Malik Allen’s Path from UT, Knoxville’s Tombras School to the Tombras Agency in the Big Apple
Malik Allen’s (‘21) dreams have come true since he started working at the Tombras Agency in New York City just this past year. Allen graduated from the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations with a degree in advertising in 2021 and credits his classes and internships for helping him get to where he is today.
“Overall, my college experience was amazing. I’m from Knoxville. I know a lot of people leave their hometown for college, but I loved staying home because I was so well connected with the area and the university,” he said.
Allen’s time at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was somewhat unconventional as most of his college career occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic halted many university networking opportunities and study abroad programs, causing Allen to miss out on the Tombras School’s New York networking trip and the advertising study abroad trip to Rome. However, Allen was able to intern at the Tombras Agency in Knoxville, which opened many doors for him within the agency.
Allen transitioned from being an intern to a full-time employee at the Tombras Agency, becoming an account leader where he helps build relationships with clients and internal teams. He has worked with large clients, including Subway, Bush’s Beans, and Orangetheory Fitness.
While Allen was working at the Tombras Group in Knoxville, the Tombras School made history in March 2022 by becoming the first named school at UT. This unique partnership between a top flagship land-grant institution and a national industry agency leader aims to accelerate student access and opportunities through a comprehensive set of outreach initiatives. The collaboration provides students with unparalleled opportunities and real-world connections.
Allen was asked to speak at the renaming ceremony by Tombras President, Dooley Tombras.
“I got a personal phone call from Dooley Tombras saying, ‘Hey, Malik, we have this amazing event going on at the school and I want you to be a part of it. We’re going to name the college, the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations.’ It was a great honor to be on the stage with Dooley. The fact that I was interning at Tombras, and then got to start my career there, it was such a full-circle moment. I feel so intertwined with this historic partnership. I love it. I love the Tombras and UT connection. It’s a great thing and I think we’re changing the game,” Allen stated.
Allen adds that his transition from Knoxville to New York City was much smoother than most. However, he emphasizes that seizing the opportunity played a crucial role in his success and he encourages others to do the same.
“I just encourage everybody to take advantage of opportunities and open yourself up to new things,” he said.
Allen highlights the importance of maintaining connections with alumni, faculty, and students. He believes these connections led him to his dream job in his dream city. He notes there is a strong network of Tennessee alumni in New York who regularly gather for alumni events and to watch UT athletic events.
When asked about the significance of having such a strong connection with his alma mater, Allen said, “I think it means everything because, like I said, I’m from Knoxville. It’s cool to be 700 miles away and still have a very big network of alumni. We have tons of Tennessee alumni in the city. It makes me feel like I’m at home even when I’m in New York City.”
Allen encourages students to take advantage of opportunities like the yearly New York City networking trip and appreciates the ongoing connection with UT and its impact on his career.
Malik Allen’s Path from UT, Knoxville’s Tombras School to the Tombras Agency in the Big Apple written by Kristen Gallant and originally published on the College of Communication & Information site.