January 2008 Marketing Highlights

Another School “Season” Begins

 

In Missouri we know how inconsistent the weather can be.  One day in January we may be teased with a day that reminds us spring is around the corner.  The  next day, a wintery storm moves in.  However, in the Department of Marketing a new semester offers a certain rhythm and consistency. 

Perhaps you’ve forgotten the “feel” of coming back from the holidays to begin a new semester.  Perhaps you’ve even forgotten the feel of that last spring semester leading up to graduation.  Dust off the cobwebs, and try to remember….

Spring semester kicks off at a faster pace than fall.  Within a couple of days back on campus, it’s often hard to recall there even was a long holiday break.  Seniors, with graduation looming, come in with a final burst of energy, now REALLY ready to jump into the job search as well as finish those last classes.  Resume drafts       land on professors’ desks with regularity.  Requests for recommendations reach a crescendo.  There’s a healthy mix of excitement and apprehension as students realize this is “really it.”  A new-found sense of seriousness settles in. Then, every once in awhile that spell is broken, as a winter storm blows in and upsets the routine—sometimes even leading to an unexpected (and usually welcomed) day off. 

Before you know it, these wintery months turn to spring and with it the final days for another set of students.  Suddenly it’s time to say goodbye and good luck as we lead them from the world of academia to the work world awaiting them. 

But it’s not over then. Please know another part of the consistency of life for a faculty member is to follow students beyond that day of graduation.  It’s a special treat to receive an unexpected email from an alumnus, telling of the latest adventure and/or achievement. Those notes are passed from faculty member to faculty member as we live somewhat vicariously through the successes of our students—past and present. 

So given our crazy Missouri weather, maybe we don’t know whether to expect snow, sun, or rain next week.  We do know and love the “seasons” of our school year, and we love to hear from you.  Drop us a line when you can…. 

Reflections

The new year always brings with it new hope and a significant number of resolutions.  In the case of Missouri State University, it brings the awareness of a new beginning,  continuous improvement, and growth. >More