Digital marketing student combines creativity with strategy at Bronco Bash

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Third year digital marketing major Trisha Larkin, from Brighton, Michigan, gained resume-building experience working with the Office of Student Engagement to plan and produce the 2026 Bronco Bash campaign materials and event with the Office of Student Engagement as a marketing and design intern.  

“Getting the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in my field and be involved with WMU’s beloved fall kickoff event was special to me,” says Larkin. “I loved interacting with my peers and knowing the work I was doing played a part in welcoming students to Western Michigan University.”  

Bronco Bash is one of the largest student events on campus and marks the start of the academic year. Hundreds of registered student organizations (RSOs) gather in one space to connect with new and returning students along with local businesses and companies.

Larkin was responsible for creating social media content, designing graphics and promotions, as well as behind-the-scenes preparation and setup on event day. “My favorite part of the position was taking creative ideas and turning them into content that students actually engaged with and were excited about.”  

Larkin’s experience on Bronco Bash gave her the chance to use what she’s learned in class on real-world projects—and put those skills on her resume. “The digital marketing field is constantly changing with new social media trends, technology and how people interact with brands. The Haworth College of Business helps challenge and encourage me to continue learning and combine creativity with strategy, like I was able to do in my Bronco Bash internship.”

Besides her internship and classes, Larkin is involved in programs and organizations across campus including serving as the public relations chair for WMU’s chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta, an academic honor society. “Being invited to join the honors society after my first semester at WMU was a full-circle moment that helped me personally recognize how far I had already come.”  

Participating in one of WMU Haworth’s study abroad programs, Larkin traveled to Thailand to learn about business operations and practices that could be connected to her studies in marketing. This program specifically is designed for business majors to understand how local businesses in that region deal with sustainability issues and develop innovative approaches to compete in the global market. “Learning about these cultural norms and the importance of sustainability during this trip gave me a deeper understanding and allowed me to build my international business skills.”  

Larkin credits the Haworth College of Business for helping her feel more comfortable and confident about what comes after graduation. “Through my classes, internships and study abroad trip, I discovered how much I enjoy marketing. After graduation I hope to pursue a career in event marketing while continuing to travel and learn.”  

Encouraging all Business Broncos to be involved in RSOs, Larkin says, “If you are willing to take that extra step, you will be rewarded with so much more than a grade. You will gain lasting relationships, experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and develop the confidence to try something new. Western has given me exactly that, and I am so grateful for the person I have become.”

Learn more about the WMU digital marketing program.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.