Jessica Mendoza
Senior, Marketing Major
ZenithOptimedia Intern

Why did you choose to come to Hofstra?

I chose to come to Hofstra because Hofstra offers a music merchandising program that not many other universities offer. Plus I liked that it is close to New York City but is not in the city.

What interests you about marketing?

Marketing encompasses various disciplines that I enjoy like creativity, psychology, economics, event planning, business, and human interaction. Also, my mom has a marketing degree and I grew up watching her go through the entire marketing process from planning to the launch of a product.

How is marketing and philosophy related?

Marketing and philosophy are related in the sense that philosophy strengthens one's analytical and verbal skills, while providing broadening one's perspective. These skills are enhance marketer's communication and point of view.

How has having three internships helped determine (or shape) your career path?

Having three internships helped shape my career path because they showed me various sides of marketing that I had not experienced. They allowed me an opportunity to familiarized myself with various industries and adjust my marketing skills accordingly. Those experiences helped me determine what type of career I would like to have in the future.

What have you learned from your current internship?

From my current internship at ZenithOptimedia I have learned how research and competitive analysis puts the company at a differential advantage in comparison to media agencies. For that reason, all the data and presentations that I updated are essential for the client to understand its position against its competitors.

Why has it been beneficial for you to keep in contact with past employers?

In the future I can always look up to them for career advice or possible employment opportunities.

What are your future career goals?

My future career goals are to work in a multinational company within the marketing department where I can utilize my language and interpersonal skills in different settings.

What type of work do you do for Center for Civic Engagement?

For the CCE I primarily work on event planning and advertising. The CCE is the type of internship that provides the necessary tools for the interns to raise awareness about particular issues they have a strong interest in. This year I planned the first Globalization Day event at Hofstra University and developed the advertising campaign for Earth Week and Refugee Campus.

Describe your experiences in Togo and Ghana?

My experiences in Togo and Ghana are very different than what I experience on a daily basis in the U.S. I traveled to Togo and Ghana, with three other interns and two professors, to strengthen the educational program between the University of Lomé and Hofstra University that allows university students to work with middle schools in impoverished neighborhoods and educate young students about issues affecting their communities. Seeing the changes that are being implemented through this program and being able to provide school supplies to children in Togo was very valuable for the improvement of Togo's education. It made me realize how little things like a pencil or notebook can make a big difference in an impoverished nation like Togo.

What has been your best experience at Hofstra?

My best experience at Hofstra has been getting involved in various clubs and organizations to work on projects that I'm passionate about. I believe that you can join clubs that are not related to your major because they may enhance your perspective in topics that are not regularly discussed in class but are equally important to you.

What is your edge?

My edge is being an ambitious and trilingual marketing student interested in world issues and cross-cultural marketing.