Lukas Dietiker, a Chapman University alumnus, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship in 2016. His career trajectory is a testament to the valuable skills and connections he built at Chapman. Today, he serves as the Senior Director of Paid Search & Social at Hearts & Science, where his journey in digital marketing began soon after graduating.

A Transformative Chapman Experience

Lukas Dietiker’s journey at Chapman University began as a transfer student in his junior year, but his time at the university was nothing short of transformative. Despite joining later than most, Lukas made it a priority to immerse himself fully in the Chapman experience. “My experience at Chapman felt like it flew by in a heartbeat,” Lukas reflects. He actively participated in Greek Life, joining Phi Delta Theta, and threw himself into networking events to connect with fellow students, both transfers and those who had been at Chapman from the start.

Lukas’s academic experience at Chapman, particularly within the entrepreneurship emphasis of his degree, was pivotal in shaping his career path. He found the classes challenging and rewarding, pushing his critical thinking and creativity, which ultimately prepared him for the complexities of the business world.

Career Path

Currently, his role at Hearts & Sciences involves overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget for clients like Amgen and Stryker, focusing on advertising across social media platforms and search engine results. Leading an international team of over 15 people, Lukas ensures that the right audiences are targeted with the right messages at the right time.

Reflecting on his career progression, Lukas credits his early start in organic social media management as a crucial stepping stone. “Having recently graduated, I had a fascination with how Google played a crucial role in the consumer journey,” Lukas shares. This curiosity led him to get certified in the platform, setting the stage for his success in the paid social space.

The Chapman Edge

Lukas attributes much of his post-grad success to the holistic marketing mindset he developed at the Argyros School of Business and Economics. The collaborative lectures and projects encouraged him to think beyond traditional marketing tactics and embrace an entrepreneurial approach. This mindset has been instrumental in his work, particularly in the paid social space, where authenticity is key. “I think my leadership professor, Kimberly Hayashi, had the most profound impact on my career because I don’t believe I could have managed a team of this size without the foundation I learned. Her class helped me bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application by teaching us how to apply leadership concepts to real-world situations”.

At Chapman, Lukas also took advantage of valuable internship opportunities. One such experience was a marketing and product development internship at a med-tech company, which he found through Chapman’s internal internship board. This role was particularly impactful, allowing him to apply his coursework to real-world job duties and craft the audience-first approach he continues to use today. “This internship was the first time I was able to tie my coursework to real work on job duties,” Lukas notes, emphasizing its significance in his career development. “Argyros prepared me for post-grad by ensuring I had a well-rounded global marketing mindset. Whether through class projects or collaborative lectures, I was constantly encouraged to think beyond traditional marketing tactics and embrace the scrappy entrepreneurial mindset when it comes to reaching your audience”.

Advice for Current Students and Recent Graduates

Lukas offers practical advice for students and recent graduates looking to follow a similar path. He suggests gaining experience at a marketing agency or smaller company to explore different aspects of the field. “If it’s the activation side you’re passionate about, I’d suggest getting familiar with the trends in the space, especially around AI/ML and ad content personalization,” Lukas advises.

He also emphasizes the importance of getting certified in relevant platforms and seeking entry-level roles that offer hands-on experience with campaign management. Looking back, Lukas wishes he had joined more clubs during his time at Chapman, both for professional development and personal interests. He encourages current students to take full advantage of the opportunities available by joining existing clubs or creating new ones.

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