In-house is My House

Another amazing visit today at Squarespace. It was really interesting to see an in-house company and the work that a creative opportunities available. First of all the space is amazing, they really take their key elements of design and seemline it throughout their office space. The people seemed so relaxed for being in such a fast paced city and industry. Lindsey, who also chatted with us via Skype in Allen Hall Ad, gave us some insight on the key differences between her time at Droga5 and her time at Squarespace. While she was sharing her personal experiences at the two companies, she noted that working in-house has lead to a better work life balance that she felt can sometimes get lost working in an advertising agency. Other than the lovely insights about working in-house, the folks at Squarespace also gave some comforting anecdotes about non-traditional career trajectories. Most of the folks that talked to us shared that odd non-linear paths to where they are now. This was nice to hear that we do not have to have everything figured out to result in an amazing career path. One of the members on the team even started working in the customer call center at Squarespace and worked his butt off until he made it to the position he wanted. Being surroundeed by so many talents people in the SOJC it can sometimes feel like everyone else already has their entire life figured out, hearing their insights provided me with a big sigh of relief that taking career 180 degree turn arounds are completely okay and can result in some good experiences and opportunities.

After leaving Squarespace I was ready to jump onto the in-house boat. I learned that their are so many opportunities to make creative work outside of agency. Additionally Squarespace demonstrated that the where you start is not necessarily the place you will end up. I think that is something a lot of us forget as we are looking for internships and jobs. As long as you’re hustling and making those connections the path of the unknown can lead to an exciting career.

- Amanda Lucas 

Who knew Laundry could be so fun?

 Today was day of laundry service. What an amazing opportunity this was to visit Laundry Service’s DUMBO office. Hands down this was my favorite agency we visited this trip. The panel of Laundry Service seemed passionate about the agency along with the work that they produce. They did not seem like they created work for the clients for the financial benefits, it truly appeared like truly try to beat to the sound of their own drum and make sure that their work is a reflection in Laundry Service’s beliefs. The office space felt lively and welcoming through the various music playing throughout the office and friendly exchanges between the employees.

At Laundry Service Jamie and Trishna really opened my eyes to potentially pursuing a career in Creative recruiting. After talking with both of these amazing women they shared their career trajectory and what creative recruiting meant to them. They were not only creating new opportunities for people through recruiting, but they were also making those spaces for diversifying the talent within the industry. This was noticeable even within their office as it seemed like half of the employees were of diverse races and the large presence of women working at Laundry Service. As a multicultural woman, I want to be part of the change that shakes up the traditional face of advertising and have that reflected through the work. As deb always says, the only way to do this is by placing yourself at a table of people who don’t look like you. Jamie and Trishna at Laundry Service provided me with some insight on how to make this challenging task possible.

- Amanda Lucas

Day of the Widen + Kennedy and Flock.

Wow is all I can say to beginning this amazing week with the Flock meeting with the UO alumna. Their generosity to welcome us all in with open arms is such a priceless gift. These bad ass women were not only great connections to have as a women who aspires to work in the industry, but they were also relatable and kind. It was incredibly insightful to hear their experiences working and living in the city, both the good and bad. I didn’t even consider the hardships with finding apartments and negotiating wages that would come with being a women in the advertising industry. Their short panel talk left me feeling comforted and inspired by the impact that women can have in the industry.

As the agency who ran my favorite new advertisement, I was excited to pick the brains of the extremely creative Widen + Kennedy folks. Their beautiful office is a dream, you can really see that their office truly reflects their playful agency personality.

- Amanda Lucas

It’s Only the Beginning

I prepared myself for NYC by doing what I’m sure many students on the NYC trip did as well, which was change your whole entire book the night before leaving. I was nervous, inspired, and ready to kick ass to get to where I wanted to be. As an junior in the program and first time coming on the trip I was nervous about going to agencies with seniors who have either been on the trip or have a more dialed in book. Since I spent a majority of the day and night grinding on Squarespace, I packed an hour before my 11 am flight. By now I’m feeling sleepless and fired up making the most out my time in NYC.

I hope that NYC will allow to me immerse myself in the bustling culture both in the agencies and within the city. I hope make some connections with those working in the industry and to deepen my connections to the many talented students within our amazing program. I hope to take in every experience and opportunity this trip is bound to provide.

- Amanda Lucas

That’s a wrap

The days of life in the big apple have officially come to an end. I can’t say I’m not excited to go home and sleep in my own bed but I can happily say that I learned more than I was originally anticipating. Going to multiple different agencies has opened my mind to the ad world in a whole new way. I have a newfound knowledge for project management from several different agencies perspectives. Some project managers are just big mothers of the company while others really hold the reigns when it comes to get projects done on time. And although there are several things in between, that’s the spectrum that I gathered. Before this trip I knew I liked project management and could maybe even land a job. I’ve found out that this is exactly where I need to be and what I need to be doing at this point in my life. I couldn’t be happier with my trip to New York (even though it was really scary being in a huge city for the first time). Shout out to all the professors and the dean for making this possible because this trip brings creativity to a whole new level.

Devyn Schnake 05.12.18

Mission accomplished

One of the main things I wanted to figure out on this trip was if I would be interested in living in NYC. I had been once before in middle school back when I was angsty and negative like a typical preteen and I unsurprisingly did not enjoy it very much. What I remember from that trip was the awful smells that came up through the vents, the weird stuff that went down on the subway, the massive crowds, and the non-stop noise. Fast forward a few years and all of that still definitely exists and the city is still definitely crazy, but this time around it just all felt so much more manageable. This time I felt like I was able to just take in and appreciate the crowds, skyscrapers, subway, smells, and sounds of the city and I really enjoyed it. I think the pace of the city would still definitely be a big adjustment, but I think I’m up for the challenge. If I can find something interesting in NYC next year, I’m in.

Casey Hickman

Singing Reflection from Mulan

Coming back to Eugene after such an insightful week in New York has actually been really tough. I think about how hard the people we met at all the different agencies had worked, and it only makes me more determined to chase the things that I now know I want out of this career.

It took a lot of self-reflection for me to realize the nuggets of wisdom I really needed to take to heart after this trip. I think the number one thing that I had heard before but never really take too seriously until this trip was “Set yourself apart”. Whether that be in your strategy or your design work, setting yourself apart is so incredibly helpful in the advertising world. I think that one thing I didn’t realize though was how many different ways you could do that– be it a side hustle, or the attention to detail in your briefs and designs. Set yourself apart and the world is your oyster.

Darragh

From agency visits to museums, award shows to panels, this week was one whirlwind of an experience. New York City is captivating, and big things are in store for both my peers and the future of the industry. Here are my 5 key takeaways from the trip.

1. You have to be uncomfortable to make any of it better.
   Change isn’t easy. It demands courage and conviction. Advertising attracts ambitious people; remember why you got into the industry in the first place.
   
   
2. Closed mouths don’t get fed. 
   Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth. It’s a value exchange, and they’re not going to rescind the offer just because you asked for more money. Check out Glassdoor or ask your coworkers for a frame of reference.
   
   
3. Failure is a part of the success track.
   I can’t count how many different iterations of this advice I heard this week. Turn your L’s into lessons. If you stumble, you’ll just get up stronger. Make new mistakes always. And remember, just because you failed does not mean you’re a failure. The best ideas come out of failure – keep sifting through the rubbish until you find that key insight. 
   
   
4. Understand your experiences.
   Leverage data and facts to craft a story. Make your advertising fulfill a need. Think about your experiences and place them in context, because you can reach any audience if you have empathy and consider different perspectives.
   
   
5. Ultimately, it’s about the work. 
   It’s easy to get caught up in the smoke and mirrors of trendy office spaces and endless snacks, but what’s more important to consider is the work. Is this agency making work they’re proud of? Are they making work you wish you had done? If not, get out. 

Sam Coffaro
05.14.18

It feels surreal to already be back in Eugene. How has a week already passed so quickly? The trip came and went so quickly and I’ve barely had time to process all the amazing advice, tips and insights that we were given by such generous people. I was so nervous going into the trip that my portfolio wasn’t good enough, my experience not enough, my questions too dumb to ask. I feel so much better having talked to so many amazing people and then sharing their struggles entering the workforce and how everybody’s path is different. I knew this deep down, but hearing it in person from so many people has made me feel much better. I got great advice on how to curate a strategist portfolio, the upcoming weeks will be spent really simplifying what I have and showing my interests outside of advertising because those are the parts of me that recruiters are excited to look at. I am still so grateful for this trip, it was so valuable and I hope that everybody gets the chance to experience something like it.
5/14/18
Raven