In my 20+ years of A/E/C marketing, I have yet to meet anyone who dreamed of becoming a professional services marketer (or business developer). Have you? Many of my friends and colleagues often joke and reminisce about how they stumbled upon their careers. Sure, it might not be right for some. But I know I’m not the only one who can’t imagine doing anything else.
It’s my hope that one day our profession is seen and sought after by smart, driven people who want to have a small part in making a big difference in shaping the communities around them. And I’m so excited to know that day may be closer than we think.
Over the summer, I hope you heard about the partnership between SMPS and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to establish the SMPS Foundation Zinsmeyer Scholarship. It focuses on the fields of architecture, construction management, engineering, marketing, mass communications, and public relations.
It all started with a gift—a lead gift of $25,000 to the SMPS Foundation—from SMPS co-founder and member No. 1 Andy Zinsmeyer to increase diversity and mentoring opportunities in SMPS and the marketing profession. Working in conjunction with the Society’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, the application process launched in June 2021.
Scholarships are being awarded based on need, up to $1,500 each. In addition to tuition support, scholarship recipients also receive mentorship, SMPS student membership, and access to SMPS programming.
In less than three months, a total of 129 applications were received! Due to overwhelming support, an additional $7,500 was raised, which will fund up to five additional scholarships.
I couldn’t be prouder of the work SMPS and the SMPS Foundation are doing to provide resources, research and education to our current members, and to those who don’t even know yet the opportunities available to them. Thanks to this scholarship fund and to those who donated, we’re exposing a new generation to A/E/C marketing, while also taking steps to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry.
If you would like to help support the research and advocacy of the SMPS Foundation, I encourage you to do so. Your donation will have an impact, and it may just make someone’s dream come true.
Article written by SMPS Foundation President Andrea Goodwin, FSMPS, CPSM. She can be reached at AGoodwin@bgeinc.com.
