Erika DiProfio
In high school, Erika DiProfio’s career goal was to become the CEO of Nordstrom. She eventually earned a degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations from San Diego State University. DiProfio adds, “Even back then, I had a natural tendency to act as a brand ambassador for companies that I believed in.”
DiProfio grew up in San Diego and has developed marketing and public relations strategies for several local and regional hospitality brands, including King’s Fish House, Dave & Buster’s, W Hotels, Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes, Cucina Urbana, and Buca di Beppo. Previously she was the vice president of marketing and public relations for Slater’s 50/50 where she helped grow the company from two locations to seven.
Currently DiProfio is the director of marketing for Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, and teaches Social Media Strategies for Business in the College of Extended Studies’ Marketing and Digital Media professional certificate program.
Why do you think Social Media Strategies for Business is important for Marketing and Digital Media students?
I believe it’s important for anyone who is involved or plans to be involved in marketing, whether it’s a CMO, public relations professional, CEO, or media buyer, to understand how the marketing landscape has evolved into a multichannel, fully integrated practice. The fundamentals of marketing haven’t changed, but the way we interact with our customers has. Brands must fully understand and embrace the evolution and keep their fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing environment. This includes digital and social media.
What will students learn in your class? What is the main takeaway?
Students will learn how to integrate social media into their strategic marketing plans, the importance of the online customer relationship, and how to execute the social media strategy as it relates to their industry or interest.
Will there be classroom activities and/or homework?
While this class explains the philosophies and strategies behind social media marketing, it also involves a lot of discussions, brainstorming, real-world case studies, and best practices. There is also a project that gives students experience in launching their very own social media plan.
Who do you see taking your class?
Entrepreneurs of small and large businesses, students earning their bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and professionals who are employed in large and small marketing departments (who want to expand their knowledge of digital and social media through a hands-on curriculum).
Is there anything else?
It is very likely that students in the class will be sampling food from Slater’s 50/50 while experiencing firsthand how social media is a part of the brand’s integrated approach to marketing.
