Success story: Andrew Kang promotes Tesla and MTV brands

Success Stories | Mar 07, 2014 | Claire Curry

Tesla Motors sustainable approach toward energy consumption so intrigued Andrew Kang (GSB ’14) that he accepted an offer to work at the firm as a part-time product specialist. He says that learning about the company in Professor Pirson’s Sustainable Business course inspired him, along with the company’s product innovation and unique business model.

“There are many differences between Tesla Motors and most other car makers,” Andrew said. Certainly, the fact that Tesla Motors’ Model S can travel 285 miles on one charge makes it stand out as a long-term solution to protect fossil fuels. “Also, Tesla doesn’t utilize dealerships to sell cars,” Andrew said. “The company sells directly to the consumer through their own stores.”

As a product specialist at the Tesla store in Westchester, Kang develops relationships with potential customers to capture sales leads three days each week. Working on the front lines, Kang said, is building solid “b2C communications skills” that will prove valuable in the future.

Working in the sustainable business arena is also exciting, Andrew said, because beyond their “green initiatives, sustainable business is about challenging how to conduct business as usual.” That kind of innovation is the future of marketing.

In February, Andrew added to his already busy schedule with an integrated marketing internship at MTV Networks where he assists the organization’s integrated marketing team in executing brand endorsements, product placements and advertising. He interns two days a week and attends classes part-time.

Experience with a sustainable auto manufacturer and a global media organization like Viacom will add hands on sales and advertising experience to Andrew’s skill set and expanding resume, which includes an earlier internship in the fashion industry at Diesel USA.

What motivates Andrew to devote so much time to working, studying and interning? He says he had an epiphany traveling in Korea last summer. “I decided to dedicate the great majority of my time doing what most excites me, and building a path toward my future while exploring amazing opportunities like these that come my way.”