By Marketers for the Next Generation of Marketers
The annual 1-Day Marketing Boot Camp brings undergraduate and graduate students together with marketing professionals, recruiters and early-career marketers for a practical introduction to the profession they are preparing to enter.
Through candid conversations, skill-building sessions and structured networking, students gain a clearer understanding of marketing career opportunities, what employers expect and what students can do now to prepare for the transition from college to work.
The Boot Camp costs $5 for each student, with lunch provided by AMA Chicago. Each attendee receives a certificate of completion that can be shared on LinkedIn or included on a resume.
Who Boot Camp Brings Together
The Boot Camp is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who are exploring or preparing for careers in marketing. Students may be enrolled at any college or university in the Midwest.
Throughout the day, students connect with experienced marketing leaders, recruiters and hiring professionals, early-career marketers and peers who are also preparing to enter the profession.
What Students Gain
By the end of the Boot Camp, students should have a clearer understanding of the marketing profession and greater confidence about how to enter it.
During the day, students have opportunities to:
- Explore the range of career paths available in marketing.
- Hear directly from employers about what they expect from entry-level candidates.
- Strengthen practical skills in areas such as resumes, LinkedIn, interviewing, networking, communication and professional presence.
- Better understand how AI and emerging technology are changing marketing careers.
- Build connections with professionals and peers who can become part of their developing professional network.
- Identify at least one action they can take immediately to strengthen their career readiness.
An Established AMA Chicago Event
Since 2022, the annual 1-Day Marketing Boot Camp has connected undergrad and grad students with practicing marketers, recruiters and early-career professionals to give them a clearer view of the profession and a stronger start in it.
Boot Camp at a Glance
- 150 students attending each year
- 10–15 colleges/universities represented each year
- 12+ speakers/panelists at each Boot Camp
- 4.8/5 satisfaction rating from attendees
Be Part of the Day!
The Boot Camp depends on marketing professionals and organizations that want to support students — tomorrow’s marketers.
Speakers contribute practical experience, perspective and career guidance students can use.
Partners make it possible for AMA Chicago to keep the event affordable for students and support important parts of the day, including lunch, a large venue and the overall student experience.
Whether you would like to share your expertise, support the event financially or both, we’d like to hear from you! Email AMA Chicago Executive Director Bonnie Massa to start the conversation.
Attend Boot Camp
The event is held annually on a Friday in February at a Chicago area university or college.
If you’re a college or graduate student interested in a marketing career, registration opens in early January and the 1-Day Marketing Boot Camp for Students will be listed on the Events page.
Partner with Boot Camp
AMA Chicago is seeking a few $1,000 partners to support the 1-Day Marketing Boot Camp. Partner support keeps the event within reach for all students and contributes to lunch, a large venue and the overall student experience.
Organizations interested in supporting the full event are also welcome to talk with us about an exclusive partnership.
If you’re interested in supporting this formative event for tomorrow’s marketers…
