Student Spotlight: Chizzy Igbokwe, an American in Paris
 Chizzy Igbokwe of Maplewood, New Jersey has always wanted to study abroad. Perhaps this desire stemmed from her extensive travels as a child. Every year, Chizzy spent her summers and winter holidays in Nigeria visiting family. At the time, all she wanted to do was attend summer camp and take swimming lessons, but she now appreciates these trips to Nigeria and plans to give her children the same experiences.
Chizzy is fulfilling her desire to study abroad by attending the American University of Paris (AUP) for a master's degree in global communication. Chizzy plans to pursue an international career, and feels that studying abroad was the best first step. Her first two attempts to study abroad didn’t succeed—due to program requirements. Then the AUP established a new global communication program and Chizzy knew she was destined to participate.
Read the following interview to learn more about Chizzy’s experience studying abroad and her career aspirations.
Q: How did you choose global communication as your area of study?
A: I’ve always been interested in communication. When I started school, I studied business marketing. I considered switching my studies to communication, but making that change would have added another year to my undergraduate career, so I decided to attain a master's in communication instead. The program at AUP is a more creative, yet strategic track than getting an MBA. It incorporates a global aspect, which is important because we need to understand things outside of our own environment. I’m attracted to companies with international locations because when you know what others are doing, you gain a better understanding of what you should be doing.
Q: What has been your favorite university class and why?
A: When I attended Temple University in Philadelphia for my undergraduate degree, my favorite class was about consumer/buyer behavior and international marketing. My favorite class at AUP has been the branding practicum. The class allows you to gain real-world, hands-on experience and learn from a lecturer who has over 20 years of experience in the industry.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I’ve always followed my passion. My parents were concerned about me going to Paris, but I knew that there was no better opportunity than studying global communication in a global environment with professors who have taught in multiple countries. I also choose my jobs based on whether I like them, not solely based on pay rates. I’m patient enough to follow my passion and let it lead me to where I want to be.
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do for fun?
A: I’m a big sports person. I love to play and watch basketball. I love to swim, hang out with my friends, read, write and nothing beats a good jogging session with an undetermined destination. I’m also into fashion—anything with style that sparks my interest.
Q: Who is the most important person in your life?
A: Definitely my mom. My mother instilled a belief in God in me. Often, I’ll be walking in the streets of Paris and remember something she said five years ago and finally understand what she was saying. I just hope I don’t have to tell her she’s right.
Q: What is the first thing you think when you wake up?
A: “What do I have to do today?” The answer determines whether I get up or go back to sleep.
Q: How many jobs/internships have you held? What were they?
A: I’ve had a lot of different jobs and internships. I’ve always had part time jobs, but I recently had my first real 9 a.m.–5 p.m. entry-level job as an account administrator at an advertising research agency. It didn’t work out. The position didn’t fit my interests, but it helped me piece together what the industry was about. I looked at my supervisors and didn’t see myself being happy in their positions. It was good to try, because now I know I don’t want to work in that area.
Q: Do you currently have a job or internship in a communication field?
A: Yes, I am working as an intern for the ECU film festival, which takes place in the second weekend of March. I am doing some event planning and online marketing.
Q: Do you have a mentor?
A: No, not yet. This is another area where IABC can help. Kristen [Sukalac], the IABC/France chapter president, has talked to an established branding professional about me, so hopefully I can speak with him soon and learn from his experiences. IABC allows you to connect with anyone in the field and make a name for yourself.
Q: What is your role in your IABC student chapter?
A: The IABC/France student chapter is a work in progress. For now, we have chosen to concentrate on promoting student memberships within the French professional chapter and have our student members act as ambassadors. From there, we will develop a student chapter in France.
Q: What is your ultimate career goal?
A: I’d like to have my own brand management consulting firm, helping start-up companies build their brand in the beginning instead of restructuring older companies’ brands. There is irony behind my goal. Just a short while ago, there was little that could convince me to buy a particular brand. Now, for example, I only use Arm & Hammer body products. Ten years ago, I couldn’t imagine thinking, “Oh, Coca-Cola makes this, it must be good.” But now, I trust the brand, not just the product. And to me, understanding why is the fun part.
Q: What is your favorite benefit that IABC offers?
A: Networking with business professionals. I wanted to join the American Marketing Association when I was an undergraduate, but I never did. Now, I have a second chance to become involved in an association related to my career aspirations. I like that IABC provides a tight-knit community through chapters, while also connecting you to a large membership of communication professionals. This allows you to cater IABC’s services to your own niche.
Q: What would you say to other students who are thinking of joining IABC or starting a chapter?
A: Don’t wait until you’re in graduate school to join IABC. If I had known about all of the benefits IABC provides when I was an undergraduate, I would have joined immediately. Take action now—don’t wait.
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