Front (left to right): Moira Cozad, Rachel Hicks, Christine O'Brien, Sarah Morman; Back: Chad Whiting, Aaron Shaffer, Andrew Maddux, Caroline Bowlin
Students at Northwest Missouri State University are provided an environment to perform professional work for a "real world" client by participating in the new class, Knacktive.
Knacktive is an integrated strategic communications agency for students and is successfully operating for a second semester. While working in this agency-style class, students also have the opportunity to use feedback from professionals working in related fields at agencies and corporations across the nation. This semester Knacktive is working with Science City, a non-profit organization in Kansas City, to create a new marketing and communications plan.
Spark is one of four teams among the Knacktive students. They chose Spark for the team's enthusiasm for the project ahead. Their team has even established a motto to bring inspiration based on the name, "How good ideas catch fire."
Project Manager Sarah Morman, from Elkhorn, NE, was attracted to Knacktive because, "It is cutting edge and provides leadership opportunities and a creative, team working environment that will provide experience for the real world."
Research Manager Caroline Bowlin is from Liberty, MO. She was drawn to Knacktive because, "I had always thought that I would enjoy marketing research, and this looked like the best opportunity to see if it was a good fit for me or not."
Public Relations Manager Andrew Maddux, from Council Bluffs, IA, chose to participate because, "Knacktive provides the private sector knowledge to open invaluable opportunities for personal development. Adding Knacktive to my work in the nonprofit and public sector allows for the well-rounded and forward-thinking professional I strive to be.'
Copywriter Moira Cozad, from Kansas City, MO, wanted to use Knacktive, as another avenue to look into career options related to my professional fields of interest.
Art Director Rachel Hicks, from Raymore, MO, said, "I was attracted to Knacktive because of the opportunity to work with people outside of my field and gain some real world experience."
Graphic Designer Aaron Shaffer is from Memphis, MO. He wanted to use Knacktive to extend his talent and gain real world experience.
Media Manager Christine O'Brien, from Omaha, NE, "...felt it was a great opportunity to experience working with a team in a career-oriented environment in the real world.
Interactive Digital Manager Chad Whiting is from Lenexa, KS. "The opportunity to participate in an environment that helped prepare me for the work world is what attracted me to Knacktive," he said.
