The Art of Influencing: Branding and Marketing Q&A with Catherine Walshak
"You’ll be surprised by how much you already know, and how easily you can apply basic marketing principles to your own social media presence." - Catherine Walshak
Catherine Walshak is an educator at Northern Virginia Community College. She holds a Master’s degree in English from the University of Virginia, so she is stepping into familiar territory at UVA | Northern Virginia. With a background in media and advertising, Walshak brings a diverse skill set to her role as an instructor.
Walshak is teaching the Inspire Summer 2024 Branding and Marketing class for rising 10th-12th graders at UVA | Northern Virginia. We sat down with her to learn more about her background and what’s in store for class this summer.
Q: Tell us about your journey into the world of branding and marketing and how you developed your expertise in this field?
A: I am currently a teacher and a writer, with a background in advertising sales, magazine publishing, and content creation. One of the most formative experiences of my life was the Summer Publishing Institute at New York University, an excellent program for recent college graduates. It opened my eyes to a wide range of print and digital marketing concepts, including the importance of strategic branding.
Q: What knowledge and skills can students expect to learn in Branding & Marketing this summer?
A: In this course, students will learn how to create and manage a brand, how to promote a product, how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media marketing, and how to predict future marketing trends.
Q: Do students need a background in branding and marketing to be successful in this class?
A: Students do NOT need a background in branding and marketing to be successful in this course. You simply need to be curious, creative, and willing to learn!
Q: What advice do you have for students interested in taking Branding & Marketing this summer?
A: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share ideas. This is a dynamic, collaborative course — the more you put in, the more you get out.
Q: What about this class is particularly engaging for students?
A: What makes this course so engaging is the real world applications. You’ll be surprised by how much you already know, and how easily you can apply basic marketing principles to your own social media presence, as well as any entrepreneurial pursuits you may have.
Join Catherine this summer in Fairfax, July 8-12. Learn more about the course and apply today! Financial aid is available.