The M Network is pleased to call FIU Marketing Major, Jaynee Silva, our intern. Jaynee took our quirky questions in stride and that’s why we love her!
Your family says you are an introvert, so what compelled you to go the marketing route and how are you learning to overcome your “introvertedness” to become a great team member at The M Network?
Going into college I didn’t know what I wanted to do. One day, while I was working retail, a marketing executive from the company, came in and taught us about the brand image and ways that we can present items in the store to sell more. I found her job extremely interesting and looked into it more. I realized that majoring in business doesn’t have to be boring. I can use my math and analytical skills and combine them with creativity. I didn’t have to be confined to a desk balancing spreadsheet instead I saw so many possibilities. I could be the brain behind the next big fashion brand or represent the next big rock star.
I always knew that I would have to step out of my shell eventually If I ever wanted to be successful in the future. Interning for The M Network has shown me that interacting with professionals in the real world doesn’t have to be so scary. I was very nervous in the beginning because I felt so inexperienced and didn’t know what values I could bring to the table.
What surprised you the most about working at an agency?
I didn’t know what to expect. If I’m going to be honest, I don’t think that I knew what marketing was until I started interning for The M Network. All my knowledge was from a few textbook pages.
What mostly surprised me was how supportive everyone is. If someone was having trouble with an assignment from the client, the whole office would throw in their support and ideas. I’ve always been scared to ask questions, but you can tell that everyone is willing to help.
What is your favorite Disney character and why?
My favorite Disney character has always been the Little Mermaid. She was my favorite princess when I was little because she was a mermaid. I’ve always loved the water/ocean because I find it extremely relaxing. I guess I just like that she gets to live underwater and has red hair.
If you had to give advice to future interns, what would you say?
Before experiencing an internship for myself, I thought it was mostly like the stuff that I’ve seen in movies. A scary boss telling you to go fetch their coffee and schedule their meetings. However, The M Network is full of kind and knowledgeable people. Nothing like the movies at all. Everyone takes the time to explain what they’re working on and why they’re doing it. My advice to any future intern is to learn as much as you can from this small team of experts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because there probably won’t be another opportunity to learn from such talented individuals as this.
Have we scared you out of the business yet?
No, I feel like I have learned more in the past few months than in my past three years in college. I needed this experience to see what it was all about. Now, I feel confident going into the real world and know that it’s something that I want to do. I have friends that are studying the same thing as me and still have no clue what they’re going to use their degree for. Even though I’m not an expert or anything, I feel like it’s something that I might be good at in the future.
What piece of advice would you have for marketers that want to reach your demographic – college student, educated, still living at home, needing to make some money, bilingual?
To reach this certain demographic, you have to pay attention to what they use, where they hang out, etc. As far as I know, everyone my age uses social media for their news, current and community events, or word of mouth. A huge portion has not turned the radio on in the past decade and does not watch live tv. A good way to reach this demographic is through media channels. Whether that’s YouTube, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, or even Google ads. I also noticed that the use of influencers is becoming less effective. Fewer people are paying attention to their recommendations because it’s becoming played out. Although they do have the ability to reach the targeted demographic, their promotional videos must sound more genuine and less like they’re reading off a script.
What makes you laugh?
The thing that most people can say about me is that I laugh at pretty much everything. I wouldn’t be able to name one specific thing. However, awkward moments of silence always get me.
What makes you cry?
Any movie with a dog. For example, Marley & Me.
What’s your favorite food, color, drink, and dream vacation – all in that order.
Tacos, red, mango juice, and Italy.
Could you write a news headline combining all those elements that make us laugh? : )
“Italians Mistake Mango Juice for Tomato Sauce, Create Unexpectedly Delicious Taco Recipe!”
Americans get thrown out of a restaurant in Italy for asking for, “Those red sauce noodles in a taco shell,” and calling an Aperol Spritz “mango juice.”