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Meet Shakira Islam (‘27), a Marketing major with a concentration in Digital Marketing and Analytics who is the mastermind behind UConn’s Experiential Global Learning social media. She is a second-year member of the Business Connections Living Learning Community and a part of Women in Business where she is on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and Marketing Committee.
Now, Shakira is channeling her passion for content creation and analytics as the Marketing and Social Media Assistant for UConn EGL. Her impact is clearly measurable as Instagram views have increased by 596.9% and followers by 393.5% from February 2025. “I’m trusted with real responsibilities, and my perspective as a student is valued by my coworkers,” She shares. “I enjoy applying trends, such as popular Reels formats or trending audio, to create content for EGL that resonates with other students.”
However, her role goes far beyond social media. Shakira manages multi-platform campaigns, produces content from campus events, designs web pages, and creates branded merchandise. “Marketing, to me, is most surreal when ideas turn into something tangible. At UConn Global’s Experiential Global Learning office, I’ve been able to see that firsthand. I’ve created hallway posters, mini mock passports, and 'I studied abroad in' pins, along with fun merch like pens, stickers, and t-shirts,” She reflects. “Watching students engage with these pieces, from stopping to read posters and collecting passport stamps to wearing pins and t-shirts, is a fulfilling reminder that my work makes a real impact.”
Balancing creativity with strategy isn’t always easy. “The most challenging part of my job is balancing multiple responsibilities at once,” She admits. “This fast-paced environment has helped me strengthen my time management, prioritization, and organization skills, which are invaluable as I prepare to enter the workforce.”
Although Shakira entered UConn a year ahead academically, she “felt a year behind when it came to getting involved on campus.” That changed when she joined student organizations and took on leadership roles. “Through these roles, I developed real-world skills in social media management, content creation, and digital marketing, while also growing as a leader. My involvement gave me a strong sense of community and purpose outside the classroom.”
Now, through her work at EGL, Shakira is helping other students discover life-changing opportunities. “Education abroad can change lives, but only if students know where to look,” she says. “I create content that turns interest into action and makes study abroad feel less out of reach.”
Do you want to grow your own skills and follow in Shakira’s footsteps? UConn Experiential Global Learning is hiring a Marketing and Social Media Assistant for Spring 2026! Apply on 12Twenty by November 16th.
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