VP Spotlight: Rachel Loucks
January Edition
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Name: Rachel Loucks
BCITMA Position: VP of Schmoozapalooza
Interviewers: Kathryn Ryan & Julie Chu, Communications Committee
What inspired you to join the BCITMA?
“I joined the MA halfway through my first year at BCIT. I was planning for the next year and I wanted to diversify my network considering my entire first year at BCIT was virtual. I have a bubbly personality with a large interest in public relations and event management, so I knew right away that I wanted to apply for the VP of Schmoozapalooza position when elections came around”.
What exactly is Schmoozapalooza and how does it play a role for marketing students?
“Schmoozapalooza (Schmooze for short) is BCIT’S annual networking event for the second year marketing communications students; it is the largest event of its kind in Vancouver. With internships happening in the second half of the last term, we use Schmoozapalooza as a way to introduce our students to industry professional sponsors. This year marked the 16th Annual Schmoozapalooza which was hosted online through Hopin, a virtual event management platform. I worked closely with a team of 8 Directors to create marketing campaigns and ensure the success of this event”.
What are your best productivity tips/systems/apps you use to stay organized as VP of Schmooze?
“As the VP of Schmooze, I’ve gained ample experience in Mailchimp. I had the ability to take what I’ve learned in my Owned Marketing class and apply it to automated email campaigns.
Organizational App Recommendation: Google Suite
Creative App Recommendation: Canva
Best advice for first-year students preparing for Schmooze?
1) Practice your pitch
2) Be open
3) Smile
What’s one tip to help students succeed at BCIT?
“Do your readings! This is such an important aspect to succeed at BCIT, it’s crucial to keep up; and join the BCITMA.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your first-year self?
“Join the BCITMA. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make friends and connections with like-minded driven people. The relationships I’ve built with friends through joining a club will last a lifetime”.
What are you most passionate about?
“During my spare time, I love to read and play Trivia. In terms of marketing, I love PR, and I am particularly interested in the field of Influencer Marketing; I am excited to see how it grows and changes over the next 5 years. I am also really passionate about empowering women in leadership roles, especially in business. Creating roles and developing women’s leadership skills are super important to me”.
Rachel’s Favourite Books: The Harry Potter Series- J.K Rowling, Court of Thornes and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I would love to be in a job in the PR space, living in Vancouver. One of my strengths is leading teams; I really enjoy this. We’ll see what the future holds.”
What is your favourite ad?
“Match Made in Hell” This ad was created by Maximum Effort, Ryan Reynold’s production company. View the ad here
What would be your dream job?
“With the way I see my career path is going, I would love to be working at a PR firm, with a specialty in influencer marketing”.
SPEED ROUND:
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Coffee or Tea? Iced Coffee
Pasta or Pizza? Pasta
Texting or Phone call? Phone call
Morning Person or Night Owl? Night owl
IG, TIKTOK, FB or other? Pinterest and Tiktok
Last book you read? “Everybody writes”- Anne Handley
Favourite song? “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
Favourite Brand? We’re Not Really Strangers
Favourite Color? Green
Favourite Snack? Charcuterie Board
Favourite Movie? The Sound of Music
Favourite Vacation Spot? Sauble Beach, Ontario
The BCITMA is: Rewarding and worth it