Recruitment Tips from Our PRISMites

Recruitment is exciting and intriguing, but it can also feel nerve-wracking. PRISM prides itself on recruiting the best of the best, and we love getting to know each potential Junior PRISMite. With all the buzz around recruitment, it’s natural to feel a little nervous as you approach the booth or start the application process.

Everyone in PRISM was once in your position. Last year, I remember taking 20 minutes just to build up the courage to walk up to PRISM’s booth at Gobblerfest! We’ve all been there, we know the mix of nerves and excitement that comes with recruitment. That’s why we’ve gathered a few pieces of advice from PRISMites to help you through the process:

Skylar Ficklen, Director of Recruitment:

”Recruitment is as much about you getting to know the organization as it is about us getting to know you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Ask thoughtful questions at events and in your interview that show your curiosity. Most importantly let your personality shine through, we can’t wait to get know all of you!!”

Kamryn Harris, Account Executive:

“Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to showcase your experiences. No matter how minuscule something may seem, your accomplishments are valuable and showcasing them will help you in the recruitment process.”

Cora Corcoran, Content Creator:

“Be prepared to sell yourself. Do anything you can to stand out, whether that’s creating a portfolio of any work you’ve done and talk about any experience you’ve had. Talk to as many people as you can at the deep dive and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

And here’s my advice as someone who was in your shoes last year: show your passion. PRISM is about being passionate, creative, and daring. Taking that first step can feel intimidating, but when you do — it shines, and we see you.

Remember, we’re students too. We’re here for you, and we want to befriend you just like you’d befriend a classmate.

We hope these tips encourage you to walk into recruitment with confidence and excitement, and we can’t wait to see you at our events!

Passion Beyond PRISM

DRIVING IMPACT THROUGH PASSION

Our PRISMites are constantly pushing boundaries with their leadership and creativity. Passion drives everything we do—but it doesn’t stop at PRISM. It’s not just about excelling in our agency; it’s about taking initiative and sharing our talents with the world. From launching local businesses to building vibrant communities on and off social media, our entrepreneurial-spirited PRISMites are making a real impact off the clock. Their passion projects are proof of what’s possible when you follow your drive—check them out and get inspired:

ELLA - SNAP HAPPY PHOTO BOOTH

First, meet Ella Prevette—content creator for Pamplin and a sophomore majoring in Marketing Management. Last year, she launched a unique small business, Snap Happy Photobooth, a luxury mobile photo booth rental serving Southwest Virginia and beyond.

Snap Happy Photobooth offers an innovative way to elevate weddings, corporate events, and private parties, allowing guests to capture and keep their happiest moments with unlimited photo strips.

Ella’s journey with Snap Happy Photobooth began with an unexpected opportunity last summer. Taking initiative, she invested in her own equipment and has since been full-steam ahead in creating unforgettable experiences for her clients.

What drives her most is the joy of creating lasting memories: “People taking candid photos is such a fun thing to watch, and knowing that I’m providing a lasting memory along with the service brings me joy. Everyone leaves the photobooth laughing and smiling, and each person gets to take home a photo strip souvenir to remember the moment forever.”

Ella is excited to continue growing her business and bring even more heartwarming experiences to events. She is currently available for bookings in 2025—if interested, fill out her inquiry form here: Snap Happy Photobooth Inquiry.

ALIA - BITES THAT BOND

Next, meet Alia Abdalelah—an Analyst for Pamplin. She is a senior majoring in BIT with a concentration in decision support systems.

Alia’s love for cooking began in her Palestinian kitchen, inspired by a philosophy her father taught her—that food is meant to be shared. With this close-to-heart value, she founded BitesThatBond, a club dedicated to building community through food.

Her mission is to bring people together through family-style dining, incorporating icebreakers, cooking competitions, and bonding in an intimate dinner-party setting.

“I hope people get to diversify their palate and not be so afraid to try new things or meet new people!”

Each month, the club gathers to cook and share a dish from a chosen cookbook, creating connections one bite at a time. If you’d like a seat at her table, learn more and get involved by following BitesThatBond on Instagram: @bitesthatbond.

ISSAC - FACTORY RESET DETAILING

Now, meet Isaac Tigges—Director of Accounts, PRISM’s Webmaster, and a senior majoring in Business Management. 

From an early age, Issac dove into entrepreneurship by founding Factory Reset Detailing, a small detailing business in Raleigh, where he manages daily operations and prioritizes customer satisfaction.

It all started as a high school side hustle, but then it quickly grew into a thriving business, motivating Issac to continue as a managing partner while balancing life as a full-time student.

Factory Reset Detailing’s mission is to explore unique operation styles, focusing on innovative management, operations, and technology. Issac has been ahead of the curve by integrating AI, constantly exploring ways to optimize service-based businesses.

“We hope to redefine how service-based businesses operate. A major challenge I see is that many small service businesses want to scale but struggle due to a lack of adaptability. We aim to develop solutions that help these businesses stay ahead of the curve.”

With a forward-thinking approach, Issac is shaping the future of service-based entrepreneurship, one innovation at a time, with ambitions to expand into franchising. If you are in the Raleigh area looking to transform your vehicle, check out Isaac’s services: Factory Reset Detailing.

REEM - TIKTOK & INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER

Finally, meet Reem Ahmed—Director of Analytics and a junior majoring in BIT. 

Reem recently launched her personal blog on TikTok and Instagram, stepping into the world of content creation. Her blog showcases her diverse passions, including gel X nail art, photography, cooking, and offering a window into her fast-paced life as both a student and a creative.

“Through my platform, I aim to inspire, entertain, and connect with my audience by showcasing creativity, personal growth, and everyday moments. Whether it’s highlighting my clients’ nails, giving a behind-the-scenes look at my photography process, sharing a delicious new recipe, or offering a glimpse into my daily life, my goal is to create content that’s uplifting, motivational, and relatable.”

With her diverse content, Reem encourages others to explore what excites them, without feeling confined to one path. She hopes to inspire others to “do it all” and confidently explore their interests, no matter how distinct they are from their career.

Dive into Reem’s dynamic lifestyle and follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok: @reemkbae.

ADVICE FROM OUR PRISMites

A key takeaway from our leaders is not to be afraid to start your own passion project. Hear what each PRISMite has to say for those looking to launch their own ventures:

Ella: “Just do it. I hear a lot of people use the excuse of "I just have no idea what I'm doing"... but in all honesty, same here! You'll never really know how to do something, and do it well, until you just do it. You learn as you go, and have fun while doing it. Also, people are very willing to support you and help you grow once you start. Don't be afraid to lean on others for support and encouragement every step of the way!”

Alia: “If you are passionate about anything, I encourage you to create a project out of it! Life is so much more fun living when you drive with passion.”

Isaac: “Stick with it, push yourself to your limits- then set new limits, and always be learning in anything you do.”

Reem: “Starting a passion project can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to begin or learn something new. Consistency can be challenging at times, and I’ve definitely learned that along the way as I’ve been growing. The key is making steady progress, even if it’s just 1% better each day. Every small step brings you closer to your goal. So take the leap, stay dedicated, and keep moving forward, even when it feels tough!”

PRISM is proud to support our members in pursuing their passions beyond the organization. With a dynamic structure and opportunities to explore different aspects of business and creativity, we empower our members to turn their ideas into success. We hope their stories have inspired you to start a passion project of your own!

Giving Day 2025 Is Here!

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THE DAY HAS ARRIVED!

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Happy Wednesday and Happy #VTGivingDay, PRISM Family! The day has come, and we aim to come out swinging! We are coming for that 5TH WIN!

HOW CAN YOU DONATE?

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to donate to PRISM; it means a lot to us! Click here to donate directly to the advancement and enrichment of PRISM today. We’d also appreciate it if you could share this message with your network; spreading the word helps us in more ways than one!

WE’RE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU!

Thank you again, PRISM family, for all of your continued support. We love and appreciate all of you. As we keep growing and reaching new heights, we want you never to forget the impact you left here and the corners of PRISM you grew to bring together a powerful organization we could have never imagined. 

LET’S SECURE THAT 5TH WIN!

Giving Day is On It's Way!

Hi, PRISM

Family

#VTGivingDay is quickly approaching—less than 3 days away! We need your help to continue our winning streak and make this our fifth consecutive year as Giving Day champions (#FIVEPEAT). This year is even more special because PRISM is celebrating its 15th anniversary! We've achieved so much together, with over 260 inspiring alumni, 67 current members, and more than 30 clients served. None of this would have been possible without your hard work and dedication!

#VTGiving Day starts at Noon EST on February 19th and ends at NOON EST on February 20th. That's 24 hours to gather as many unique donors possible! The funds raised during Giving Day provide PRISM with the resources to offer incredible opportunities to our members, at no extra cost. From networking trips to Richmond, New York, and DC, to winning Telly's, taking on new clients, and supporting our "Simply The Best" scholarship, your support makes it all possible

How Can You Help?

1. Donate: It's not about the amount but the number of donors. If you plan to donate $50, consider splitting it among 10 emails instead of donating it all at once. The minimum donation is $5, and we appreciate any amount you can contribute. You can donate by visiting and donating through this link during Giving Day. If your company has a matching program for undergraduate donations, please let us know if we can assist with the process.

2. Engage with us on Social Media: Show PRISM some love! Our Giving Day promotions will kick off soon, and we'll be sharing who we are and our goals for the future. Your support in sharing our message will mean the world to us!

3. Help us spread the word: Help us engage more Hokies in your network and encourage them to support us on Giving Day. The more, the merrier!

Thank you all for being a vital part of PRISM's journey. We're excited about the future and can't wait to celebrate our 15th anniversary together!

PRISM Alumni Spotlight: Laura Raives

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About Laura Raives

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Meet one of PRISM’s earliest members and fellow Virginia Tech alumni, Laura Raives, a marketing maven dominating the industry. Laura graduated from Virginia Tech’s School of Communications in 2012. Throughout her career, she has worked at Ogilvy and Initiative and now serves as an Account Manager at Capital One.

Discovering a Passion for Marketing

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

At Virginia Tech, Laura took marketing courses out of curiosity. She became intrigued by the field after being exposed to Donna Wertalik’s real-world approach to the subject, an experience that solidified her desire to pursue a career in marketing.

“What drew me in was the creativity that Marketing can lend in solving a business problem, solving a customer challenge, or making something innovative that really changes the game.”

A Look into Laura’s Professional Journey

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

At Capital One, Laura focuses on representing the brand, identifying customer needs, and shaping the brand identity of products. Her day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing key insights from reports and refining live and pre-launch campaigns. One of her team’s exciting upcoming projects is a new credit card launch, where they aim to create a brand identity that resonates with current customer needs.

Laura finds value in collaborating with innovative people and brands, building professional relationships, and achieving success through those connections. Her career has included opportunities to work with top executives, brand celebrities such as Jessica Alba, and industry leaders like Amazon and Walmart.

A surprising aspect of marketing Laura has discovered is its ever-evolving nature and the constant shifts in roles and responsibilities.

“One thing is for certain, and that is nothing is certain. Roles will always change...The aspects of your role will always change, grow, and shift. There will be new expectations and demands.”

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Reflecting on the early days of PRISM, Laura notes how the organization aligned its growth with the rise of social media marketing.

“When we started PRISM, social media was just taking off. It was a huge bet to say that social media was going to be really big, but think of how huge it is today.” In November 2024, PRISM was able to visit Laura in person and gain some more insight into what a day in her life looks like working for the industry titan,

Insight for Students

Laura advises students to learn how to present themselves and their values while consistently challenging themselves. She emphasizes the importance of building confidence to stand out and make a strong impression with clients, executives, and stakeholders.

Laura’s journey—from founding PRISM to leading brand strategy at Capital One—showcases the power of adaptability, creativity, and drive. Her success inspires students to embrace challenges and pursue growth and innovation in their own careers.

PRISM visits with Laura Raives at Capital One Headquarters in November 2024 (McLean, VA).