Kristin (Oakley ’95) Hoover

Psychology

Biography

After Taylor, I worked in a variety of marketing research and project management roles across several industries including publishing, marketing, higher education, and pharmaceuticals. I stepped away from my career to stay home with my children, and jumped back into work when I joined the Taylor Admissions Team in recruiting and enrollment analytics. I'm currently the Executive Director of Marketing at Taylor, drawing on my prior marketing and project management experience.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Working alongside a psychology professor on research projects provided the skills and experience I needed to get my first job in marketing research. Collecting and analyzing primary research and presenting the research findings as an undergraduate student helped me feel confident in my career choice and gave me practical examples to share in my interview. As a student worker in the Admissions Office, I grew in my professionalism, had a lot of fun, and learned how to build rapport with a wide variety of people.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

Knowing my professors cared about me and were cheering me on was great motivation to put my all into my classes. They were great role models for me of academic excellence, critical thinking, and compassionate care for others.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

There are many exciting opportunities in marketing and marketing research! I would encourage students to look for ways to get involved in leadership or research on campus and to make finding an internship related to your field of interest a priority. Practical experiences give helpful context to your classes and also give you an advantage when you are interviewing for jobs.