AI Is Our Friend, Not Our Enemy

In the past couple of years, we have noticed a dramatic transformation in artificial intelligence (AI); a technological tool that has developed its abilities and applications across various industries and platforms. For us college students, we were taught to view AI with skepticism because it was associated with cheating or a tool that decreased human creativity, cognitive abilities, and input. AI is not harmful or beneficial in itself; rather it is what we make out of it that determines its effects. However, recently, we have seen a surge in AI being encouraged in and outside the classroom to assist us in our learning and tasks-whether it’s through research, content creation, writing assistance and marketing strategies. 

This transformation has not only benefited academic departments, but it has also reached the marketing world, elevating it to an extraordinary level. Businesses continuously integrate AI into their marketing strategies as AI continues to progress. Many people are concerned that AI could substitute human jobs in the corporate world. However, AI is a tool that companies have their employees use to capitalize on efficiency, productivity, data-driven decision making, and optimizing repetitive work tasks. Brands that capitalize on AI attain a competitive advantage through offering seamless, data-optimized experiences. 

Some key trends we use AI for in the marketing industry include automating ad targeting, content creation, social media posts, personalized emails, and marketing campaigns. AI analyzes consumer behavior by analyzing past and repetitive data from numerous sources to create personalized marketing campaigns. This is imperative because marketers are able to tailor campaigns to different customers based on their preferences and behavior. AI also uses past data to predict future purchasing behavior. AI doesn’t just analyze, but it also engages with customers. Some ways we can see this is through chatbots, voice assistants, recommendation systems, and automated customer support systems. AI-driven marketing enhances customer service experiences by ensuring smooth, efficient, and highly responsive services.

AI is a very fluid tool-it is adaptable to new circumstances and ever-evolving. As for the future,  we can expect that AI will continue to progress on its abilities to strengthen customer interactions, predict upcoming trends, and create personalized marketing campaigns. Companies that integrate AI into their marketing strategies will not only stay ahead of competition, but also revolutionize how customer interactions occur in the digital world.

As college students about to embark on the workforce, it’s essential that we utilize AI because it’s a necessary skill that will distinguish us in an industry that is driven by innovation. Rather than fearing AI, we should learn how to use it to optimize our personal and professional growth.

WiB Wrap Up

As the fall semester comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the amazing semester we have had in WiB!  So, we asked our amazing WiB E-board members to share their favorite moments and key takeaways.

Jenny Carlmark -Co-Director of Community Service

This semester has been full of new experiences for me: taking more major-focused classes, becoming a part of the lovely WiB e-board, and living off-campus for the first time. I have enjoyed every single one of these new changes this semester and am excited to continue with this change going into next semester. My favorite experience from this semester was being able to become an Accounting 221 TA, I love my job and love having a positive impact on the students in Isenberg. My advice to anyone reading the blog would definitely be to accept change with open arms because you never know when it might be the perfect chance to make your life ten times better. I am so grateful for a great fall semester and can't wait for the spring semester to start! :)

Lavinia Caravella-  Secretary

This semester has flown by so fast!! I have had so many amazing memories this semester but I would have to say some of my favorites were the WiB Halloween meeting and going to NYC with my friends. I am so excited for the WiB Formal next semester and can't wait for all the fun opportunities that arise as well!

Jackie Diegel - Co-Director of Peer Mentorship Program

This semester, one of the highlights was leading the peer mentorship program with Elise! It was a huge success, and I’m so grateful to have been able to pair up meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that will hopefully provide lasting support throughout college. I also loved getting closer with the E-Board members and attending all the inspiring meetings this semester. One of my favorites was Bella’s session with Cape Cod’r, where we gained valuable insights into working for a start-up or smaller company. Looking ahead to next semester, I’m excited for the Boston trip and for Ainsley, our other co-director, to return from her semester abroad! If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to truly appreciate every moment you have with your friends because the semesters really do fly by!

Sophia - Co Marketing Director 

One of my most memorable moments from this semester was seeing my two close friends, Ava and Bella, excel in the Co-President position. They truly have done such an amazing job so far and I couldn’t imagine anyone else leading our club! I’m looking forward to working on WiB merch next semester with Abby. I also really enjoyed our “Social Media 101” Marketing Committee meeting as the topic resonates with me so much. 

Jill Baldassini - Blog Chair 

The highlight of my experience at WiB has been working with the incredible ladies on the MarComm team. Collaborating with such talented and creative individuals has been so inspiring, and I’ve especially loved reading all the blog posts our amazing members have written. Each post offers a unique perspective and shows the talent and ambition within our WiB community. Next semester, I’m thrilled to be studying abroad in Seville, Spain. While I’ll miss being on campus and working with everyone at WiB, I’m excited to see how WiB continues to grow. I’ll definitely be keeping up with all the great things WiB accomplishes from afar!

Ella Cushman- Community Service Co-Director

My first semester as an e-board member for WiB has been amazing! The first Community Service Committee meeting making cards for kids was a very memorable moment for me. Jenny and I were so happy with the amazing turnout and success of the meeting. Another WiB meeting this semester that I loved (and one of my favorites every year) was the Halloween meeting. This general body meeting is always so much fun and a huge highlight of the semester. I am so excited for more fun meetings like these in the future!

Thank you all for an incredible semester. We're so excited for what's to come next semester! 💜

Movies to Watch to Get Into the Holiday Spirit

By: Annie Li

1. Love Actually

This romcom weaves together nine interlocking stories of love in various forms, all set duringthe holiday season in London. From new love to unrequited crushes and married couples rediscovering affection, each story portrays a different aspect of romance and connection. Some of the tales are lighthearted and comedic, like the budding romance between a shy prime minister and his staff member, while others carry a more profound, bittersweet tone, such as a manstruggling with his feelings for his best friend's wife.

Why Watch?

Not only is Love Actually entertaining with each different love story, but it also shows love in all its complexity—not just the joyful but also the awkward and imperfect moments. Its warm humor, memorable characters, and iconic scenes set in a festive London make Love Actually a feel-good watch that taps into both the highs and lows of romance, wrapped in a cozy holiday atmosphere.

2. Home Alone

When the large McCallister family hastily departs for a Christmas vacation in Paris, they accidentally leave behind their eight-year-old son, Kevin. At first, Kevin takes great joy in his unexpected independence—ordering pizza, jumping on beds, and watching whatever he wants. But his adventures take an unexpected turn when he discovers two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, plotting to rob his home. With cunningness and wit, Kevin sets up an array of clever (and painful!) traps to protect his house, outsmarting the intruders in hilarious ways.

Why Watch?

Home Alone combines holiday cheer, childhood nostalgia, and a generous dose of slapstick comedy, making it a perfect Christmas movie for all ages. It’s a story of resilience and family, with a heartwarming message about the importance of loved ones during the holiday season.

3. Last Christmas

Set in festive London, Last Christmas follows Kate, a young woman working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Despite her cheerful surroundings, Kate is struggling in her personal life and feeling lost. When she meets Tom, a mysterious and kind-hearted man, her outlook changes. Through a series of chance encounters, Tom helps Kate confront her past, rediscover her joy, and heal in unexpected ways. As the holiday season unfolds, their connection deepens, leading to a surprising twist that adds depth and emotion to the story.

Why Watch?

Last Christmas offers a fresh take on the classic holiday romance, blending humor with heartwarming and emotional moments. Inspired by George Michael’s music, including the song-inspired title, the film’s soundtrack adds warmth and nostalgia. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a feel-good movie with a message of hope, self-discovery, and kindness during the holiday season. Plus, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding’s chemistry adds charm to this cozy, wintry romance.

4. The Polar Express

On Christmas Eve, a young boy who has begun to doubt the existence of Santa Claus finds himself embarking on an unexpected, magical adventure when a mysterious train, the Polar Express, appears outside his home. The boy and several other children travel to the North Pole, encountering exciting, sometimes dangerous, moments along the way, including interactions with quirky characters like the conductor, a ghostly hobo, and the reclusive Santa himself. Along this journey, he learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Why Watch?

The Polar Express is a visually enchanting and heartwarming holiday tale that captures the wonder and innocence of believing. It’s an ideal movie for rekindling the sense of wonder that often fades with age, reminding everyone of the beauty of belief and the spirit of Christmas.

5. Elf

Raised by elves in the North Pole, Buddy is a human who doesn’t quite fit in due to his size and clumsiness. When he learns the truth about his origins, he sets out on a quest to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs—a grumpy workaholic who happens to be on Santa’s naughty list. Buddy’s innocence and enthusiasm for Christmas clash hilariously with the big-city bustle. As Buddy tries to reconnect with his father and spread Christmas cheer, his antics lead to chaotic but heartwarming family moments.

Why Watch?

Elf is a modern Christmas classic that combines humor, holiday spirit, and family warmth. The film’s playful energy and emphasis on kindness, joy, and belief in the magic of Christmas make it a feel-good movie that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s a reminder of the value of family, the beauty of childlike wonder, and the fun of embracing our quirks.

The Power of 1%

By: Harper Sweeney

We, as humans, are much more similar to money than we think. As money can grow exponentially when interest is compounded, our personal growth can grow exponentially with consistency and dedication. Just how minor, financial investments yield greater returns over time, our small, simple actions also yield greater personal growth over time. Pushing yourself to become 1% better daily is the key to success, reiterated in James Clear's self-help book, Atomic Habits. When you improve each day by 1%, compared to when you wake up that morning, you are actively working to become a better version of yourself every day. 

Even since I read this book, I have strived to upgrade myself daily. James Clear emphasizes the fact that your habits determine your life. He structures his book around four critical laws to see behavior change: make your habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. Focusing on small, manageable changes to become the type of person you aspire to be– rather than fixating on long-term immense goals– can effectively transform your habits, which will, in turn, transform your life.

When you dedicate yourself to becoming 1% better each day, these incremental changes become easier to implement again tomorrow. Because minuscule changes are less intense than dramatic changes, it is easier to sustain these improvements. 

The 1% theory applies to every aspect of our lives. If we want to achieve a goal we set for ourselves, it is illogical to expect to go from no experience to expertise overnight. For example, an entrepreneur cannot convert from having no experience to becoming the CEO of a profitable company within a month. This requires a lot of time, work, precision, and effort. Entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed if they start by focusing on incremental steps rather than large, dramatic changes. Another example is if you desire to conquer a physical goal; say you want to lose weight. Losing weight is not a process that occurs overnight, rather it is the result of accumulated consistent habits. Sustainable weight loss takes time. There are steps you have to take to get to where you want to go. You will need to break down large goals into smaller, actionable steps.

Expertise in a subject requires consistency, resilience, and discipline. Discipline is the most important attribute. Motivation is temporary while discipline is forever. There are going to be days when you want to stay in your comfort zone, and of course, setbacks are unavoidable. Yet, setbacks are imperative to move forward. You have to be patient with the process. Once you see progress, you’re never going to want to go back to square one. 

Is there something that you want to work towards? Whether it is a physical goal (improving your fitness), a mental goal (managing stress), or maybe a spiritual goal, (practicing prayer), identifying a precise goal is the first step. Formulate an action plan composed of small, manageable habits to work towards the ultimate goal. As James Clear emphasizes: make the habit easy, attractive, obvious, and satisfying. To make the habit easy: simplify the process. To make it attractive: pair the habit with a positive reward. To make the habit obvious: find ways to remind yourself. To make the habit satisfying: ensure immediate gratification. Remember, the journey is always more important than the destination. If you take that first step today, your future self is going to thank you.

Dress for Success: Corporate Style Icons on Screen

By: Brigid Murray

Nailing the perfect business professional look can set the tone for your confidence, capability, and overall sophistication at work. Although, dressing for a corporate setting doesn’t have to mean sacrificing personal style. Television has given us a lineup of unforgettable fashion icons who blend professionalism with personal style. When planning your outfit for your next interview, networking event or internship, look to these iconic characters from television for professional style inspiration.

1. Rachel Green

Kicking off the list with an all-time fashion icon, the Friends’ fashionista wardrobe is straight out of a dream. Whether she was working as a waitress at Central Perk or an executive for Ralph Lauren, Rachel always dressed for success. Often donning skirts, boots, and leather, Rachel’s take on the corporate look always reflected her trendy, girly, and effortlessly cool style. 

2. Miranda Hobbes

Carrie Bradshaw is often esteemed as the style icon of Sex and the City, but Carrie’s friends are no less chic. Miranda Hobbes’ practical style is perfect for the pragmatic lawyer. Miranda always serves professional, put-together looks understated enough for her fiery red hair and no-nonsense prerogative shine through.

3. Samantha Jones

Samantha Jones’ confidence is something we should all aspire to, as well as her style. The owner of her own PR company, her work style is just as bold and glamorous as she is. Samantha never strays from bright colors and loves a matching suit. She never compromises her identity for anyone and her workwear is no exception.

4. Lorelai Gilmore

Lorelai Gilmore is such an underrated business woman from TV. The single mom went from working as a maid to owning and managing her inn. Even in a suit, Lorelai's energetic personality shines through with girly touches like headbands and rich colors. In harmony with the show’s cozy vibe, the Gilmore girl loves a turtleneck and her trusty leather jacket. Every look is not complete without a cup of coffee from Luke’s.

5. Blair Waldorf

Blair’s preppy, conservative style lends itself to a professional wardrobe. While Blair’s outfits tend to lean more glam than practical, there is still a lot to learn from the TV icon’s style, particularly how to accessorize. Even in her Constance school uniform, Blair always stands out. If you’re wondering how to rock a headband, string of pearls, or a statement coat, look no further than Queen B.