My Background

My name is Marissa Makar, I recently graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington earning my Master of Arts degree in Integrated Marketing Communication. Alongside my master's, I also hold a B.A. in Communication Studies obtained from UNCW as well. In addition to my educational background, I am an Insights and Analytics Senior Associate at the public relations firm, Golin. 

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Throughout my time as an undergrad, I was a part of Pier601 Creative, a student-led applied learning course at UNCW. Through this course, I developed relationships with local non-profits by providing integrated marketing communication solutions for their organization's needs. It was through this initiative that I was inspired to continue my education surrounding IMC. As a graduate student, I've come to understand IMC as a strategic approach that unifies brand messaging across all channels of communication that reach an audience. This approach requires an integration of all aspects within an organization in order to create a cohesive brand identity and message. It's been an exciting journey learning about the different marketing channels and communication practices that create an integrated brand experience for stakeholders. 

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As a marketing analyst, I evaluate advertising performance, market research, social listening, and media trends to provide clients with strategic marketing recommendations to further improve their campaigns. With being an analyst and IMC graduate student, I've come to understand the importance of stakeholder data in addition to leveraging the data to guide brand and communication direction within an organization.