What it’s like to be a campus representative for a company

By Mira Kuhar

This semester I’ve had the awesome opportunity to be a campus representative for Tackk, a start up social media company based in Cleveland. It has been such a beneficial experience for me, as it’s the first opportunity I’ve had to work for a company doing public relations related duties. Being a campus representative is like an internship, but there are a few things that make it a slightly different and unique experience.

It’s really easy to do while taking classes. Numerous internships require a large time commitment, which is why many people choose to do them when they’re home from college for the summer. Between your commute to the company, the time spent there doing the work and your commute back home, most of your day is spent revolved around your internship. When you’re a campus representative for a company, there’s no commuting. Your campus becomes your work environment, which makes the work really easy to integrate into your class schedule. Also, the company takes into account that you are taking classes while you’re doing work for them. They understand that doing both at the same time can be stressful and are often times very helpful when you become overwhelmed by work.

Almost all communication is done virtually. Part of your job as a campus representative is to market the company you’re working for on your school’s campus because the company isn’t located on or near your campus. That means since you’re not reporting to them face to face, all of your communication is done over the phone, email and video calls. That can be positive because you have the ability to communicate with your company and discuss the progress of your work from the comfort of your own home. However, when your Wi-Fi is sketchy or your battery dies mid-call, that kind of communication can be a negative aspect. In my experience, it’s worked out really well thus far. It’s reassuring to know that if I have a question or news to report, I have a way to get in contact with my employer at the touch of a button.

You’re marketing your company to your friends. If you’re a campus rep, it’s pretty much a given that the company you work for is looking to market their product/service to college-age students. This makes life so much easier because you are in the consumer group you’re marketing to. You know the wants and needs of the consumer first hand, which makes your job a natural fit. This gives you a slight comfort zone and in return helps you become more comfortable with pitching and marketing your product in general. Being a campus rep is the ultimate experience because you’re gaining valuable skills in an environment you’re already comfortable in.

You end up becoming passionate about the company you’re working for.  Representing a company on a college campus brings about a certain passion for the work you do. I’ve become really passionate about Tackk and the work I’m doing for them this semester. It’s been a truly beneficial experience to see how I have gained exposure and engagement for the company on Ohio University’s campus. If you have the chance to be a campus representative for a product or service during your time in college, I say do it. It’s great experience that may supplement your schoolwork while also boosting your resume. I’ve built a fun relationship with and interest in Tackk, and I can’t wait to see the great heights the company reaches in the future.