From your perspective, what is the
greatest benefit that students gain from being a part of Marketing Fellows?
Professor
Jain: The opportunity to (i) understand the various dimensions of
'leadership' in marketing directly from today's marketing leaders and to (ii)
develop their own capabilities via projects and leadership roles within
Marketing Fellows.
Professor
Hoyer: CCIMS and the Marketing
Department are creating experiences and opportunities to benefit our and richen
the learning experience for our top students. Also, being a Fellow is a
special mark of distinction that is of value to potential employers.
What is the most common feedback you
hear from executives who speak to the Marketing Fellows class and from
companies sponsoring the Fellows practicum projects?
Professor
Jain: Executives who interact with the Fellows class come away impressed and
eager to bring such talent on board their own companies.
Professor
Hoyer: They are very impressed with the quality of
the comments, ideas, and questions that come from the Fellows in the CS
class. They really enjoy the interaction during class.
Where do you see the Marketing Fellows
program in 5-10 years from now?
Professor
Jain: I see the MBA Marketing Fellows program growing only moderately in size
but significantly in terms of the breadth of specialized learning opportunities
such as focal tracks in alternative industry sectors and key hands-on
initiatives in the branding and digital marketing arenas. Most
importantly, I see the Marketing Fellows program as a reputable branded
experience within McCombs that is a magnet for the best marketing students.
Professor
Hoyer: Leading the way in defining new directions for MBA education.
Being at the forefront of top Marketing MBA programs in the world.
What is your favorite part of teaching
Marketing Fellows each year?
Professor
Jain: I enjoy the sense of fraternity that exists among the Fellows and
the take-charge attitude they bring to the practicums.
Professor
Hoyer: I learn a lot
from the students and speakers as well. This is due to the fact that we
deal with cutting edge topics. I also really enjoy interacting with the
Fellows.
What advice would you give to a first
year MBA student who is trying to decide whether to go into marketing as a
career path?
Professor
Jain: Marketing is about navigating the business by understanding the
dynamic waters of the marketplace. Success requires creative skills
coupled with financial acumen and analytical rigor. It also requires the
ability to zoom into a problem context and zoom out to recognize deep and
subtle trends. Most importantly, it requires the ability to empathize
with customers. Nothing less will do. In return, it promises a
varied, always exciting, and sufficiently rewarding ride.
Professor
Hoyer: Learn as much
about the marketing career path as they can before deciding. There are a
lot of misconceptions about the marketing career path, but learning more helps
students to realize all the great opportunities marketing has to offer.
