Club Spotlight: Trojan Marketing Group
By Roxette Primero
Have you ever dreamed of bringing creative marketing campaigns to life for real companies? At Trojan Marketing Group (TMG), you’ll do exactly that and so much more! TMG is USC’s very own full-service, student-run, pro-bono marketing agency, where passionate members work together to create impactful, story-driven campaigns for businesses and non-profits across Los Angeles. Want to know what it’s really like behind the scenes? During this club spotlight, I’ll give you the insider’s scoop on all things TMG.
What is TMG:
As a student-run marketing agency, TMG offers you the chance to work with some of LA’s most exciting companies. What does that actually involve? You’ll be creating everything from social media campaigns and merchandise to website activations and long-form media content—basically, whatever your client needs to boost their brand. Throughout your time with TMG, you’ll dive deep into researching these companies and developing creative strategies to solve their unique challenges. Past clients include companies like Amoeba Music, South LA Cafe, The Broad, and Smorgasburg—just to name a few!
This club is all about marketing, business development, and creative storytelling, and the best part? Along the way, you’ll develop key skills like strategic thinking, project management, communication, and collaboration—all while working on real-world projects. There’s a role for everyone at TMG, no matter your strengths or background.
Next up, let’s dive into the different roles at TMG and how you can get involved in making an impact!
Digital Strategy - If you're into research and data, digital strategy is for you! As a digital strategy, you will provide quantitative insights and social and digital media expertise to help drive campaign strategy.
Creative Strategy - If you have a knack for creative storytelling and ideation then look no further! CS is the role for you! You will be brainstorming, researching, and bringing your ideas to life in a fun and engaging way for TMG clients.
Tech - Are you a tech wizard? The tech team helps accounts and clients with tech-related needs! As a tech, you are working to develop a robust program that conducts live sentiment analysis from web and social media content and ultimately be in charge of creating cool websites, apps, and other tech creations!
Media - Are you ready to be a movie director? The Media Production department transforms a campaign's story into a cinematic reality. You can make anything from gifs, advertisements, etc., and be involved in production as well from casting, editing, and all things film!
Design - If you've got solid design skills and a passion to utilize and keep improving on those skills, you're already on the right track, and this role is perfect for you! The Design team brings TMG’s creative vision to life, crafting visuals for all our campaigns. From website layouts to logos and social media graphics, they handle it all, creating impactful designs that make a difference.
Account Management - The AM department is responsible for interfacing with clients and the internal team. Account Directors understand the needs of their clients and the capabilities
of their account, and know how to bring our unique skill sets together.
Project Management - The Project Management department is responsible for organizing and delegating tasks within the team. Project Managers keep track of all the details of the project to ensure that no deliverable is left undone and that all the money is spent wisely.
Who can apply?
Anyone and everyone! TMG welcomes students from all majors whether you’re studying business, liberal arts, engineering, or anything in between. This club thrives on diversity of thought and skills, so no matter your academic background, you can find a place here. The most important thing? A creative and critical-thinking mindset. TMG values innovative problem-solving and fresh perspectives, so if you’re ready to think outside the box and bring unique ideas to the table, you’re already ahead of the game.
What is the club like:
At TMG, you’re not just working on hypothetical projects—you’re partnering with real companies, helping them build and elevate their brands. The stakes are high, and the experience is invaluable. Because of this, a strong time commitment is crucial, and a genuine passion for the work will set you apart.
The application process kicks off at the start of each semester and includes a written application, a mixer to meet current members, and an interview. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your skills, learn more about the club, and get a feel for the collaborative TMG culture.
TMG meets every Monday, but once you're assigned an account, you can expect more frequent meetings.
In your first semester, you'll dive into breaking down your client’s needs and coming up with creative strategies. By the second semester, you’ll be rolling out those strategies into full-blown campaigns.
But it's not all work! TMG loves tradition, think galas, Christmas parties, and even a retreat! While you're giving your all to your clients, TMG makes sure you're having fun and feeling connected amongst all the members.
Why TMG?
Let's hear from current members!
“I love TMG because it creates a space where I can be as creative as I want to be and we work on very significant projects since we are working with actual companies creating and launching real marketing campaigns. I also really connected with TMG because of how diverse in skills it is and you have people from all majors. My advice to someone who wants to apply is to be outspoken about your ideas because in this club your ideas are valued.” - Nahuel D’elias, Creative Strategist ‘25
“It feels just like yesterday that I was sitting in my info session for TMG as a new freshman at USC. So, to be leading as President in my senior year is such a full-circle moment. My experience in TMG has singlehandedly been a defining factor in my time in college. Not only has it given my real-world experience with working with clients and managing business relationships but it also has given me an invaluable network of friends and future professionals that I am forever grateful for. I have had the opportunity to work with businesses across the LA area and see my team’s ideas come to fruition. TMG is hard but it is also one of the most rewarding things I have done in college.” - Justice Crawford, TMG president ‘25
From my personal experience as a current member of TMG, this club has been my gateway into all things business and marketing. Coming from an English major background, I was initially hesitant about applying to any business-focused clubs, but TMG saw something in me that I hadn’t fully realized myself. Since joining, I’ve gained invaluable skills in public speaking, research, and strategy, along with a deeper understanding of marketing as a whole. TMG doesn’t just teach you the theory, it throws you into the real world of marketing, where you get hands-on experience from concept to execution.
Beyond the technical skills, TMG has connected me with an incredible network of creative, driven people who’ve helped me grow both professionally and personally. Some of my best college experiences have come from working alongside these amazing teammates on real-world projects. Whether it’s collaborating on client campaigns or simply hanging out during our club’s social events, TMG has been one of the most enriching and rewarding parts of my USC journey.
Conclusion
Join TMG if you're ready to not only contribute to great marketing campaigns but lead the charge in bringing them to life! If you’re passionate about creativity, collaboration, and real-world experience, this is the place for you.
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