My name is Marwa Rashed and I am a marketing Intern at the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and soon-to-be graduate from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Broadcasting Journalism & Communications.
When observing the chamber at the NIU career fair this past fall, I knew my background in multimedia production could be something I could polish at the chamber. I know that social media marketing plays a big role on the global and local levels of business and it was a skill I wanted to have experience in before graduating.
I am also currently interning at NPR’s WNIJ 89.5, a DeKalb Chamber member, as a midday local newscast host on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I create local news briefings to be played in the Rockford and DeKalb areas and love that I am able to gain experience in the broadcasting field while also acquiring knowledge in the business/social media marketing field, both things I plan on pursuing after graduation.
When I stumbled upon the opportunity to work for the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, I saw it as a chance to see local businesses in my campus town through the framework of digital marketing.
Right off the bat, after beginning in mid-January, I began to work on a Valentine’s Day Facebook campaign, “Chasing the Chamber Cupid,” with the goal to stimulate local business. Being hands on with this campaign meant going to different businesses throughout DeKalb and taking campaign photos, scheduling out media content to go out in advance, thinking of creative ways to capture our digital audience, as well as paying close mind to and keeping track of the campaign’s statistics and engagement.
Starting with a promotional project like that showed me the ropes of social media marketing and what the chamber can do for local businesses during a difficult time. While working on the Chasing the Chamber Cupid campaign, I also began managing the chamber’s other social media accounts; from designing graphics in all forms to go up onto our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to creating engaging captions and event pages.
I’ve also been learning the importance and strategy of E-Mail marketing and event planning. It’s always fun to attend the events that I work to market online, like our monthly Business After Hours and Gather Women’s Leadership Community events where I get hands-on experience of networking.
Recently, I have been applying my new marketing skills toward our first Local Showcase and Spring Fest event happening Friday, May 14, at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport. I am so excited to be a part of a brand-new event that gives businesses and the community the opportunity to connect and celebrate safely.
More than 50 vendors at the Local Showcase will be handing out information and giveaways to visitors in a drive-thru format. Spring Fest will be happening on the same date and location where visitors can park their cars after driving through the Local Showcase to enjoy live music, food, drinks and a cruise by car show.
To learn more about the Local Showcase and Spring Fest or any upcoming events, visit www.dekalb.org or follow us on our social media pages @DeKalbILChamber.
• Marwa Rashed is a marketing Intern at the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.