Dear reader,
Disclaimer: I cannot see dead people. I can, however, see colors. Not anything like van Gogh, or a full-on synesthete, but I associate certain colors with certain moods and certain sounds and certain places and certain ideas and...well, the list goes on.
Colors are an extremely important part of marketing and advertising, because they make up an integral part of the way consumers perceive a product. Especially in the packaging of a product, colors can often make or break a consumer's decision. If you think about it, there has been a billion instances in your life where this has happened. For example, why did you buy the shirt you're wearing right now? How about the car in your garage? The tomatoes in your refrigerator? Of course, color is not the only determinant of purchasing, but it does have bearing on the decision.
For me, this past week has been a purple-gray week. Purple is for the feeling of accomplishment that came with writing a pretty darn good resume, conducting 3 research interviews impressively, and having a ball at Business Symposium (more on this later). Gray (or grey, if you're in England) is for the whirlwind of activity that has passed, and for the oncoming storm (read: Tri-fold Presentation Boards, Interview Assessments, mentor searches... ).
Business Symposium was basically a giant networking event and mock interview opportunity. ISM students took the initiative to introduce themselves to professionals and strike up conversations, and perhaps make a few contacts. Mock interviews consisted of intense 20 minute one-on-one sessions that were meant to simulate a job interview. For me, this was so much fun. I love being able to present my work, and I love having the challenge of impressing strangers. It is thrilling to be able to re-create yourself and tailor your image for every new person you meet, like an adjustable phoenix. Kind of. Honestly, meeting with actual professionals in the field is an enlightening experience and it is so much more memorable than any textbook or article. This week completely blue my mind away.
Until next time,
Eileen Bau
