Strengths of the Partnership Authentic Learning Opportunity EMKAO provided hands-on access to real products, business goals, and constraints, allowing us to solve actual problems (e.g., optimizing Amazon listings for ethical cocoa products). The company’s transparency about their sourcing story (Kotou farm, UTZ certification) helped us craft compelling narratives—a skill applicable to any consumer-facing role. Impactful Work Our deliverables (SEO-rich listings, outreach templates) were practically implemented, not just theoretical exercises. Seeing EMKAO’s products rise in Amazon rankings (#124 in Baking Cocoa) proved the value of data-driven revisions. Open Communication EMKAO’s team was responsive to questions about their process (e.g., cocoa powder mesh size, fair-trade priorities), which deepened our research accuracy. Areas for Growth Earlier Access to Metrics: Sharing past sales data or competitor benchmarks upfront could have helped us quantify improvements more precisely (e.g., “Listing A vs. B conversion rates”). Structured Feedback Loops: A mid-project check-in with EMKAO’s team would have ensured alignment before finalizing drafts. Final Thoughts This project wasn’t just about cocoa—it was a masterclass in adapting skills to a business’s unique needs. EMKAO’s commitment to sustainability and storytelling challenged us to think critically about how ethics and profits intersect, a lesson I’ll carry into future roles. To Future Students/Partners: If you want to work with a company that values both purpose and performance, EMKAO FOODS is a stellar choice. Be ready to dive deep into their mission—it’s what makes their products (and this project) stand out.