<aside> 👉 Role: Marketing Extern

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Why are you applying for TWN's marketing externship program and why do you believe you're the best candidate for this opportunity?

I recognize the power that social media marketing holds in influencing others, generating countless opportunities, and changing the world. Through my own Instagram account (@izzylapidus), I've been progressively building my platform as a girls in STEM advocate passionate about inspiring other girls to pursue their STEM passions. I created this Instagram account in February of 2020 and have organically grown this platform by relying on storytelling, authenticity, and aesthetics. Through my Instagram, I've been offered opportunities to speak at over 15+ virtual events and have shared my STEM story with hundreds of students worldwide. I've learned a lot about how to build a successful Instagram through the lived experience of building my own and I would love to apply my skillset in growing TWN's. Social media is integral in expanding TWN's ability to reach even more powerful and ambitious women and I believe that my past experience in social media marketing would make an excellent addition to the TWN team.

**Have you had any experience with graphic design (Canva, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator) - if not, it is okay! Please elaborate on any skills/past experience. ***

I have 3+ years of self-taught experience in Canva and am currently taking an Adobe CC Masterclass on Udemy where I am learning Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, and InDesign. I will be finished with this course in early January (before January 6th) and I would love to apply these new skills into my work with TWN. The way I design very much mimics my personality and general vibe; I work with many bright colors (such as pink and purple) and often incorporate gradients, sparkles, or glitter. Through the example graphic design pieces I included below, this can be seen. I have experience in working as a layout designer on various publications such as Girl Genius Magazine, have designed presentations, posters, flyers, thumbnails, and headers on Canva, and frequently generate my own content for my Instagram (@izzylapidus). I have worked hard over the past few years to enhance my skills as a graphic designer and after completing my Abobe course, my skillset will be even more valuable and expansive.

How do you think we can improve our current marketing (anywhere from social media to branding)?

I personally think that TWN has excellent marketing techniques already and fell in love with TWN's Instagram as soon as I saw it. TWN does a great job of diversifying its content, both in terms of how it looks visually and the type of information provided, and also does a fantastic job of remaining consistent and compelling in branding. Some areas where I think improvement could be done (in terms of Instagram, as that is where I have the most experience): 1) the logo/profile pic. Although visually clever, I think the logo could be improved to become more welcoming and better reflect TWN's mission in building a network of ambitious young women. I also think the profile pic would better fit the brand messaging of TWN's feed by being more colorful. 2) the Instagram bio. Although I appreciate how the bio gets straight to the point, young people, especially young women, LOVE emojis! Emojis make everything more fun and inviting, and I think that spicing the bio up with some emojis would deliver a clearer and more accurate brand message. I also think that the bio could be expanded to provide more information about TWN and encourage people to get involved. 3) the story highlights. I really appreciate story highlights, as they're a great way to engage with an audience without requiring as much thought as needed in generating a feed post. I think TWN's story highlights could be utilized more frequently and that there could be individual initatives introduced on story highlights. An example of an iniative could be having a powerful woman from a different industry takeover every Tuesday (or any other day of the week!).

Any additional questions or feedback? Thanks for applying!

My friend Neha Mehta, an executive board member of Barnard/Columbia's TWN chapter, sent me TWN's story adversiting this opportunity and said that it was perfect for me. I absolutely agree with Neha. It would be such an honor to join this incredible team of passionate young women and I could not suggest a greater start to my 2021. I promise I will not let you down TWN, let's get marketing! :)