Kelly, Scott and Madison’s Comprehensive Media Training Program Immerses Recent Graduates into Demanding Agency Environment

CHICAGO – August 10, 2011 – Kelly, Scott and Madison, an industry leader in comprehensive media marketing strategies recently began its 14th annual integrated media training program. This intensive 12-week course launches new KSM employees into the world of full service media consulting at a fast paced agency.

Through a series of instructional classes and actual client assignments, students will gain an in-depth understanding of media strategy, planning and buying. Additionally they will learn the basics of how an agency functions by analyzing administrative workflow, accounting processes and general business procedures.

The program was initially created when KSM executives identified a lack of industry standards for training media strategists.

“At a recent 4A’s conference it was said that the average Starbucks barista gets more training than the average communications employee. That’s an incredibly alarming point considering how much weight companies place on their media strategies to drive client success. KSM felt it was necessary to address that issue through intensive training and since 1998 our integrated media program has been a huge success. We find it consistently sets a clear understanding for the level of performance and subsequent recognition that new hires will experience as they grow in part of our distinctively innovative team,” Said KSM President Joni Williams.

A mixture of educational courses and genuine project work gives new KSM employees an unparalleled introduction into all aspects of media marketing strategies. Trainees are closely guided by members of KSM’s executive team and Planning Department, who stress that uninhibited creative ideation and proactive habits are the key contributors to success at leading agencies like KSM.

“The leadership at KSM has always felt that cultivating employees’ critical thinking abilities from day one is essential to achieving long term organizational evolution. Our focus on complex training programs solidifies KSM’s unique media strategy process in the minds of new hires and differentiates our organization from other cumbersomely structured agencies where this caliber of individual mentoring is either lacking or non-existent,” Said KSM Partner and Chief Strategy Officer Jonathan Lichter.

Inductees into this year’s program include: Ohio State University graduate and Chicago native Justin Diamond; University of Iowa graduate and Mokena, Ill. native Michael Hossa; Ohio University graduate and Pepperpike, Ohio native Renee Kovalcheck; and Loras College graduate and Naperville, Ill. native Lauren Krisch.

The 12-week program started on July 18, 2011 and will culminate with graduates leading individual presentations summarizing their work to company executives and staff.

About Kelly, Scott & Madison:
For over 40 years, KSM has fostered a culture of innovation and ideation. The company’s status as a founding architect in media planning strategies is a testament to its employee’s media prowess, and has resulted in many other media firms adopting KSM’s approach towards innovative marketing techniques. Innately encouraged to challenge one another, clients and the industry status quo, KSM has perpetually stayed ahead of the industry curve with strategic media planning, savvy buying tactics and sound research implementation. When KSM first opened its doors in 1966, it was one of the world’s very first media planning and buying companies. Now, KSM carries the distinction of being the oldest, truly independent media company in the United States.

Media Contact:
Jonathan Christens
Communications Manager
jchriste@ksmmedia.com
312-621-9378

Kelly, Scott & Madison
35 East Wacker Drive, 14th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601

This release was published on openPR.