Member Spotlight: Nina Berglund

This blog post shines a spotlight on Nina's journey, showcasing the transformative power of ThinkLA for young talents like her. It delves into the unique opportunities the organization offers to students—a chance to dive headfirst into the industry, gather insights, build networks, and nurture ambitions.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background as a student in the marketing field?
I am entering into my Sophomore year of college at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). I am currently majoring in Marketing and minoring in Business Law. Additionally, I recently got accepted into the M-School (a selective marketing pathway for LMU students that ThinkLA founded). One of my favorite experiences so far has been participating in the Schulz E-Fest Entrepreneurship Challenge at the St. Thomas School for Entrepreneurship in Minnesota. This is a national competition where students from across the country spend a weekend pitching ideas and competing for cash prizes (my team placed second in the ‘Innovation Challenge event’ and received a $10k prize). We also got to meet and learn from several CEOs and industry leaders in retail, marketing and business law.

2. What motivated you to volunteer with ThinkLA, and how has this experience contributed to your career goals?
I am new to Los Angeles (having lived most of my life in Minnesota) and was looking for a place where I could make friends, build my network, and learn from industry leaders. Although I am new to ThinkLA, I have gotten to go to quite a few events and I am always amazed by the quality of the speakers and venues. I also love the variety of events that ThinkLA puts on, from Galas to Panels to networking happy hours. It allows me to connect with people in both formal and more casual settings. This experience has contributed to my career goals in the sense that I have learned so much from the panel speakers, and just talking with the industry professionals at these events. I have also gotten leads on several internships and have gotten to expand my professional network with many people that I respect and admire.

3. How has being a volunteer at ThinkLA helped you gain practical insights and exposure in the marketing and advertising industry?
I love the panels, as they are always informative and insightful. I also love talking to people one-on-one during the networking portions of the events and getting to learn more about their day-to-day roles in the marketing field.

As a student volunteer, how do you think ThinkLA's mission and community have shaped your perspective on the marketing industry?
Volunteering at ThinkLA has allowed me to meet and connect with a lot of people in the Marketing field that I would not have been able to meet in any other way. I know that the marketing world is vast and ever changing, but it feels much more interconnected for me at these events. Additionally, I feel that I now have a better idea of what to expect my future career to look like as well as how to best prepare for it.

4. Can you share a memorable moment from your time as a ThinkLA volunteer that has left a lasting impression on you?
I only found out about ThinkLA this past May 2023, and I have gone to every possible event since then, and the most memorable event for me is probably hearing the EVPs of Worldwide Discovery at Warner Bros speak about managing the global marketing campaign for Barbie.
What advice would you give to other students who are considering volunteering with ThinkLA or entering the marketing and advertising field?
Do it! Get out there! Talk to people and grow your network! Taking classes and getting technical knowledge is important, but real world connections and experience is priceless.

5. As you continue your journey in the marketing industry, how do you envision ThinkLA continuing to play a role in your professional development?
I always have a great time at ThinkLA events. As I grow in the marketing field, I hope to go from attending the panels, to being one of the featured panelists.

How has being part of the ThinkLA community helped you stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the rapidly evolving advertising ecosystem?
As a 19 year old who is an aspiring marketer, there is no better way to connect to the industry than ThinkLA. The fact that I can volunteer at these events and have my entry fee waived, has made it possible for me, as a college student, to be able to connect to and learn from industry leaders.