A word for our Alumni: Laura Kneiss

Marketing & Promotions Associate for Louisiana Tech Athletic Department

What was your favorite marketing class at Auburn?
A: My favorite Marketing Class was Marketing Strategy with Dr. Bourdeau. Not because it was an easy class by any means, but the way the class solved problems and worked together helped prepare you for work outside of college.

Is there anything you would change about your Auburn Marketing Experience?
A: The one thing I would change about my Marketing Experience at Auburn is I wish I could have participated in the Athletic Department Marketing and Promotions Internship my junior year and not just my senior year. The experience I gained from that internship was so beneficial to my career. The guidance I received from everyone in the department and the opportunities and responsibilities they gave me helped me grow into the worker I am today.

Where are you currently living and working? 
A:I live in Ruston, Louisiana and I work for the Louisiana Tech Athletic Department. My titles are: Marketing and Promotions Associate and Kids Club Coordinator.

Please give us a brief description of your day to day work.
A: I wish I could give a brief description but no day is the ever same. Some days are just 9 to 5 office days and the next day I could have (similar to this past Saturday) a game day production meeting for football at 9 am, then a volleyball game at 11 am, meet my student workers at noon to set up Kids Zone, be in the stadium at 2:30 pm to set up for the team's entrance, and then at kick-off make sure all on-field promotions and halftime presentations go smoothly.

How did you handle the job application process?
A: I started looking for jobs while I was still in school. I looked on NCAA.org/jobs every single day for three months straight. Then in late May I was contacted the same day I applied for the job at LATech. We did a series of phone interviews and then in early June I traveled 8 hours from Auburn to Ruston. I met everyone in the department, toured campus and the athletic facilities, and sat down with the Athletic Director to make sure this job was the right fit for me.

Do you have any advice to give marketing majors about finding employment after college?
A: My advice to all Marketing Majors about finding employment is to start building your resume now. Get as much experience as possible whether it is volunteer work or an internship. Employers, before they look at your grades and organizations, really look at what your work history has been to make sure you are qualified enough for the job. Even though I had three very creditable internships on my resume it was still challenging to find a job.

Is there any advice you can give marketing majors about finding a job within the world of marketing?
A: My advice to Marketing Majors who want to find jobs in the Marketing World (especially college athletics) is to focus on building your network. Every person you meet could benefit you in some way. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they can be a reference. Start creating a document that has multiple letters of recommendation and examples of past work. Not only did I send in the required documents for the jobs I applied too, I also sent a marketing plan I did for Women’s Tennis as well as three letters of recommendation from past employers. If you work hard, are responsible, respectful, and reliable they can help you achieve your dream job.