What Is ISM?
The Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) course is a hands-on, real-world, demanding elective offered to gifted high school juniors and seniors. After admission into the program, a student is given the freedom to select any field of study to explore. Throughout the academic year, students conduct interviews with professionals in their field of interest in hopes of accomplishing the main goal of the program; finding a mentor. This curriculum helps to prepare them for their future while building a network of real-world industry-related connections.
Mentorship Spotlight
Ron Kinkade
The Head of Marketing at Text-em-all
Ron Kinkade, otherwise known as "Shy Ronnie" is the Head of Marketing at Text-em-all, a mass texting and calling software company. Starting his career at Illinois State University, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Management. With over two decades of experience, he's a seasoned marketing professional with a successful track record of driving product innovation, promoting profitable growth, and shaping effective marketing strategies. His hands-on and data-driven approach to decision-making is methodical and results-oriented. As a leader, he maximizes ROI with a focused strategy, develops high-functioning teams, and empowers individuals. At his current company, Text-em-all, he advocates for great culture, evergreen principles, and values-driven leadership. And lastly, as a mentor, he provides me with real-world, hands-on learning outside of the classroom and helps me build a portfolio of experience to start my professional career.
Interview Bio's
Throughout the 2022-2023 academic school year, I have conducted nine interviews. Provided below is a record of the persons I've met, their places of work, and their respective titles. I've found interviews to be the most beneficial in understanding what a marketing career looks like modern-day.
Research Assessments
What are they?
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We (ISM students) conduct research assessments weekly to expand our knowledge about our topic of interest. The information can look like annotated bibliographies, interviews analysis, business events summaries, or others listed below.