A newly revived organization, known as MindSpark, is giving students hands-on experience in marketing and media production while serving as the college’s internal creative agency. 

MindSpark was originally founded over 10 years ago by Dr. Leigh Browning as MediaMind, but the organization eventually faded after Browning passed away. Due to the gap in experiential learning within the college, Dean of the Engler College of Business (COB) and Engler Professor of Computer Information Systems Dr. Amjad Abdullat wanted to revive the organization. MindSpark is currently advised by Dr. Mary Liz Brooks with a renewed focus on helping students graduate with professional portfolios and keeping branding consistent across the college.

MindSpark now oversees social media, produces video content, designs promotional materials and assists student organizations with marketing projects. 

Marketing major and MindSpark account executive, Heidi Giesbrecht, said the goal is to bring consistency to the college’s messaging. “We want to streamline everything,” Giesbrecht said. “So that way we have brand consistency, we follow the guidelines and everything looks nice.” 

The organization functions like a regular marketing agency, with student members specializing in videography, graphic design and social media management. Students must have a major or minor in the COB to join and must meet the organization’s professional expectations.

Since its revitalization, MindSpark continues to grow as it recruits new members and expands its project load. Giesbrecht describes it in three words, saying that MindSpark is “chaotic, creative, and fun.” 

The mission of MindSpark is to help students gain experience in the marketing field before they graduate while strengthening the college’s brand from within.