Entry-level Marketing and PR Positions at Nature's Wild Berry
Hank, President at Nature's Wild Berry, redefined entry-level marketing and PR, emphasizing a proactive approach: "I would take my favorite brand and start driving traffic to their site," demonstrating value before seeking a position, unlike those requesting payment upfront without showcasing results. This strategy highlights the importance of demonstrating initiative and tangible results in securing a position.
Marketing, Public Relations, Digital Marketing, Brand Building, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Hank Watt
President
Nature's Wild Berry
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
NA
Business & Related, Finance
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Strategic Management and Executive
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Many entry-level opportunities exist in marketing and PR, but they may differ from traditional roles. The modern approach includes activities like podcast appearances and influencer outreach.
2. Don't wait until your junior or senior year to engage with companies. You can proactively drive traffic to a brand's website and showcase your skills to build value and demonstrate your interest.
3. Focus on creating value for potential employers before requesting compensation. Demonstrate your abilities and initiative to show long-term commitment rather than simply seeking payment for services.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
A lot of undergrads know about marketing. Many also know there are opportunities in PR. I think of marketing and PR in different terms than the traditional roles people pursue.
We've never done a press release like that; it would never occur to us. But the new PR involves getting podcasts out there and making introductions to serial social influencers. That's how things have changed in the last five to ten years.
There are tons of entry-level opportunities with awesome brands you can connect with. If I were in college, perhaps junior or senior year, or even earlier, I would take my favorite brand and start driving traffic to their site. I'd show them what I was doing.
Once they became interested, and realized it was because of me, I would approach them about a position. I'd say, "What about a position? If I can do this in my off-time, imagine what I could do if I were working full-time." That's how I would build value and get my foot in the door.
If they say no, they say no. It's great experience, and you get a chance to test your ideas. What I get a lot of the time now are people who want me to pay for services without showing any value. They'll say, "We'll do your ads for you. All we require is this $5,000 retainer, then you have to do all this ad spend." It's not necessary and doesn't show me they really want it. It just shows they're looking short-term, not long-term.
Advizer Personal Links
Linktr.ee/natureswildberry