In the busy city of Chicago, Justin Hoot, Partner, Client Services at Someoddpilot, found his calling. With a successful career, family to care for and the need to seek knowledge, Hoot took his journey through the WVU IMC program, allowing him to find a way to gain a higher understanding of marketing in the growing digital age.
Hoot’s story shows how someone can blend real-world experience with academics, showing how the IMC program can provide someone with a unique look into growing professional experiences. Reflecting on his experiences, the different intricacies of managing a full-time job, family responsibility and academic goals are evident, especially through his dedication to personal and professional growth.
“I think for someone like me that has quite a bit of real-world experience, it's really allowed me to organize that road map based on the things that I've done. As a full-time employee, as a husband and a father of three. I think the program is absolutely manageable. It just takes dedication.”
“I think for someone like me that has quite a bit of real-world experience, it's really allowed me to organize that road map based on the things that I've done. As a full-time employee, as a husband and a father of three. I think the program is absolutely manageable. It just takes dedication.” Justin Hoot
The IMC program offered Hoot a structured plan for organizing his already developed skills but also served as a resource for refining skills and furthering an understanding for the world of digital marketing. It can be seen that the world of traditional and digital marketing is coming together, allowing Hoot to share his thoughts on the industry and the changes that come with it. By keeping focus on digital strategy and an understanding on audience behavior throughout different channels, Hoot sees the importance of staying attentive to various shifts within the world of marketing.
“You know, we firmly believe that no one likes marketing, which is to say that no one actively seeks out marketing. You don't wake up in the morning, pop your phone open and be like, Oh my God, I cannot wait to get an ad. But what people do get excited about are the things that make them passionate for food, comedy, travel, you know, action sports, outdoor sports, just things that, you know, family, love music, the things that make people happy.”
Along with this, Hoot’s philosophy aligns with the values of Someoddpilots, where
the main goals don’t just lie in marketing, but in creating authentic connections
between brand and audience. Through combining campaigns with different elements
that create passion, joy and shared experiences, Hoot embodies the effectiveness
of brand communication within the modern digital world.
After graduating, Hoot began teaching for the Marketing Communications programs, bringing the guidance he gained with him into the classes he teaches and insights from years of real and practical experience.
Overall, Hoot’s transitions throughout the IMC program show the importance and power of education and the possibilities for those who pursue their dreams. Through each lesson learned and challenge overcome, Hoot shows how growth, learning and passion can inspire those around him to reach for their dreams as well.
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