Photo provided by Lori Sloan
The newly created Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Experience class is a course designed by assistant professor Lori Sloan to let students step outside the classroom and learn how the corporate world operates. The 20-student class left March 5 for Dallas to participate in a three-day itinerant classroom.
Sloan continuously encourages an environment of professionalism meant to instill in her students the fundamental skills of working in the corporate world.
“The IMC Experience course is designed to open students’ eyes to the multiple applications of the basic IMC tools utilized for strategy implementation and branding throughout various industries,” Sloan said. “Immersive learning appeals to all the senses and brings textual concepts to life.”
Over the course of three days, the attending students toured Leads Online, the Dallas Cowboys’ Stadium and Southwest Airlines’ Headquarters. Additionally, students met with Johnson & Sekin Agency and RMR Agency in a conference room.
Rachel Ragland, owner of RMR Agency, shared some advice for students looking to pursue the direction of marketing and/or communications.
“Success in marketing isn’t just about strategy — it’s about storytelling, adaptability and relationships,” Ragland said. “Experiences like travel open your perspective, teaching you how to connect with diverse audiences and think beyond borders. If I’d had an opportunity like this as a student, I know it would have shaped my creativity and confidence even sooner.”
Each day ended with a dinner hosted by a different business. The companies that hosted the students were DeLucca’s, Via Triozzi and Topgolf. Senior Audie Isbell said he took away valuable skills he will carry into her professional careers.
“The IMC experience trip led me to a deeper and well-rounded grasp of the after-college job world as well as inspiration toward my career goals,” Isbell said.
Junior Wesley Lamberson said the trip impacted her.
“The IMC trip was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the industry’s dynamic landscape and the power of strategic communication,” Lamberson said. “I learned a lot, made connections and strengthened my love for marketing”.
Senior Denim Lee also described her experience on the IMC trip.
“It was a great opportunity to build connections and learn more about the marketing communications world,” Lee said.
