Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

...all in a day's work

Keri S.

October 22, 2009 - 10:53 PM

As I find myself on campus with about an hour to kill, I thought now would be the perfect opportunity to update you all on my life. I got off work a few minutes ago, and decided to mosey my way over to the Lillis computer lab. This week is popular for mid-term projects, so the lab is pretty busy with groups putting the last minute details on their Power Point presentations-minutes before they present to their professors. Just yesterday, I was in the computer lab for a couple of hours with my friend Tonya working on a project for my sports business class. When it comes to week 8, you won't even be able to find a computer in the lab-which is crazy considering there are 5 separate labs and about 70 computers in all dedicated to business students only. It is one of the most popular resources in Lillis, and one I think everyone uses at least every once in a while. You even get $10 of free printing if you are a business major! Score!

Earlier this week, my sports business class had two guest speakers who were UO alum and currently work at Adidas. It was so cool learning about the company and their jobs within Adidas. We talked a lot about retail marketing, and how a large apparel company like Adidas manages different distribution channels. For example, they sell through Adidas direct stores, online, and through sporting goods stores such as Sports Authority and Dick's. So far in my marketing and sports business classes, I haven't learned a lot about the retail side of companies. We mostly focus on national ad campaigns and the overall picture. With a company like Adidas, they have to balance national campaigns and local campaigns partnering with their retail outlets. How do they take a national campaign featuring David Beckham and make that a part of the customer's buying experience that goes to their local Sport's Authority? This is something they work on every day in order to meet company objectives and partner objectives. Hearing about this side of the business first hand from people who are currently working in the industry was so interesting.

This week I also had a guest speaker in my J 399 social media class. Although he focused on Podcasts, he specializes in all types of social media and currently has a few websites where he uses social media to drive traffic, including www.ducksportsnews.com. Although I occasionally watch YouTube videos, I have never subscribed to a Podcast series or followed one particular producer. It was interesting to hear how individuals can use Podcasts to market themselves and also how companies can use them too. Will I personally start making Podcasts? Probably not. Will I look for some of my favorite companies on iTunes or YouTube? Probably yes.

Overall, this week has been interesting. Although I like all of my professors this term, it is always nice to hear from guest speakers and get another person's perspective on a topic they specialize in. I also like hearing from people who are currently in the work force and can talk about specific things their company is implementing right now. After 4 hours of class today, I will officially be on my weekend! (Thank Goodness I don't have class on Fridays!!) Besides watching the football game (we travel to Washington this week), I will also be going to an alumni event with Alpha Kappa Psi to Willamette Vineyards in Salem for a wine tasting event. It will be a day full of friends, networking, and wine! Can't wait!!