Between classes: Brooke McMurchy

Marketing Management

Brooke McMurchy

is a green machine.

Education:
Marketing Management Diploma (Douglas College), 2003
Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Entrepreneurial Management (Royal Roads University), 2007

Currently:
I am the Strategic Energy Manager for the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources. The BC Government has committed to being carbon neutral by 2010; my job is to make sure we get there by reducing our emissions as much as possible.

Favourite websites:
google.ca (I love information at my fingertips!)
grist.org (a good one for environmental news, blogs, etc.)

A winning case:
Living an environmentally sustainable life does not mean having to give up happiness. In many ways, it increases happiness. Sustainable living often leads to a stronger sense of community, a less stressful routine and a healthier lifestyle.

Why Marketing Management?

The combination of communication and art. I love the development of creative messaging; being able to create a message that reaches people and delivering it in a way they don¿t expect to be reached.

Advertise this

Ironically, as a marketer, I don¿t consume much media. I do have a few favourite commercials ¿ they usually have to make me laugh. Here's an example.

A plug for the environment

As a campaign, I enjoy Mountain Equipment Coop¿s ads ¿ feel free to stereotype the environmentalist. Their print ads, their website, and their in-store communication all feature big photos of MEC members engaging in outdoor activities. The photos make me want to purchase gear from MEC immediately then go play outside.

The good times

The best thing about college was the people, both students and instructors. Oh, and that little trip I took to Austin, Texas for a four-month exchange program ¿ I could do an entire interview on that one experience.

The jewel of Texas

I went to Austin Community College and attended business classes to finish up the final quarter of my Marketing Management Diploma Program. I also volunteered for the South by Southwest Music Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the U.S. ¿ I am a huge music fan so this was heaven for me ¿ and fulfilled a marketing internship with the Austin Ice Bats, Austin's hockey team. Austin truly is the jewel of Texas. It was a fantastic experience.

The tough times

The hardest thing about college was maintaining the motivation to push through projects at the end of each semester; especially in the last semester.

A dynamic duo

The two instructors who influenced me the most were Gail Tibbo and Gerard Edwards. They saw potential in me where I didn¿t. Their classes were engaging and challenging. They treat their students with respect.

Lessons to live by

The impressions you make in college will last a lifetime. And so do the friendships. Be yourself, be respectful and challenge yourself.