Matt Dickson

I am a recent graduate from Southern Illinois University with degree in Marketing. I became interested in social and digital media during a Marketing Research class in which I was required to research social media and the trustworthiness of commercial information conveyed through these channels. As a part of a small group, I wrote an extensive survey which was disseminated to more than 800 individuals. As for the analysis of the data and the writing of the report, I was responsible for the first of three research objectives, which asked, “Does the social media site where conversations take place have an effect on consumers’ perceived trustworthiness of commercial information?” The outcome of my analysis was very surprising and only heightened my interest in the subject.

Prior to returning to the academic setting, I spent 6 years with the Marine Corps, 2 of which were spent in Iraq where I was the Motor Transport Section chief, and responsible for the training and well-being or 20+ Marines. After my last tour in Iraq, I managed (read Jack of All Trades) a small vineyard and wine retail store for an Illinois winery for 4+ years, where I did everything from maintenance to vineyard/wine making operations, consumer/B2B sales to marketing/promotion and event planning. While working for the winery, I had the opportunity to return to school in 2009, formerly at the University of Illinois, to finish my business degree. I graduated from SIU in 2011 with a 4.0 GPA in Marketing, and am currently on the hunt for the next best opportunity.