Topic: College of Communication Information and Media
January 19, 2007
Ball State senior Jessica Dinkelman was recently selected as a national finalist in the American Advertising Federation's (AAF) 2007 Most Promising Minority Students Program.
Dinkelman, an advertising major from Valparaiso, was one of approximately 30 other minority students across the country selected as finalists. Each of the finalists will travel to New York to participate in a three-day program in February.
"I applied for the program because I thought it would give me a great opportunity to meet other advertising students as well as professionals," she said. "It will also give me the chance to learn more about the industry itself through speakers and events."
The program is designed to recognize and recruit outstanding minority college graduates in the areas of advertising, marketing, media and communications. It helps prepare top advertising students and enhances their knowledge and understanding of the industry by offering networking, interviewing and immersion opportunities with industry professionals.
Dinkelman has been one of the top-performing advertising students during her studies at Ball State, AAF faculty adviser Michael Hanley said. In addition, she has been an integral part of the AAF leadership team for the past two years, serving as the past treasurer and current research chair for the chapter, Hanley said.
"She leads by example," he said. "She is a very determined, organized and motivated student. Her selection is very deserving."
Dinkelman said she was honored by her selection as a finalist.
"As a senior, I have worked for four years to succeed academically, and I have been involved in leadership positions in several organizations," she said. "I feel as though all of my hard work has been rewarded."
After graduation, Dinkelman expects to work initially as an account planner in an advertising agency, and she later plans to become a senior account planner at a global agency.
By Jennifer Strempka