Building the Company Network
A major part of the External Relations role is expanding and maintaining MARUG’s network of organisations. This means reaching out to new companies, introducing them to the association and exploring potential opportunities to work together. For David, this often begins with acquisition. Through emails, calls and meetings he approaches organisations that may be interested in engaging with MARUG students.
“I make sure students get access to interesting organisations, while companies get the opportunity to meet motivated marketing students,” he explains.
By facilitating these connections, External Relations helps bring the academic and professional worlds closer together.
From First Contact to Event
Many MARUG events begin with an initial conversation. Once an organisation shows interest, discussions follow about the format of the activity, expectations on both sides and practical arrangements.
After agreements are made, preparations begin. Registrations, communication and logistics all have to be organised to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“For me, an event is successful when both sides have a fun and meaningful experience,” David says.
Supporting Committees
External Relations also works closely with MARUG committees. Together with his fellow board members and active MARUG members, he works to make the events a success. Some committees are in contact with organizations themselves. To help active members feel more confident, David provides acquisition training sessions. During these meetings he explains how to structure emails, how to introduce MARUG to organisations and how to approach companies professionally.
“If committees run into difficulties, they can always come to me for advice,” David explains.
Highlights of the Year
Large recruitment events are among the highlights of the year. These moments bring together students and organisations for interaction, networking, conversations and career exploration.
For David, the Recruitment Days and the MARUG Conference stand out in particular. Both required months of preparation and coordination.
“These are probably the biggest events I have ever helped organise,” he says. “Seeing everything come together after all the preparation felt very special.”
Maintaining Long-Term Relationships
Creating new opportunities is only one side of the role. Maintaining relationships with partner organisations is equally important. Regular contact ensures that both sides continue to benefit from the collaboration.
This may involve meetings or emails, updates about MARUG activities, future plans and opportunities. By keeping these relationships warm, External Relations helps ensure that MARUG’s network continues to develop year after year.
Learning Through Experience
Although David had some previous experience in sales, most of his development came from the board year itself. Communicating with professionals, negotiating agreements and representing the association all contribute to a valuable practical skillset.
“The first months were definitely harder,” he admits. “But you learn a lot quickly by doing the job.”
The role offers insights and skills that go far beyond what students typically experience during their studies, providing a clear advantage for example when entering the job market.
Connecting Two Worlds
The External Relations position sits at the intersection of students, organisations and career opportunities. By building relationships and facilitating events, the role helps bring the professional marketing world closer to MARUG members.
For David, the position has been both challenging and rewarding. Throughout the year he has expanded the association’s network and helped create opportunities that allow students to connect with the marketing word.
Behind every company visit or recruitment event lies a connection that started with a conversation, and most of the time, that conversation begins with External Relations.