Life happens

So I’ve realized that, through our entire time together on this crazy blog-o-rific ride, I have yet to really talk about my co-op and how it’s going.

Let me provide you with some perspective:

• Dale Carnegie Training (DCT) is a HUGE, international company that specializes in leadership development, public speaking, and other training classes/seminars/events as well as customized corporate and personal solutions
• Dale Carnegie Rochester is a franchise of Dale Carnegie & Associates (which is based out of NYC, with a slew of international offices in more than 80 countries)
• DCT recently decentralized their marketing efforts and created the “Marketing Coordinator” position (my co-op)
• This position isn’t a typical marketing position; it incorporates the roles of social media specialist, marketing communications/content manager, blog manager/leader, event marketer/planner/facilitator, web developer/designer, SEO specialist, media/public relations manager, and just about anything else that gets thrown my way.
• I am the first Marketing Coordinator at Dale Carnegie Rochester.

This means that, in addition to the day-to-day operations explained above, I have to establish sustainable practices, create accounts and analyze market segmentation, generate lead nurturing and social listening strategies, and essentially BUILD the position from the ground up in under three months (all while learning the corporate culture, software, etc. I’m expected to use and be proficient in).

‘Where is the marketing team?’ you might ask. I am the marketing team. 

This is fast-paced – this is building transferable skills – this is co-op. You cannot get any more real than this.

Consider this a heart-felt endorsement of RIT’s co-op program. Also, consider this a temporary “white flag;” I’m not going to be able to deliver the kick-ass blog I promised tomorrow (I just have too much on my plate and wouldn’t want to rush it just to produce something less-than-perfect). I’ll revisit it over the weekend and “Get your life in order (Part 4)” will drop on MONDAY. 

I’m going to be attempting to stay sane with everything going on over the weekend and you should too! Do yourself a favor this weekend and do the following: (1) go to the gym or workout for an hour at home, (2) call your family or a loved one whom you haven’t spoken to in awhile, (3) crush your to-do list by using time-boxing, (4) watch your favorite TV show/movie, (5) learn to cook something new and healthy. Keep using my tips and seek out your own – make it a great day!