In 2017, Kevin Kling earned a master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications: an intersected program at FSU for graduate students interested in communication, advertising, public relations, and/or applied research. This coursework, which places a large focus on understanding consumer behavior, prepared Kling for a very exciting career in marketing. While earning his degree, Kling worked as the Marketing Coordinator for the Oglesby Union here at FSU, where he designed graphics, banners, social media posts, and videos for various divisions within the Union.
In October of 2017, Kling heard of an opening with his dream company. It was a position to join Cartoon Network’s marketing team at Turner Broadcasting which “owns and operates some of the most valuable brands in the world” (including CNN, TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network just to name a few). “I’ve always been a cartoon enthusiast,” said Kling, “and the position seemed like a perfect fit.” A perfect fit it was, and Kling quickly headed to
Atlanta, GA to begin analyzing trends in paid media, viewership behavior, organic social media, and written content. His job also entails watching cartoons, so he can identify ways to best spark conversation among audiences.
“I’ve always been fascinated with understanding people, and I needed an outlet for my creativity,” said Kling, on why he’s in marketing. Kling enjoys the fast-paced and ever-changing world in marketing and media. “Anything we do now will be radically different in the next few years,” he reflected. “I don’t think there’s ever a moment when you’ll be on autopilot and the company is driving itself. That’d be no fun anyway.”
If you’d like to learn more about this creative alum, continue reading our Q&A with him!
How did your education prepare you for your career?
The IMC program is awesome! It wasn’t marketing, it was INTEGRATED marketing. The industry is moving so incredibly fast, but for the most part my education gave me a baseline that I could refer back to. IMC places such a big emphasis on understanding consumer behavior, something that will really separate you from any other “marketer.”
I think like any degree YOU have to put in the effort and build the program around your wants and needs. You have to bring value to the degree in the work that you do and the ideas that you have. Prove to people that you’re better because of it. If you make the best of it with your eyes on the prize you can’t go wrong with IMC.
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
The 1990’s
Who do you admire and why?
Kermit the Frog and the following Muppet universe was created from an old coat and a ping pong ball. Everything starts from one small, but powerful idea.
What is your favorite office snack?
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Where do you look for inspiration?
Honestly, Wikipedia is one of best places to look for inspiration. I start looking at people who I admire, and figure out how they got to where they are now. More often than not their stories are full of failure and adversity. It’s the small things that really pushed me to get to where I am today. Did you know Van Gogh began drawing at the age of 27? It’s never too late to do what you’ve always wanted to do. If all else fails, read.
What is the best account to follow on social media?
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
What has working in the industry taught you?
It’s important to try to learn as much as you can from other people. Definitely subscribe to industry newsletters, try to learn as much as you can from other people. You’ll get a lot farther from listening. Also, find a company culture that you like and enjoy. Always forgo a higher pay when you can be a part of something that means more to you.
Share a notable experience you’ve had at work.
One day I was at work after a blizzard and there were only a few people that showed up to the office. A man came up to my desk, introduced himself as Michael and told us to make sure to go home before it got dark and to enjoy the downtime at the office. I had no idea at the time, but it was Michael Ouweleen, one of the brains behind Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and ultimately, Adult Swim. He also created one of my favorite shows of all time, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. *Exploding Sound* Mind blown!
How do you handle work-life balance?
Always try to remember to have fun. When people are happy at work I’ve noticed that the quality of work improves. Take time out of your day to talk to co-workers about things other than work. Also, try your hardest not to check emails too late into the night.
What advice would you give yourself in college?
Stop being afraid to be yourself. You will make mistakes, but always learn from them and don’t dwell on them. Try not to overthink things. There’s nobody else like you and there won’t ever be anyone else like you. You don’t need to know everything before starting jobs, but learn quickly and with a purpose. Bloom where you’re planted and you’ll naturally gravitate to what you really want in life. Lastly, have fun and stop putting off your dreams. The time to start is yesterday. Also, call your parents more often.