Name: Kyle Atkinson
Position: Digital Marketing Intern
What experience do you have in marketing?
I gained experience in marketing working for Salt Lake Community College’s radio station as well as the University of Utah’s radio station. There, I write and edit content for blogs. This has also given me experience with SEO for blogs, InDesign and Photoshop. Additionally, I have experience working for SLCC’s newspaper, The Globe. My experience in newspaper production has bettered my writing ability and attention to detail. I’m working on a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication at the University of Utah. I’ve loved the subject matter within this degree. It’s helped me to strengthen my skills in marketing and content creation.
What would you say is your best marketing skill?
Definitely my ability to listen to the customer and gather information from them that helps us focus on their target audience. I’m able to put myself into the customer’s shoes quite easily, which allows me to better understand their needs and goals. I strive to produce work I’m proud of and that our clients are proud of. I’m receptive to feedback and always willing to make adjustments and improvements when necessary. I think this really all boils down to my communication skills.
What’s your favorite blog, and why?
Being that I’m a huge sports fan, my favorite blog is SB Nation’s Utah Jazz-focused slcdunk.com. The site has writers that do a great job of capturing what is going on with the Jazz. I’ve also been growing increasingly interested in marketing industry blogs like that of HubSpot and Marketo. These blogs boat loads of content related to anything and everything marketing.
Why do you like living in Salt Lake City, Utah?
I was born and raised in the Salt Lake Valley and have lived here all my life. I absolutely love it here, and for a few solid reasons: Our sports teams – I love going to the Utah Utes, Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, and Utah Grizzlies games at any opportunity I have. I’ve also recently taken up hiking and exploring in general. I’m eager to visit more of our awesome national parks soon.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
Some of my favorite things to do include attending sporting events, playing video games, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music. I also enjoy exploring the outdoors – whenever the unpredictable Utah weather allows me to.
Years from now, what will stick out most from 2019?
2019 was a great year for me for a lot of reasons. I got closer to completing my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah while strengthening my professional skills through both school and professional work. I also went on some great trips with loved ones and friends that will often be brought up in the future as a great part of 2019.
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
Even though 2019 was a great year, I’m expecting even greater things in 2020. I will be graduating from the University of Utah with my Bachelor’s degree – after going to school for way longer that I wanted to. I will also begin working full-time, developing my marketing skills even more – which is something that’s I’ve been brimming with excitement for. In addition to school and work, I’m looking forward to taking a few trips during the year to Las Vegas for a music festival and Minnesota for a Vikings football game.
What’s the last song you intentionally listened to?
During my commute this morning, I listened to “Savage Mode” by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin. I was shuffling through my main playlist and hadn’t heard the track in a while, so I gave it a spin.
Favorite book/movie/music/TV show/etc.?
Book: The Harry Potter series has always been a favorite.
Movie: I have trouble picking my favorite movies, but anything with Adam Sandler (besides a couple of his films from the 2010’s) are usually a good choice. I loved the recent release, Uncut Gems. I’d recommend it to any adult if you haven’t already seen it.
TV Shows: Some of my favorites are The Office, Stranger Things, Black Mirror, and The Mandalorian. I really enjoy sci-fi and thrillers the most.
Music: Easily, my favorite music genre is hip hop. I’ve been into hip hop for almost a decade and I like to think I’ve become really immersed in the scene. I’m also getting into R&B more and more. Some of my favorite artists right now are Travis Scott, Drake, Young Thug, Tobi Lou, Brent Faiyaz, and PARTYNEXTDOOR.
What’s one of life’s simple pleasures?
Definitely banana-flavored Creamies Ice Cream bars. Oddly enough, I’m not the biggest fan of actual bananas, but for some reason I can never go wrong with the banana-flavored ice cream.