Marketing major Kathryn “Kate” Bennett ’16 served as president of Appalachian’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter her junior year and was the organization’s web designer as a senior. Those experiences “allowed me to not only further my marketing knowledge, but also lead and help others to do the same,” she explained.

Through her work with AMA, Bennett worked closely with Appalachian’s Department of Marketing to market the major to her peers.

“Marketing is such a versatile major,” said Bennett. “There is no one clear definition of the field; it is a broad topic that allows you to reach into the world in many different areas.”

Marketing students at Appalachian examine topics such as product management, marketing research, promotions, elements of sound price decisions, product distribution, the underlying determinants of buyer behavior, and the social and ethical considerations of marketing decisions.

Bennett advises students who are considering marketing as a major to join AMA early to see if the field is a good fit for them.

“I became heavily involved in the marketing department early on in my college career, allowing me to create relationships, experiences, and gain knowledge prior to some of my classmates,” Bennett said.

Most students who choose a business discipline as a major declare as a sophomore or junior, but the club is open to freshmen and sophomores, too.

“I also found a minor that fits my need to help others through leadership,” Bennett said, referring to her leadership studies minor, offered through the Reich College of Education’s Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling.