As a Digital Content Strategist for Dart Container, alumna Amanda Denomme ‘15 spends her days running around the Dart Container campus assisting in photo shoots and writing about foodservice products, foam recycling, and the iconic red Solo® party cup. Learn about the many hats Amanda wears as a social listener, content marketer, and creative influencer below.
Q & A with Amanda
Tell us about yourself, Amanda!
I graduated from Davenport University in 2015 with my BBA in Marketing. Currently, I work for Dart Container in Mason, Michigan in the Web, Marketing Communications Department (WMC). In addition to working at Dart, I have been freelancing for the past five years, covering arts and entertainment in West Michigan and Greater Lansing.
What was your experience like at DU?
I loved my experience at Davenport University because I built so many positive relationships with my professors, supervisors from my student positions, and classmates; while growing my skills in marketing. Some of my favorite memories at Davenport were being a part of the American Marketing Association with my friends, and working in the Communications Department. My student position was so much fun, and I feel it has prepared me for the position I am in now. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of my professors and supervisors while I was in school. These mentors helped me find my passion for the digital marketing and public relations/communications realm, and have stood by my side throughout my journey at DU. I found that everything they have taught me, I have applied in the real working world.
In a nutshell, what do you do?
At Dart Container I am a Digital Content Strategist in the Web, Communications Marketing Department. I really enjoy this position because no day is ever the same and is always filled with opportunities for creativity. My main duties include managing our social media platforms, which includes social listening and responding to fans, managing and updating editorial calendars, creating content for the website and our microsites, and lastly writing creative briefs and design ideas for photoshoots.
We are a foodservice manufacturing industry, so my department is always taking photos of products for literature, the website, and even social media. In my position, I come up with the design ideas for photos that will be used on social media, which can be a very fun and busy process! I often use social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration when coming up with new ideas that will engage our audience while building brand awareness and sales. When beginning a photoshoot project, I have to be a creative liaison from start to finish. After creating a new design idea that is approved, you will find me around town picking out food, decorations, or anything in particular that I would like to see in our shots. And that’s just the planning! Afterwards, I get to work closely with our photographer on the design and layout of our shot, and it’s really cool to get a behind the scenes look at how the creative process works for photographers and designers. During photoshoot weeks it can be very busy with lots of running around, so I always bring a pair of comfy shoes to work because I never know where I might be.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
I would have to say my biggest accomplishment is that I have been able to continue my freelancing career since beginning at Dart. For the past five years I have freelanced for multiple publishing companies in the West Michigan and Greater Lansing; covering arts and entertainment. A few of my favorite stories that I have covered include interviews with actors from Broadway shows like Sound of Music, Dirty Dancing, Riverdance, and Motown the Musical. I also enjoyed interviewing Emily West, runner-up of Season 9’s America’s Got Talent, and most recently, I covered Common Ground Music Fest, an annual week-long music festival located in Downtown Lansing.
What are you passionate about?
Professionally, I am passionate about creating marketing and social media strategies and campaigns that will help businesses grow. Also, I am passionate about covering stories in the performing arts industry because it’s an absolutely fascinating world filled with talent, style, freedom and acceptance. On a personal note, I also have a big love for fashion and shoes (definitely shoes)!
What do you do when you are not working?
When I am not working, I love attending Broadway shows and plays, especially ballet or contemporary dance performances. As a writer, I usually get the opportunity to attend the shows I have covered, which is one of my favorite perks of being a journalist. Also, I am a diehard reality T.V. fan, so you can usually find me tweeting during Dance Moms and The Bachelor, or just keeping up with my favorite Kardashians. I also enjoy taking fitness classes, playing volleyball or going bowling with my friends.
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