With AI and automation at the forefront of today’s marketing conversations, the need for genuine human connection has never been more important. Marketing has always been rooted in relationships—especially the trust you build with your audience and the value you bring to their lives.
But as tools like machine learning continue to streamline segmentation and predict customer behavior, many professionals are recognizing a growing gap: the human element. That gap presents a powerful opportunity. In a world where everything is increasingly virtual, people are craving authentic, human-to-human interaction, not just as consumers, but as colleagues too.
At our recent event Industry Bites: The Future of Marketing, we heard from professionals across top companies including:
- Elliot Kennedy – global brand planning director at Nike
- Sydne Mullings – general manager for Americas, Central Marketing Organization at Microsoft
- Bryan Taylor – founder and creative director at Drawn, a design agency.
They shared their takes on where the industry is heading and the characteristics they’re looking for in the next generation of marketers.
Top Skills To Succeed In The Industry
The consistent themes? Curiosity, empathy, and the ability to genuinely connect. It is less about checking every technical box and more about being an active listener, a creative thinker, and someone eager to roll up their sleeves and solve problems.
Recruiters emphasized that marketing is a relationship-driven field, and that they are looking for undergraduates who are willing to volunteer their time, get involved, lead projects, and show they understand the “why” behind consumer behavior. Whether you are leading a student organization, managing a club event, or simply showing up with thoughtful questions, these experiences demonstrate your ability to collaborate, lead, and care—skills AI can’t replicate.
Advice for Students
One of the most valuable takeaways? Do not just market your product. Market the need it solves. Study your audience. Understand their pain points, listen closely, and bring your own point of view to the table. As the panelists reminded, the future of marketing is not just about smarter tools, it is about being the kind of marketer who knows how to connect. And sometimes, the best way to stand out is simple: ask good questions, ask for advice, and be human.
Need help finding your path in marketing? Mohr Career Services is here to support you. Book an appointment with a professional career advisor below or stop by for drop-in advising with peers, Monday–Friday from 10:00 a.m–4:00 p.m. in Lillis 155 for personalized guidance.
