Senior to Watch: Adam King

If not a public relations major, then why is first semester senior, Adam King, a member of the Illinois State University Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter? King is a passionate ISU student in the College of Business as a marketing major with a focus in integrated marketing communication. He hopes to pursue a career in advertising after graduation this spring.

Although he is not a part of the School of Communication, King joined ISU PRSSA last year as an opportunity to learn more about the field of communication. Becoming a member of ISU PRSSA has helped King better understand the relationship between public relations and marketing. It has also allowed him to become an active member of the development committee, as he is interested in gaining fundraising experience.

When asked what advice he would give to younger students looking to break into the professional world, King said that it is important to get involved with something to differentiate yourself from other students. He emphasized his individuality by harnessing his small-town, farm roots from Ohio, Ill., and included an agriculture minor to his studies.

This past summer, King interned at the advertising agency, Woodruff Sweitzer, in Kansas City, Mo., where he was given the opportunity to work with several agriculture companies. He has also interned at DuPont Pioneer, the largest U.S. producer of hybrid seeds for agriculture, where he assisted with a company study testing for wind damage in seed corn crop. These experiences have helped him gain a solid background in both the field of marketing and agriculture.

King believes that it is not only important to get involved but to also take on leadership positions. He is currently the manager for Watterson Dining Commons and says that it has helped him further his professional development.

Despite being an active and involved student here at ISU, King still makes time for the things he enjoys, like playing golf, watching a variety of TV shows, and cooking a variety of grilled chicken dinners. He also loves being physically active, spending time with friends and family, and rooting for the Blackhawks.

When asked if there was anything else to add, King simply said, “Go Redbirds!” 

Interview by Kimi Sanden

---