JetBlue Airways recently chose two students from Howard to become JetBlue Brand Ambassadors for the fall semester.
Joining 42 other students nationwide as part of the CrewBlue marketing force, seniors Gabrielle Ward and Faith Ohai will be endorsing JetBlue Airways through a series of contests as well as by providing roundtrip vouchers to students. These ambassadors, also known as marketing consultants, will aid JetBlue in the promotion of the company.
Ohai, a public relations major, and Ward, an international business major, were chosen after signing up in the career services office and completing a rigorous application process which included two interviews. The two students applied in August and were accepted a month later. They will join other college students in the Washington, D.C. area, including those from American University and Georgetown University.
"Now in its third year, the CrewBlue program has been integral in allowing us to reach and, more importantly, connect with college students across the country," Andrea Spiegel, vice president of sales and marketing for JetBlue Airways said in a statement. "The response thus far has been tremendous, and we are excited for the fresh ideas and promotions this fall's program will bring."
JetBlue implements unique plans to give all consumers great service, increasing its overall image by not having class divisions on its airlines. The company also promotes electronic transactions and ticketing along with decreasing costs. All promotional ideas for JetBlue during the fall semester were created solely by Ohai and Ward, with the CrewBlue program allowing them complete marketing flexibility.
Approximately 30 vouchers are available for distribution. So far, three students have received them, which are valued at roughly $700. They will allow roundtrip travel to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas or 54 other cities in the nation that JetBlue serves, within a one-year time period.
The national "I'm Going Blue Contest" required students to send a photograph to Ohai and Ward of their most creative blue attire through their Facebook group, which other students are encouraged to join.
"I'll probably go to California with my voucher, [or] anywhere else for vacation that's far away from here," said freshman sculpture major Damaris Ramos, a winner of the "I'm Going Blue Contest."
Other contests held to distribute the vouchers included one hosted by the California Club, where students participated in JetBlue's brand potato chip eating contest. As of now, CrewBlue has gained the interests of other students trying to fly home for the holidays.
"[I think] that's a really good idea," freshman physical therapy major Carlton Bardney said. "Depending on the financial issues many students have trying to go home, getting a free [voucher] is good for anyone."
The experience has similarly benefited Ohai and Ward, who both receive roundtrip vouchers for each month they are involved with the marketing program, amounting to four vouchers for the semester.
"I think [JetBlue] should continue with this program," Ward, who previously participated in a similar program for Sports Illustrated, said. "I've never flown JetBlue so it's a great way to try it. It's also good for us as ambassadors to meet with the JetBlue staff."
The marketing experience, which doubles as an internship, allows the students to understand brand development as well as how it affects the company. Both Ohai and Ward have developed a better understanding of the Airline Industry and learned good business practices.
"It's really good for us to have this hands-on, creative freedom," Ohai, who is involved in numerous activities that have aided her marketing skills, said.
The next vouchers issued will be "Thank You" vouchers given to students who send in stories detailing their experiences flying with JetBlue. The next contest held will be on Nov. 14, known to the public as "Blue Day." Ohai and Ward will partner with WHBC, while students listen to the station and qualify to win a voucher during the week prior to this date. The event will be presented in the Café between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Students are advised to attend the event as well, in order to compete for the vouchers.
