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June 01, 2021

Student Spotlight

Briana Iannelli

Female student with marketing display behind her, presenting to audience in foreground.

Briana is a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, marketing concentration, and a minor in Social Media Theory and Strategy.

Why did you choose KU?

I wanted to be far enough from home to get the college experience but close enough where I could drive home if I wanted. When I visited, I fell in love with the campus! I didn’t want to go to a huge school, so I was extremely happy with the size of Kutztown. I was also really intrigued by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. At the time, I knew I wanted to join the College of Business, but I didn’t know what major specifically.

What clubs and organizations are you involved with on campus?

I joined Delta Zeta my first semester freshman year. As an extracurricular, a sorority has taught me leadership skills, how to run a formal business meeting, and how to recruit. I even had the chance to attend two professional workshops: one in Atlanta, Georgia, and the other in Oxford, Ohio. These workshops taught me so much about leadership and networking.

What made you choose Marketing as your major?

I have always loved branding, advertising, content creation, marketing trends and so forth. I am the type of person who loves trying new things. The fast-paced and ever evolving marketing environment is exciting to me.

How has Kutztown prepared you for this career track?

Freshman year, my biggest achievement was making it on the Dean’s List. I didn’t really realize how hard I was working. I would complete each assignment just to get the A. With some encouragement along to way, I started to realize how much I was getting out of school.

My professors have suggested taking courses tailored to my advertising, branding, marketing and communication obsession. Many have pushed me to be a better writer. Others have suggested internships opportunities. A couple of professors have assigned material that involved working with real-life clients. I’ve even participated in various events. Internships and extracurriculars have prepared me professionally, too!

  • In Media Concepts and Planning, one assignment involved making an integrated marketing communication campaign. When I submitted it, I entered into a Digital Marketing Competition. Liquid International–a local marketing firm–held the competition. I was chosen as a finalist and presented my work for a real-life client. After all was said and done, I won first place!
  • An assignment in my Digital Rhetoric and Writing course required me to build a personal website. I now manage and update it with my content. I’ve even added content from other classes–like Writing for Social Media. I had weekly blog posts assigned. I’ve put each blog on my website to display my creative writing skills. My website has been a great tool to use during interviews; it highlights my best work!
  • In my Principles of Marketing course, I created a personal marketing plan. It included a personal mission statement, a SWOT analysis of myself, and a five-year timeline. I was also assigned to complete a career development center certificate. I attended resume writing workshops and mock interviews.
  • My advisor suggested I take an internship. My position as a social media intern involved working with social media platforms for a client. I gained experience in consulting, graphic design, customer relationships, website, and branding.

What is your favorite thing about attending Kutztown?

My favorite thing about Kutztown is the campus community. I love walking around campus, main street and seeing friendly faces! I have made some of the greatest friendships ever – friendships that will last a lifetime. Each professor I’ve had was amazing and made a huge impact on my education as well.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Treat your school week like a 9 - 5 job. I have been living by this since the first semester of freshman year. I utilize the eight hours Monday through Thursday to accomplish large tasks: reading, homework, starting a study guide, attending classes, and attending office hours. I aim to have the most important things done before Friday. Fridays are for minuscule tasks such as attending a class (if you have one) and final assignment submissions. Your weekends are for you to spend however you like!


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