What College Grads Need to Know Before Entering the Ad Industry…

College graduation is an exciting time, but it can also be filled with uncertainty. Landing that first job in the industry is not always an easy task in today’s economic climate, and it pays to identify and utilize advice from industry leaders who once stood in those rookie shoes. We polled The AD Club’s Board and partners, who have great success and experience, on the most essential advice for young talent entering the industry today: what is the one thing they should know to help prepare for a entry-level advertising job?

Donna Speciale, President, Ad Sales, Turner Broadcasting

I have two pieces of advice. 1) Remember: your reputation is your biggest asset. And 2) stay connected to everyone you do business with. You never know where they will end up.

Lee Nadler, Mini Marketing Communications Manager, MINI USA

One of the truly exciting aspects of the marketing industry is the revolutionary shift that occurs with new technologies that give life to new techniques. For example, Meta, Twitter, etc. didn’t exist when I started my career (ahem) 20+ years ago. Social is now a key channel for connecting.

And it contributes to the fun I have in my current role as marketing communications manager at MINI USA of learning and exploring. While I encourage you to envision goals for your career in marketing, celebrate the changes and enjoy the path to reach your summit of success.

Joanne Davis, President, Joanne Davis Consulting, Inc.

College graduates will be stars in advertising if they know the advertising A, B, C’s…

A = Advertising students – you can’t fake it; you can turn off a potential employer by not knowing what the agency has done that’s world class or why you want to work for that agency versus “I want a job.” It’s about them AND you, not just about YOU.

B = Business – it’s one of the most fun business careers anywhere and at a young age, you have the chance to make a major impact. It would take until your 30’s to impact other industries, but advertising is a young business.

C = Creativity and Courage – we are all creative and college grads have a fresh perspective; digital first is language that excites bosses.

Denise Teixeira, Division Director, The Creative Group, New York

For new graduates looking to land a job in advertising, the time is now. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising jobs are on the rise, projecting a 14% job growth. As businesses strive to stay ahead of the competition, they will look to creative professionals to implement new strategies and campaigns. To stand out against other applicants, make sure to polish your personal brand and be prepared to demonstrate your value. Check out industry resources that will help you get ahead – The Creative Group’s Hot Jobs and Definitive Guide to Getting

Hired are great places to start!

Matt Rakow, Account Executive, McCann Erickson

In retrospect, the most important thing I wish I had more of when I first started out is context. Upon graduating with strong grades and experiences, I believed I was fully ready and prepared for what “the real world” would offer. In actuality, the majority of the lessons I apply on a daily basis came from my first job post-graduation. College (ideally) prepared you with a strong foundation and understanding of the field you are entering. Only once you’re fully immersed can you truly begin to understand the

intricacies and nuances of your craft. You may have graduated, but the learning has only just begun.