Finding the Right Fit

Guest Post by Joseph Rector

Advertising is a fast-changing, dynamic industry and it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest news and events. Student advertising clubs are a great way to get as much information about the industry as possible and to position yourself above the typical field of advertising applicants.

Advertising is one of the most popular majors at Florida State and only about 38 students are admitted to the program each spring. Arrowhead Advertising, Florida State’s advertising team for the National Student Advertising Competition, has won 5 out of the past 10 district competitions.

As President of the FSU Ad Club, it is my goal to bring many different majors and backgrounds together with their passion for advertising, and to expose participants to as many facets of the industry as possible. Every semester the club sponsors trips to meet with ad agencies and mingle with professionals in the field. Last fall we went to New York for the AWNY conference and combined the trip with visits agencies such as TBWA\Chiat\Day. This semester we went to Atlanta and visited BBDO, Grey, Fitzgerald & Co., and Fletcher Martin.

We’ve also hosted a variety of guest speakers who give our students great insight into and advice about the industry. They also enable our members to build relationships and extend their personal and professional networks. Getting to know the agencies with whom you wish to work is crucial.

By meeting a good mix of large and mid-size agencies, you can see the different environments and personalities of each workplace. A crucial aspect of finding your place in the advertising world is getting started at the right agency. In many ways it’s like a relationship; it must compliment your personality and you’ve got to love being around it all the time. Can you picture yourself putting in some long hours there? If the fit is right then you’re lucky; many people bounce around for years before they find their home.

I cannot stress the importance of getting to know the agencies enough! Even when applying to internships, I would recommend taking a trip to go check out the workplace first. Find out what accounts were recently gained and lost. I’ve read some critical remarks on some of the top agencies, but the industry gossip should not drive your final decision. Check with alumni who are already there and get feedback from them. Agencies all have strikingly different personalities. Just because the office is located on Madison Avenue doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

I once heard that if you find a place you love to be at, and love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life. Advertising is my life, and I hope that someday I can accomplish great things in the industry without “working” a single day.

Joseph Rector is the President of Florida State University’s Advertising Club; he can be reached at jar05d@fsu.edu. y