by Asya Rainey & Haley Olson, Academic Coordinators & Kassandra Nevarez, Marketing & Communications Assistant
Right before Kassandra Nevarez entered her last year at Temple University, she returned to Row New York for a summer marketing internship. Kass, as we like to call her, rowed with us throughout her high school career. This summer, we were reminded how she is an incredible learner and driven woman. We were lucky to have her join our marketing team this September in an official role – while attending school, majoring in economics. Here’s her take on the whole experience:
What were some goals you’ve created as a marketing intern? Did you achieve those goals, and if so how?
My goal for this internship was to step out of my comfort zone. Before I held this position, I didn’t consider myself to be creative and I wasn’t confident about my ability to take pictures or write stories. I did achieve my goal because I had the guts to apply for the internship even though I didn’t have expertise in every single job qualification. I’m glad I did it because I’ve learned by doing, gained confidence, and used some skills that I’ve learned at school. Now, I love taking good pictures and I get satisfaction from seeing moments captured exactly how I wanted.
What are some valuable skills and experiences you’ve learned in your new position?
My favorite new skill is taking good pictures. I’ve also learned the basics of design, website editing, SEO, Google Analytics and I’ve strengthened my communication skills. I love to experience marketing outside the classroom and really learned to target my audience. I’ve experienced the office environment and learned more about what I will look for in a full-time job when I graduate.
How can you apply what you have learned as a Marketing Assistant to your major?
I’m an economics major in the business school and I can see how working here has helped reinforce what I’ve learned in my classes. Last semester I took a communications class, so I use that knowledge every day and therefore remember it well. I will be able to bring my marketing knowledge into my economics classes by relating the lessons to what I’ve seen in my work. For example, I have seen firsthand how people respond to changes in pricing and advertising.
Why was it important for you as an alumna, to stay involved with Row New York?
I really appreciate the opportunities that Row New York afforded me and I am passionate to show everyone how the programs affect participant’s lives. I know my life would have been different without rowing and academics and all the other great things I got from Row New York – I know many of our alumni would agree. Since I was so positively impacted, I love to “sell” Row New York to middle schoolers, high schoolers, people with disabilities, adults, donors, and everyone else.
One highlight of the summer?
I wrote a really cool report about our website and social media. I learned to use Google Analytics and I came up with ideas to include in the report. I presented the report to my collegues in order to clarify which marketing efforts worked and which need to be improved upon. In the end, I was proud of the project that I made and that it helped our staff use our digital channels in the most efficient way.
Thanks for being a part of our team Kass – we know you will go far!
