Wrapping up his up senior year at UCF, Sean Barkan reflects on his experience being a Knight and the impact he made while being a student. After being in the College of Business for about a year, Barkan attended his first American Marketing Association (AMA) meeting in August 2017, where he developed ongoing relationships with other students and industry professionals to enhance his network. In January 2018, Barkan was elected Executive Vice President, and as the professional liaison between AMA Orlando and the UCF AMA chapter. His continued growth within the club has now led him to become the president.
The American Marketing Association is a professional business club which focuses on the overall professional development of business students. The club encourages students of all majors to engage and interact with others, learn from business professionals through planned/sponsored events, attend professional workshops, network with others and share knowledge to further advance in their career endeavors.
“My favorite part about AMA is being plugged into a community of growth-oriented individuals who inspire and challenge me to be the best that I can be.” Barkan says. After getting involved with AMA, Barkan has now landed an Internship and led the organization to 400 percent growth in revenue, doubling membership and meeting attendance goals.
Getting to Know American Marketing Association
What is the purpose of AMA?
The American Marketing Association at UCF strives to develop each students’ unique brand and professional network so that, together, we can be greater than ever before.
How does being in AMA enhance your UCF experience?
Being a part of AMA connects students with other likeminded individuals who also want to grow and see you succeed. At meetings, you’ll hear cutting edge marketing insights from professionals who excel in their fields today. For academic success at UCF, our board consists of polished professional students who are more than happy to share the secrets of their success with our members.
What is something unique that AMA offers to marketing students?
One of the pillars that AMA UCF stands for is professional development. AMA get hands on when it comes to developing a student’s brand. During our meetings, we encourage students to “stand and deliver” their innovative ideas with competitive marketing games. We give real-time feedback during our
“Tools for Building Brand You” workshops to ensure that our members’ elevator pitches are battle-tested. Students will find they are more confident in not just their brand, but themselves, if they hang out with AMA long enough.
What opportunities, events and activities does AMA at UCF provide?
Aside from the workshops and professional speaker meetings, AMA UCF will be starting a live podcast series called “Marketing that Makes Dollars and Sense.” During the podcast, we will interview a professional and open the floor to our student audience for Q & A. However, the most exciting event will be happening in the fall. Our “Celebration of Brand U” banquet, a night of celebration honoring students who made an impact on the marketing department and the achievements of the marketing faculty.
What companies are affiliated with AMA? What guest speakers has AMA had or will be bringing in for students?
AMA is partnered with the American Marketing Association of Orlando. Granting our members access to their events like “lunch and learns” at marketing agencies, “networking after work” in Downtown Orlando, and leadership panels with marketing leaders in the area! Our favorite speaker, Andrew Snyder, CMO of Orlando Health, will be joining us again in the Fall as well.
Connect with American Marketing Association
Instagram: @amaucf
Facebook: amaucf
Twitter: @amaucf
To view a full list of all UCF College of Business Registered Student Organizations, click here.