PRISM takes LA: Official Itinerary

PRISM takes LA: Official Itinerary 

This past October, the PRISM Executive team along with PRISM founder and advisor Donna Wertalik flew to sunny Los Angeles, California for the Fall 2022 Digital Marketing Summit. As part of PRISM’s annual executive team trip, Abby Stewart, Anna Sherod, and Mary O’Kane spent the week in L.A. networking with PRISM alumni, attending the summit, and visiting Paramount Studios. The jam-packed 2-day conference included master classes, break-out sessions, and several participating vendors displaying technological innovations within marketing. It's safe to say PRISM was busy in L.A., and we're here to share their exclusive experience with you

Day 1

During the first day of the Digital Marketing Summit, distinguished speakers Jenny Haggard, a creative strategist at Spotify, and Erika Kurts, the head of social intelligence and operations at Twitter, spoke about the significance of utilizing sound to fuel marketing and implementing social listening to optimize marketing content.  The PRISM executive team listened in on the topics of advanced storytelling, building creative habits, data-driven social content, and amplifying equitable brand messaging. After day one, the PRISM executive team learned how to enrich PRISM’s social media strategy and how to amplify its brand message with an engrossing story. 

Day 2

On the second day of the conference, speakers focused on critical subjects such as post-pandemic marketing, the metaverse, migrating to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), brand voice, and 2023 marketing strategies. Janet Driscoll Miller, the president and CEO of Marketing Mojo, spoke in depth about GA4, which allows for complex conversations and accurate targeting through online and offline touchpoints. During these meetings, PRISM learned valuable insights such as how to move our brand into Web 3.0 and how PRISM can excel in a world of ever-changing and growing technology. 

Overall, PRISM left the Digital Marketing Summit inspired to implement these key takeaways into its future marketing strategies: focusing on building PRISM’s brand voice to let people know the true values of PRISM. 

With a look to the future, PRISM is certain the Metaverse, the up-and-coming virtual-reality space will be its next major marketing venture. PRISM also understands the importance of data, creativity, and content accessibility.  Data is key to understanding a brand, and to always looking at and utilizing our analytics team. Creativity is a vital component of a successful marketing campaign and what can we do to be a creative organization that makes our voice stand out against a crowd? Finally, content accessibility and equitable branding must be implemented into brand strategy and how we can constantly strive to do so.

PRISM was grateful to hear from such influential industry professionals and looks forward to implementing these techniques within the organization. PRISM is thrilled to travel more this school year in an effort to continue connecting with notable members of the marketing community and expand into an all-star organization. 

Advice From Our Seniors

As we enter into our PRISM recruiting season, all members can’t help but look back and reminisce about their time in the organization. While some are newer members who remember their time applying last year, others are seniors who joined their freshman year. These seniors Anna Sherrod, Abby Stewart, Mary O’Kane, Cate Casparius, and Emily Stewart want to share their experiences during these past 4 years in PRISM and offer advice to any incoming members joining this year. We asked them some questions about their time and PRISM and this is what they told us.

What are 5 things you wish you would have known before joining? 

• “You can move around in PRISM; You are never stuck.” Being in PRISM we have multiple jobs from account managers, analytics, graphic designers, and much more. If you want to explore and try something new PRISM is always open to change.

• “PRISM loves to see ambition rather than experience.” Applying to PRISM can be nerve-racking. Feeling like you need to have a certain amount of experience before joining can hinder applicants. PRISM doesn’t need the most decorated members when first joining, just people who want to grow and are eager to learn as much as they can during their time in PRISM. Eagerness and ambition will always attract the attention of current members. 

• “Networking is key.” PRISM is a strong network of current and past members. Every single member, whether they graduated five years ago or just joined a year ago, wants to see you succeed and be your best self. Reaching out to members you want to be like or whose role interests you is a great way to make connections in the organization and grow personally and professionally. 

• “Effort and creativity are extremely important.” Showing genuine interest in your projects will make you a stand-out member, reliable, and enjoyable to work with. PRISM loves members who express their ideas and put in the effort to make those ideas come to life. 

• “Make an impression.” Saying hello at events like the Pamplin Picnic or reaching out to members to ask about their roles or their experiences will show ambition and genuine interest in the organization. PRISM members love speaking about their time and hearing about others' journeys and experiences, and it is a great way to make an impression on the organization. 

What are 5 things you have learned since joining?

• “Take every opportunity” PRISM is constantly throwing member events, and opportunities for members to get involved in other projects. Signing up to attend a video shoot for another team's project or attending culture events is a great way to not only meet more members but also find out what other accounts or roles you may be interested in for the future. 

• “It is so important to network and make those connections through PRISM” As mentioned before, PRISM’s student and alumni network is large and always growing. It is very easy to find current and past members who share similar interests and can help you find current and future opportunities to build your career or gain mentors. Being an active communicator and looking for connections is a great way to make the most out of your prism experience. 

• “Get curious - curiosity is key.” Keeping up with the latest trends and the world around you is a great way to be successful in PRISM. Seeing what is trending on social platforms, what social platforms are creating the most engagement in the real world, and being able to relate it to your own accounts in PRISM is a great way to expand what PRISM is doing and keep us up to date as an organization. 

• “Everyone has to start somewhere.” Every member started somewhere. The senior you may look up to now was once just like you, a new member looking for opportunities and experience in PRISM. Taking any opportunity you get and embracing your current position not only in PRISM but in life as well will help you become more successful at each step to get you towards your end goal. 

• “Ask questions always” You will always learn more by asking questions, no question is silly or too small. The best way to learn and accomplish tasks quickly is by asking questions, every member in PRISM no matter how senior is always welcome to answer questions and help. 

Looking back, our PRISM seniors say to be ambitious, curious, and genuinely show interest in what you are doing and in PRISM as an organization. Senior Emily Stewart said, “Showing your interest in PRISM is important. Throughout the recruitment process, I made sure to attend every recruitment event and continually express my excitement over the organization.” PRISM as an organization loves dedication and hard work, “PRISM doesn’t just look for experience. Confidence in yourself no matter how much experience you have is key,” Senior Anna Sherrod says. PRISM is looking forward to gaining its new crop of future leaders and we can wait to see what the rest of this recruitment process will bring.

PRISM is so grateful for the hard work and accomplishment all of these seniors have achieved over their time in the organization. They have truly highlighted and amplified the true meaning of what being a member of PRISM is. We are extremely proud of them and can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year and in the future.

PRISMite Summer Internship Spotlight

PRISM prides itself in being an organization dedicated to hard work and higher career achievement l, and this summer, PRISM members have dispersed across the country to do just that! From New York to California, sour members are spending their summers gaining valuable internship experience interning at places like American Express, Dicks, Altria, Adobe, and so much more. Check out how our PRISMites are broadening their business horizons so far!

Our own Culture Lead and Account Manager Rana Ahmed is having the best time interning at American Express as a cybersecurity analyst. 

 “So far, I’ve learned the value of a healthy and supportive work environment, as well as  the power of data and being able to analyze it to not only answer questions, but find out what the right questions to ask are! During my time as Director of Analytics in PRISM, I learned the importance of critical thinking and how to properly and efficiently tell a story using data. This skill has been so helpful to me as I’ve navigated my new role at American Express!”

PRISM analyst Caroline Keys is making waves and learning so much as a Digital Marketing intern at Trane Technologies.

 “I’ve managed and maintained over 2,000 Salesforce contacts, analyzed competitors’ webpages, composed findings and recommendations, and effectively presented them to three different teams. I’ve also authorized six emails with effective segment targeting and thoughtful design and layout. PRISM gave me hands-on experience with social media marketing which has directly translated into the work that I’m doing with digital marketing–one example being my experience with Hootsuite and marketing analytics, which have given me a substantial competitive advantage.”

Director of PRISM graphics, Abby Conrad is working on continuing to grow and amaze as a UX Design Development intern at Wray Ward.

 “I have learned more about different processes when it comes to web design, and I have actually learned a lot about organization! I have worked on site maps, making websites for both desktop and mobile, and doing research. The setup of PRISM is very similar to working at a professional agency! I do work with a copywriter, project manager, insights person, etc., so I was already used to working with people from these roles!”

PRISM Account Executive Dhara Patel is enjoying her time at Richmond Region Tourism.

 “At my internship so far I have been analyzing data through an SEO (search engine optimization), then tracking the number of visitors and where they come from. Then I use that to make digital media campaigns and target them to certain locations. I have also been working with a “CRM” database to help keep the information in the website accurate, working on video shoots, planning them, and rebranding and relaunching the company's YouTube channel. PRISM has helped me a lot with the content side of what I do and it’s nice to share what I’ve learned with my mentor because we bounce ideas off of each other.”

Account Manager Elizabeth Britt has gained amazing experiences as a Digital Marketing intern at RedPeg Marketing.

“I have had the privilege of traveling to New York City to assist with events leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft, including the first ever 500 drone drone show set to take place in the New York City area. I have also created social media content and posts and completed competitor analysis for clients. So far, I have learned the importance of networking in and outside the office, as well as the old saying “no idea is a bad idea.” As an intern, sharing your ideas with your team can be nerve-wracking, but you never know what campaigns or projects can stem from an idea you pitch. PRISM has prepared me tremendously for this role, especially when it comes to time management..”

PRISM is thrilled with the accomplishments its members have achieved so far this summer at their various internships. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer brings our members, and we can’t wait to reunite in the fall!

PRISM wins More Telly Awards for Two Show Stopping Pieces

We are proud to announce that PRISM has won two awards at the 43rd annual Telly awards. One silver for our very own 2022 PRISM reel and one bronze for a commercial created for the Front Porch client in 2021.

“PRISM supports creativity so deeply and getting to see our visions become a reality was so exciting. I am so honored to be part of the team that created this video, winning the Telly Award was an achievement we had been striving for since the beginning of the year, and seeing our work recognized was gratifying.” Skylar Taube, PRISM multimedia director.

The Telly Awards is a high-achieving award that honors exceptional TV, video, and digital creations. The Telly Awards are celebrating their 43rd year with a theme that relates to coming back into the more human interactions again. A New POV, this year's Telly theme celebrates returning to this will new points of view and the changes that we have faced. 

PRISM is honored to be recognized twice in this year's awards for exceptional videography. Our own PRISM reel winning the bronze for our own recruitment video and beating nearly 13,000 submissions for branded content. 

“I really loved getting the opportunity to create a visual product that encompassed all that PRISM is and highlight the hardworking and talented people within the agency. It's an honor to have received recognition from the Telly awards and is a great indication of all the future success that's to come.” said Ava Hartsell, co-creator of the PRISM reel.

This reel highlights PRISM’s growth and power as a student-run agency. Winning our 5th and 6th Telly’s respectively this year and our 3rd award for our own PRISM reel, showing our unique point of view, and how we navigate working with real-world clients. 

“This reel represents who PRISM is. Highlighting our members as the passionate, hard working individuals allows us to show off our work in a new light,” Taube continued. 

PRISM also won a Bronze Telly for Branded Content - General Category, for a commercial for our client the Front Porch, a restaurant based in Tazewell, VA.

“This project was one of my favorite videos that I have created to date. I had the idea of creating this video ever since I was put on The Front Porch account after researching the surrounding area of Tazewell. I'm so happy that we were able to bring the idea to life… It's an honor to help bring this award to PRISM and I can't wait to see the work the organization continues to do moving forward.” said Justin Rocha, Multimedia member on PRISM. 

PRISM is honored to win both of these awards and can’t wait to continue our hard work. With a new school year just around the corner, we know we will continue to build a powerful and strong team of students and continue to strive for excellence.

Celebrating Our Seniors!

Last Friday, May 13, our very own senior PRISMites graduated from Virginia Tech in a special in-person ceremony. It was an unforgettable day, as 19 of our seniors strutted across the Lane Stadium stage to earn the degrees they have worked so tirelessly for. Between their many contributions to the agency and dedication to their studies, our graduates have elevated the PRISM name in their time here. We are extremely proud of them and will miss them dearly next school year, but we know their futures are bright! 

This week, we’re highlighting some of our amazing graduates for all of their accomplishments!

Without further adieu, let’s applaud a few of our class of 2022 graduates…

Katie Arciero

Major: Graphic Design 

PRISM Role: Pamplin Design Lead, PRISM Webmaster 

Post-Grad Plans: Traveling in Europe and freelance design with plans to find a full-time designer position at an agency.

Quote: “Looking forward to traveling Europe, experiencing new places and culture, while meeting new people with some of my close friends! Excited to see where my design journey ends up.”

Nerissa Baroni

Major: Graphic Design

PRISM Role: Director of Graphics, Lead for The Front Porch and PRISM

Post-Grad Plans: Working as a graphic designer at Life.Church in Oklahoma City!

Quote: “I’m super excited to be working for Life.Church as a Graphic Designer specifically focused on their youth ministry. Life.Church has a large network of churches and also started the Bible App. I am so stoked to live in Oklahoma City doing my dream job designing everything from streetwear merchandise to full event branding.”

Emma Butler

Major: Graphic Design

PRISM Role: Graphic Designer

Post-Grad Plans: Hoping to work on packaging and branding, specifically for alcohol and liquor bottles!

Quote: “I am so excited to apply my design skills to real-world problem solving.”

Katie Howard

Major: Business Information Technology and Marketing Management

PRISM Role: Account Manager

Post-Grad Plans: Advisory Associate at KPMG in Charlotte, NC

Quote: “The past four years have been amazing but I can’t wait to head to Charlotte and see what the next chapter holds!”

Harene Jun

Major: Business Information Technology and Management

PRISM Role: Analyst

Post-Grad Plans: Working at Deloitte as a risk and financial advisory analyst in New York City. 

Favorite Quote: “If you don't fight, you can't win!”

Ali Monahan

Major: Marketing Management, Digital Marketing Strategy Concentration

Minor: Strategic Communication Minor

PRISM Role: Director of Copy, Pamplin CBA Account Manager, PRISM Social Media Strategist, F&M Account Executive, Copywriter

Post-Grad Plans: “Continuing my remote job as a Digital Marketing Associate for a cybersecurity startup!” 

Quote: “PRISM was the first organization I joined when I got to Virginia Tech and it’s so surreal that 4 years have already gone by. I will always be proud to call myself a PRISMite and a Hokie, and I am so thankful for the friends, experiences, and memories along the way. Sad to say goodbye to Blacksburg but so excited to see what God has planned for me next!”

Caitlin Nguyen 

Major: Finance and Hospitality and Tourism Management 

PRISM Role: Multimedia, Account Manager, Content Creator

Post-Grad Plans: Working for BlackRock, an asset management firm, doing Investment Strategy for portfolio managers and investment banks. 

Quote: “Embrace opportunities, and most importantly, your failures.”

Julia Palumbo

Major: Business Information Technology

Minor: Digital Marketing Strategy 

PRISM Role: Chief Marketing Officer

Post-Grad Plans: Visiting Europe for two weeks and then starting a job with the Martin agency in June!

Favorite Quote: “Work hard and you’ll be hard to beat!”

Mallory Reynaud

Major: Marketing w/ DMS concentration

PRISM Role: Account Exec and Content Creator for The Front Porch

Post-Grad Plans: Traveling to Boca West, FL after graduation and then moving into a new house in the beginning of June!

Quote: “The past four years at VT have been nothing short of amazing. PRISM has given me a look into the real-world experience before graduating which I know will help me tremendously. I'm excited for this new chapter in my life and can't wait for what's to come!”

Madison Rountree

Major: Public Relations 

Minor: Leadership and Social Change 

PRISM Role: Pamplin CBA Account Manager

Post-Grad Plans: Attending graduate school at Virginia Tech!

Quote: “I am excited to continue my education at Virginia Tech. I can’t imagine being on any other campus!”

Patrick Ruland 

Major: Marketing Management 

PRISM Role: PRISM Account Manager

Post-Grad Plans: Pursuing a job as an account manager at a creative agency; hoping to be a creative director or a strategist at an agency later down the road.

Favorite Quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” - Ferris Bueller

Ruj Tandanand

Major: Graphic Design

Minor: Industrial Design 

PRISM Role: Pamplin and Pamplin Admissions Graphic Designer

Post-Grad Plans: Going back home to Thailand for a few months! Hoping to get a job in Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, or the San Francisco area!

Favorite Quote: “I am the master of my fate and the captain of my destiny.”

Skyler Taube 

Major: Multimedia Journalism

Minor: Digital Marketing Strategy 

PRISM Role: Director of Multimedia 

Post-Grad Plans: Hoping to begin a career in marketing in Denver, Colorado. 

Quote: “This season of college is incredibly bittersweet, I have loved getting to learn and grow in PRISM! I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for both myself, and the other grads.”

Congratulations to all of our graduates–we can’t wait to watch you shine!