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Sumer Hazeen

Get to know some of our °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø students! Sumer Hazeen is a Class of 2024 advertising major.

Sumer Hazeen

What made you decide to major in advertising?
When I came to the University of Illinois, I was in a different major at first. During my freshman year, I happened to take Advertising 150 with Steve Hall. It was then I realized I needed to major in advertising. I had felt so lost in my previous major but transferring to the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø made me feel like I had found my place. 

What student organizations are you involved in?
I am currently the Chief Communications Officer for our American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Illinois chapter. I became a member in my sophomore year. I became part of the executive board for the 2022-2023 school year. I primarily focus on sending debrief emails to members of upcoming events and speakers. I am also involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity, and Illini Mentor Program, a mentorship program where I mentor children at a local elementary school. I serve on the social media committee for both these groups, making sure everyone stays informed.   

What are your future career goals?
I would like to work in data analytics with social media engagement. My friends recommended I take Advertising 305: Advertising Technology and the Digital World, and I’m enjoying the mixture of advertising and technology. I’d like to start at a smaller company, probably a startup. The ultimate goal is to hopefully get into a bigger corporation and live in a big city. Recently, I was able to learn more about being a data analyst and trading analyst from a speaker who AAF brought from The Trade Desk, a digital marketing company. I feel a degree in advertising can be very diverse and learning from them and taking ADV 305 made me sure I want to work in data analytics in the future.  

What advice would you give to other °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø students?
It can be difficult, but it is important to reach out and learn from others. If you have questions, the faculty in the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø is so helpful. Making connections and networking is so important in advertising, so I recommend networking with professors and other classmates. I’ve found that AAF is a great way to network with clients. I’ve known people who have worked with a client and then were offered a position because they held on to that connection. It’s necessary to make these connections and then strengthen them throughout college.

—Interview by Sophia Cepeda, New Voices Intern