Topic: College of Communication Information and Media
July 3, 2008
Eleven Ball State students recently earned the certification of radio marketing professional through the university's partnership with the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB).
"The radio marketing professional certification is a level that beginning professionals in the radio sales industry aspire to," said Nancy Carlson, associate professor of telecommunications. "The fact that 11 Ball State students passed this certification while they were still in school gives them a leg up on competitors for the sales jobs."
The professional designation is the first step in a comprehensive, multilevel training and certification program developed and administered by the Radio Advertising Bureau. The students completed a rigorous course of study that focuses on mastering the knowledge and skills necessary to help local businesses maximize their advertising success. To earn the certification, candidates passed a challenging one-hour written examination, Carlson explained.
Students receiving the certification include: Kristen Davis, Schaumburg, Ill.; Leslie Flora, Indianapolis; Jeremy Greer, Muncie, Ind.; Phillip Keene, Merrillville, Ind.; Ralynn Kelley, Anderson, Ind.; Wade Michael, Marion, Ind.; Joel O'Brien, Knox, Ind.; Drew Oliver, Grant, Ind.; Jade Sullivan, Noblesville, Ind.; Casey Terrell, Speedway, Ind., and Sarah Watts, Indianapolis.
This is the first year that Ball State partnered with RAB. Carlson believes more students will study for their certification each year as they see the graduates benefit from the certification once in the job market
"Ball State is one of the few universities that actually train for careers in sales," Carlson said. "That makes the graduates highly desirable for the marketplace."
The RAB is the sales and marketing arm of the radio industry with more than 5,000 member stations, networks and related radio sales organizations in the U.S. and abroad.
By Hillary Tribbett