The impact that the student-run agency that Olivet’s communication program has on the local community and students is immense. The professional experience that students get from taking this course is very impressive.
Local Community Of Kankakee/Bourbonnais
ISA has been involved in helping out local businesses and organizations all around the community of Kankakee. Students in this class do various things for the community such as working for College Church, working on the media team for Olivet’s sports teams, and working for local businesses around the area such as the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce, Bourbonnais Public Library, and the Urban Barbershop.
ISA manages social media accounts. ISA has done an excellent job of gaining more engagement and traction for the social media accounts of its clients.
Impact Taking ISA Has On Students
Taking ISA as a course has a plethora of benefits for students. The class is taught by Professor Susan Wolff, and a graduate assistant that usually has taken the course. Students that take this course will have a ton of experience and opportunities that will prepare them for future roles in multimedia and agencies.
Students work in teams and work diligently all semester long to achieve the goals needed for the client. This is no regular class. ISA is a job, and it is supposed to be treated as such. Students are expected to wear business casual attire and be on time every class. The students are led by an AE (Account Executive) that delegates the tasks for the rest of the group. This course will give students tons of work experience that will prepare them for the professional work field after college.
There are many benefits for students running PR at universities. According to research, one of the biggest benefits of student-run agencies is applied learning. While students learn about media pitching, strategic writing, event planning and other similar skills in class, it is in the tactical application of them that students learn the most.
Also according to Sage Journals, research “provides a strong rationale for adding a student-run agency as part of a competitive, well-rounded communications curriculum.”
Current AE’s For ISA
Morgan Connor
I think ISA is one of the biggest building blocks for a resume.
Ae Morgan Connor
ISA provides students opportunities to get internships and career opportunities after college.
AE- Kathryn West
I Think ISA Is A Really Unique Opportunity For Students To Take Because It Allows You To Take All The Information Your Learning In The Classroom And Give You Some Real World Application.
Rylie Pederson (AE)
