can balance work, school and play, it’s Chloë. A senior in the Kogod School of Business, she has a wealth of experiences and passion for business and media. We had the chance to talk with Chloë before she graduates and makes her way through the marketing world in NYC.
As a business major with a focus in marketing, what has been the most challenging class you’ve taken so far?
I’m a right brain thinker with strong creative and writing skills. I’m okay with numbers. Key word in that sentence being “okay.” Finance and financial accounting were definitely an uphill battle for me.
You have a quite a lot of retail and fashion experience. What are the benefits of working in this field?
I’ve worked at Madewell Soho and at the store in DC, and I’ve also interned with a handbag designer in Soho. This experience has been invaluable because the fashion industry doesn’t accept slackers. From presentations to meeting sales goals to your outfit, people have high expectations and work at a rigorous pace. Working in this field will keep you sharp. I’ll never forget feeling like the awkward “noob” at Madewell Soho and getting nervous around customers but in the long run, it taught me how to build relationships with clients and stay calm in crazy situations.
You’re president of AU’s Social Media Club. What has been the most rewarding part of being in the club?
The campaigns have been great and the events have been incredible, but the members of the club are BY FAR the most rewarding part. Everyone works so hard and brings such unique, interesting skill sets to the table. I’ve really loved getting to push the e-board, team and myself and see what we’re all capable of.
Last summer you interned at Oglivy and Mather in New York. Why do you decide to apply to work with them over other firms?
Ogilvy has a company culture unlike any other agency. They obviously do phenomenal work but they also make time for fun and for each other. The people I worked with were brilliant, generous and incredible role models. Their rich history and principle of pervasive creativity also creates a really special environment.
I worked on the Dove Global team last summer and it really changed my perspective and taught me to think internationally about advertising and branding. Ogilvy has 450 offices worldwide so there is always a sense that the projects you’re working on have a wide reach and greater significance.
As a social media junkie, if you had to guess, what social network or trend do you think will rise to popularity next?
I think Tumblr will continue to grow and gain a larger user base. People are starting to see how easy it is and I think brands will begin to use it more and more. In a year or so, I wouldn’t be surprised if most companies had a Tumblr. Brands like Vanity Fair and J.Crew have started regularly posting to their own Tumblr pages. I think it gives users an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes of a big company and there’s definitely something to be said for that.
After you graduate, what is the first thing you plan on doing?
I’m running a half marathon with my roommate! Woo! After that I’ll go the beach in Rhode Island and then sleep for about 19 days straight.
And finally, what is the secret to balancing work, school and play?
Be present in the moment. Work out. Don’t be too hard on yourself and prioritize. And sleep as much as possible. (If possible!) :)