Aram Khader is a marketing strategist at ShockStarter, a student-led marketing firm. Working on class projects for clients helped her learn terminology and deadlines that will help her build a resume and career.
More than 5,000 Shockers each year take what they’ve learned in the classroom and transfer that knowledge into real-world environments. Applied learning — which is required for every Wichita State student — happens in offices, factories, laboratories, nonprofits, industries and companies across the globe. Students work side-by-side with seasoned professionals to ensure that they’re fully prepared to make meaningful contributions to their employers and their communities when they graduate.
Hometown
Wichita
Major
Management information systems with a minor in marketing
Year
Senior
What is your job title, the company you work for, and your duties during your applied learning experience?
I am currently working as a marketing strategist at ShockStarter. ShockStarter is a student-led marketing firm. I dabble in everything, but I am the principal videographer for the team. My title is a marketing strategist, and the company is ShockStarter.
How long do you expect to work in your current position?
I started this applied learning job in August of 2021, and it will end when I graduate from Wichita State which is May of 2023.
How did you learn about this opportunity?
I learned about this opportunity through the Shocker Career Accelerator.
How is this experience helping you build your resume and prepare you for your career?
This job has helped me expand my network, gain new skills within the marketing field, and have the opportunity to work with business professionals.
How have your classes and experiences at Wichita State prepared you to succeed in this applied-learning opportunity?
My classes at Wichita State provided me with adequate knowledge of business terminology and the ability to work on projects within a set time period. My classes have had projects that were for actual clients and that has prepared me for real-life clients at ShockStarter. The classes have prepared me through the teaching of certain programs like Office 365.
What advice would you give other students who are looking for hands-on experiences in their major while they finish college?
Try to apply to as many internships as possible. Gaining a sufficient amount of experience in your undergrad will help you find a job after graduation. Network as much as possible, having a large number of people that know what you are majoring in and looking to work in will also increase your chances of opportunities.