Duck blood is thicker than water.
I underestimated how many ducks are in NYC.
I underestimated how many ducks are in NYC that want to help you.
I underestimated how many ducks are in NYC that got their current job, with the help of another duck.
I underestimated how many ducks are not only in NYC, but ANYWHERE you go. UTILIZE IT.
I am proud to be a duck and hope one day I can help a fellow duck with their future, just like so many have offered to help with mine over the past week.
Once a duck, always a duck.
Miranda Bass - May 13th, 2019
A surge of inspiration.
If you didn’t walk out of TBWA/Chiat/Day feeling inspired, were we in the same room? Doug Melville’s story is unlike anything I have ever heard in my life. Someone needs to pick up his story and turn it into a movie.
During his chat, Doug discussed what he looks for in people coming into the ad world of TBWA/Chiat/Day. He wants someone who has an interest in ad, but also something else. Anything else. Just show WHY you’re passionate about it. Emphasize and introduce your sh*t. He’s more interested in what you’re invested in than ad stuff we see everyday. Use what sets you apart from everyone else as not only your secret weapon, but your super power.
A light bulb went off. I started scribbling in my notebook and sketching out an idea I’ve had lingering in my head for a while now. By the time Doug had finished with his words of wisdom, I had finished eight small sketches with an entire passion project line that I couldn’t wait to get back on my computer and start creating. So, thanks Doug for the surge of inspiration I had no idea I needed so badly. Can’t wait to share.
Miranda Bass - May 13th, 2019.
The Disruption Company
At TBWA, we met the one of a kind Doug Melville, who’s story is as unbelievable as it is an inspiration. His career in advertising gave insight into the industry’s landscape and tools for navigating it. Being a “slasher,” someone who has dual subjects and side hustles, is the best strength in the game. His ability to work in any position, and excel in it, is the best takeaway for my own ambitions. The visit was a motivating, confidence boost at the first impression, “welcome future CEOs.”
Hailey W
5/13/2019
DUGGAL…
Duggal. Duggal. DUGGAL. Why don’t more people talk about them? Why was this the first time I have ever heard of them?
Their work is literally, EVERYWHERE.
While walking throughout the facility, I asked the gentleman giving us the tour, “Do you ever turn down a project proposal?” His response, “Sometimes, but that usually has to do with budgeting or timing. Other than that, no. There’s no fun in saying no. We can do anything here.”
Mind BLOWN.
Miranda Bass - May 13th, 2019.
Long-Lasting Relationships
All the professionals and alumni we had the opportunity to chat with or hear speak took the time to out of their busy day to share insight with us. In a few months, they might fall out of our network if we don’t make sure to keep in touch. Something I’ve learned this week is to make sure to follow up and stay connected to these creative individuals we came across.
- Request them on LinkedIn with a quick thank you note. It makes a difference and you’ll see what they’re up to in the future. The advertising industry may seem big, but it’s small. We might come across these people again.
- If you were interested in what they were talking about, reach out for an informational interview. If they took the time to chat with us, they’re probably up for it. There’s a difference between listening to them talk in a large group and having a one-on-one conversation.
We’ve grown our professional networks so much in the past week, now it’s time to make sure we maintain those valuable relationships.
Rita Herbstman 5.13.19 | #5
insights are easy
the insight. the “aha” moment. the thing that makes us tick. we’re always looking for that human truth behind a big idea. taking data and research, combining that with pop culture, merging all that with our audience values, and trying to find that single most compelling insight to ignite a spark. it can be a fucking headache. we get so caught up in the work that we forget to stop, slow down, and look at what’s already in front of us.
after hearing from a number of the brightest strategists in advertising, it’s refreshing to hear that the same things happen to them. it’s important to realize the value of collaboration and the importance of not over-working yourself. get out of allen hall, take a walk, ask a friend for their input, or even just step away from the work for a few hours. any one of these things can help clear your head. and when you come back to it, you might realize that the insight was there this whole time - right in front of you.
andrew sakuda | 05.13.2019
A DOZEN TO REMEMBER.
*Advice from Matt Garcia and the team at Rokkan*
1. This is not a 9-5 job.
2. Love the work.
3. Everything is your job.
4. Find a reason to be in the room.
5. Be militant on the details.
6. Say things nicely and in person.
7. Treat clients and agency $$$ as your own.
8. Don’t let anyone outwork you.
9. Be optimistic.
10. Choose your boss, not the agency.
11. It’s ALWAYS okay to ask for help. Always.
12. Don’t come with problems. Come with solutions.
Miranda Bass - May 13th, 2019.
Turning That Internship into a Full-Time Position
As we graduate and enter the ~real world~, it seems like the fragility of securing (and keeping!) a job in advertising is almost more daunting than the work itself… or maybe that’s just me. But based on the conversations I had with fellow students and recent alums, I’m getting the sense that this is a wide-spread fear: the fear of not securing a full-time position after an internship.
Here are some tips that I learned last week to help us all turn that internship into a full time job:
- From Spice Walker at Rokkan: Choose your boss not your agency. If you are lucky enough to receive multiple internship/job offers, make your decision based on who your boss will be, rather than what the name of the agency is/how much street cred it has.
- From Rachel Benner at Siegel+Gale: Set up bi-weekly coffee dates with your boss/supervisor. Once you’ve secured the internship, take it upon yourself to set up check-ins so that you can learn what you’re doing well and what you need to work on. Your supervisor will appreciate your commitment to your job.
- From Chelsea Coleman at Rokkan: Make friends with and be helpful to those outside of your department. When it comes time for your boss/HR to decide if they want to extend that full-time position offer, if you have been instrumental in the success of the agency both in and out of your department, you are more indispensable. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have people vouch for your character as well.
Katherine Dean
Ducks
The UO community is so powerful. I am so thankful for all of the alumni that went out of their way to help us this week. Most of them didn’t know more than a couple of us and still worked so hard to show us around, teach us something new, give advice, and hang out. Seeing how much alumni care about junior talent was such an exciting moment for me. Every single person was so welcoming and genuinely interested in what we were doing. It’s incredible that just having one thing in common leads to so many conversations, connections and friendships. This trip showed me how much Ducks truly care about each other. Sco Ducks.
Dana Norder 5.13.19
The Aftershock
Being back in Eugene after spending a week in New York, time is so much slower. There is way less cool things to do and see. The food is not as authentic and yummy, though it is a lot cheaper. Post NYC trip, I have re done my book three times and followed up with people I networked with. I have also taken several much needed naps. Adjusting back to my Eugene lifestyle has definitely been tough, but I come back to my life here with so much more knowledge and passion for what I do. Visiting at different types of agencies, I have realized what kind of environment I want to be working in, the type of people I want to work with, and the kind of work I want to be doing. I have so many takeaways that I plan on applying to my book, my relationships, and my everyday life. Thank you New York for another amazing visit. I’ll be back for you :)
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