The Projects I've Done Throughout These Past Few Years

Coming to college brings many adjustments: academically, socially, and personally. As you learn to navigate the classroom, build new friendships, and find your own way. Here at James Madison University (JMU), I've been juggling a bunch of different projects across my classes, and honestly, they've all been super helpful in their own ways. Each project has thrown some unique challenges my way, pushed me to pick up new skills, and taught me how to work with different kinds of people. Looking back, I can see how much I've grown—not just in my studies but also in my career and personal life.

#1: College of Business Comprehensive Business Plan - VIVAVEST

The Vivavest logo represents the innovative mindset and progressive strategy of the detailed business plan.

Objectives and Goals

We developed this over the span of our four integrated business courses, incorporating everything we learned in class to create a fully realized and comprehensive plan. My team and I developed a market-validated construction safety vest with a Bluetooth panic alert system, projecting growth from 153K to 292K units and nearly $19M in annual revenue within five years through market research, product design, and supplier coordination.

My Role and Contributions

I helped keep our schedule very neat and organized. As for the project, I handled the marketing sector which included:

• Market Quantification

• Target Market Selection / Market Segmentation Analysis

• Positioning

• The Marketing Mix

Challenges Faced and Solutions

Challenges Faced in Manufacturing and Marketing

• Eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks in the manufacturing process

• Positioning ourselves effectively against competitors in the market

• Evolving with changing trends in the fabric and thread market

Solutions

Simulation Process

We conducted a series of simulations to determine the most effective strategies for our product. Our primary focus was to ensure that every decision made was beneficial across all sectors of our plan, preventing any one section from negatively impacting the others.

Key Considerations

• Comprehensive analysis of each simulation outcome.

• Collaboration among different teams to gather diverse insights.

• Iterative testing to refine our approach continuously.

• Balancing priorities to maintain harmony between all sectors.

Outcome

The simulations allowed us to identify the optimal paths forward, ensuring that our product development is robust and well-rounded.

Key Learnings and Skills Gained

Key Learnings from the Project

• Understanding the ins and outs of creating a business

• Collaborating effectively with a group of people

• Presenting to a room full of important people

• Answering questions on the spot

Working with a diverse group of individuals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, taught me invaluable lessons beyond just marketing. I also gained insights into various aspects of running a business while supporting my teammates. Most importantly, I learned how collaborative efforts and understanding each other's perspectives can lead to more effective communication and a stronger community impact.

#2: Integrated Marketing Communication Plan for White Oak Lavender Farm

Objectives and Goals

The primary objective was to increase online sales for families of higher education students in Virginia by May 31st, 2026. This will be achieved through targeted marketing strategies and tactics specifically aimed at these families.

My Role and Contributions

My team and I collaborated to create a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing our goals effectively. My contributions included:

• Organizing the pages within the plan

• Creating deliverables to achieve our objectives

• Generating ideas that align with our target audience's needs

Challenges Faced and Solutions

The main challenge that we faced was figuring out how to differentiate ourselves from other groups in our class. We engaged in one-on-one discussions and visited the White Oak Lavender Farm to gain better insights.

Key Learnings and Skills Gained

I learned how to create graphics that not only adhere to our established brand guidelines but also effectively align with all of our strategic goals and objectives related to our company. Each graphic I designed was crafted with careful consideration of our target audience and the specific message we aimed to convey, ensuring that every piece resonated with our core values and mission. Navigating Canva was an adjustment at first, as I had to familiarize myself with its various features and tools. However, as I spent more time exploring the platform, I discovered its many templates, icons, and design elements that could be easily customized to fit our needs. Through this experience, I not only became proficient in using Canva but also developed a keen eye for aesthetics and an understanding of effective visual communication. This skill is one that I will never forget, as it has assisted me in completing this project and more in my other classes.

#3: Social Media Project with Wears Woody

Wears Woody is the company that we partnered with to help improve their social media presence.

Objectives and Goals

• Create a successful JMU Homecoming campaign to effectively market WearsWoody at our tailgate.

• Develop an influencer/affiliate program to enhance outreach and engagement.

• Create a Strategy and Content Calendar Spreadsheet for organized planning and execution.

My Role and Contributions

I have contributed to this project by creating and scheduling content to be sent out throughout the weeks pertaining to the Homecoming x Wears Woody collaboration. Our special feature, Michael Chase, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor, is a customer for Wears Woody and has created his own apparel.

Challenges Faced and Solutions

Challenges Faced

• Utilizing Wears Woody's social media platforms with low engagement

• Driving traffic to social media platforms

Solutions

• Collaborating with customer Micheal Chase to enhance presence in the running athletic community

Key Learnings and Skills Gained

This project taught me more about how to create and schedule posts through the Cloud Campaign. Being able to utilize all of the information I have about a company is crucial, as everything is intertwined and important. Using all of the resources provided and learning how to create my own enhances the company I am working with. Skills I gained were:

• Scheduling and creating content to be posted on the Cloud Campaign

• Working with customers/affiliates to make unique content

Personal Reflections on My Time at JMU

Each project was a steppingstone in my development. They pushed me to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The challenges I faced taught me perseverance and problem-solving. Beyond skills, these experiences shaped my confidence and sense of purpose.

If you are starting your own journey, I encourage you to seek out projects that challenge you. Embrace the discomfort of learning something new, step out of your comfort zone and create groups with strangers. The growth that follows will be worth it.