The Chicago Interactive Marketing Association Launches Mentorship Program Sponsored by Gamut To Assist The Class of 2020

CHICAGO and NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Interactive Marketing Association (CIMA) has launched a mentorship program sponsored by Gamut to give back to the community by assisting recent marketing and communications graduates and upper classmen during the unprecedented pandemic we are facing.  The CIMA Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity for mentees to grow their network, learn about job or internship opportunities and develop critical professional skills as they embark on their careers in the marketing and communications industry. 

The 3-month Mentorship Program is designed to promote the growth and development of young professionals through a one-on-one, nurturing, mutually stimulating and confidential environment. The program was originally planned for 15 mentees but was expanded to accommodate 45 students from DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University and Lake Forest College.

"Participation interest has been so great that we expanded the program to include a total of 90 mentors and mentees with virtual meetings for safe interactions," stated Karla Wagner-Blanck, Senior Account Director at Gamut and CIMA Mentorship Program Director.

To aid in the recruitment process for both mentors and mentees CIMA has partnered with Amanda Kelly from Talentfoot, a prestigious executive search firm. Talentfoot will be providing invaluable advice related to job searching, interview tips and more throughout the program, in addition to planning a virtual career event in January 2021 for CIMA members and program participants.

Each CIMA participant has been paired with a mentor from a leading marketing, media, or advertising company including: PHD, Initiative Media, Weber Shandwick, Dentsu Aegis Network, Cramer-Krasselt, Universal McCann, Starcom, MBuy, Mediacom, Kelly Scott & Madison, Esrock Partners, Zenith Media, Match Marketing Group, Executive Creative, FourKites, Victor Kilo, ComScore, IRI, Facebook, Accenture, LKP Impact Consulting, Discover Financial Services, Understory, Hostess Brands, Aldi, ReadRite, Joshin, Kingspan Light +Air, Flexera, AdTheorent, GumGum, Jellysmack, Yelp, B8 Media, Activision Blizzard Media, KraftHeinz and Gamut.

When asked how to get the most out of the CIMA Mentorship Program, Jackie Kuehl, Executive Director of the Digital Marketing Concentration at DePaul University, said, "The key is to use your network. Reach out to connections, but be very specific about what you are looking for whether it's informational, assistance, or advice." 

The stress of the current school year hangs heavy for students, but the CIMA Mentorship Program is an opportunity for mentees to grow their network, learn of job or internship opportunities and develop important professional skills as they soon enter their marketing and communications careers. Five months ago, the class of 2020 entered the workforce with virtual commencements and an economic crisis, but this generation is out to prove their resilience. 

ABOUT THE CHICAGO INTERACTIVE MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1997, the Chicago Interactive Marketing Association (CIMA) is a dedicated group of digital and interactive marketing professionals working to provide the Chicago interactive marketing community with opportunities to network, learn, and share expertise.

ABOUT GAMUT

Gamut is a solutions-based advertising organization focused on connecting brands to their most relevant consumers and communities, across all platforms. Gamut empowers advertisers through guaranteed premium inventory, advanced fraud-free options and performance that exceeds industry and client standards. Gamut's exceptional ability to deliver effective advertising campaigns starts with knowledge and experience gained over 20 years in the digital space and founded on a century of success. Gamut aligns with industry-leading sister companies CoxReps and Cox Media Group to provide advertisers with a holistic approach to reaching key audiences. For more information, visit www.gamut.media.

SOURCE Gamut