Wednes-can-I-stay?
How is this trip already half way over?! Why couldn’t it feel as long as it did preparing for the actual trip? I am simply not ready to leave in a couple of days.
Tonight we went to the 72 And Sunny alumni event. Let me just tell you, visiting the Empire State Building would be a waste of money after seeing the view from their patio. After socializing and connecting with some fellow Ducks, I walked along the Brooklyn Bridge during the sun setting and it was incredibly magical. In that moment, I truly could picture myself living in this city doing the things I love the most- eating, shopping, exploring, and making cool s**t.
I truly believe in experience based learning and this trip just reinforced it. I have made a list of how I want to improve my book. You can never stop improving your book. I also have a notebook full of the best advice anyone has ever given me from all of my agency visits thus far. So far, my goals are to do some more passion projects and make a blog. Yes, the one who has never written a blog post until now, actually wants to start a blog. Stay tuned to check it out.
Account Managers
As an account manager, when it comes to campaign development, there have been instances where I’ve felt distant from the work that is being created. Often, this feeling bubbles over when I’m caught up in the managerial part of the role, like booking meeting rooms and working on schedules.
On the first day of our week long trip, Wieden introduced us to their agency by showing us the reel they present to potential new clients. From an account managers perspective, I was curious, where do account managers see their hard work in the reel that is presented?
It was nice to hear a response to my question from Jamie Robinson, an account manager at Wieden working on Duracell.
What really stuck with me was when Jamie said, “account managers can come up with ideas too.” Everyone else in the room, including art directors, producers, and strategists, nodded their heads in agreement.
The idea that a position within an agency isn’t entirely siloed restored my confidence in what I do. I am excited to enter the idea industry where camaraderie is a core value.
- Avery Wright
We’re Doing The Thing
Wieden and Kennedy - WOW.
Our agency visit at W+K was a perfect introduction to this trip. Let me just say, how could anyone feel like they are at work in an office as cool as theirs?!
I took the subway for the first time ever to the office, it was dope. As someone who gets claustrophobic easily, I never thought I would enjoy taking the subway. I started to feel like a natural as I was speed walking through the crowds within the station. I’ll admit it, I was trying really hard not to look like a lost tourist. Like the advice I got from W+K, I was attempting to “remain fiercely independent.”
After being mind blown by W+K, I ~treated myself~ to some shopping in SOHO.. a major uh oh. It’s okay though, I found some great statement pieces. I quickly figured out how expensive the New York lifestyle is, making me determined to hustle hard if I ever want to live there… I do want to live here (s**t).
AW // 5.7
Let’s Do This Thing
So I have been asked to write a blog post, which I have never done before (yikes), so bear with me.
First, preparing for this trip has been quite the experience itself. In the midst of planning mom’s weekend for my sorority and an abundance of homework, I was told to redo my book. Which I did, of course. I reorganized my book and decided to work with a simple and clean design. I’ll admit it; the makeover was needed. Secondly, who would have thought the girl who loves fashion would struggle with what to pack?! Well I did. A lot. I have always assumed in a professional environment we are expected to wear conservative and sleek outfits. But then I thought to myself, I’m going to advertising agencies and shops, so how can I make business attire fun and funky? Thank you Pinterest for your constant support when I need you. On a different note, this will be my first time in New York!! I have no idea what to expect besides that I will either love it or hate it. I think I secretly know I will love it though. So stay tuned to find out how the Big Apple treats this young creative.
AW // 5.5
The One at the Roosevelt Hotel.
Happy Hump Day from NYC! I genuinely cannot believe the week is already half way over, it seems to have gone by in a blink of an eye. I’ve been floored and constantly inspired through every visit, conversation, and person I’ve meet this week so far. Here are some of my major takeaways that I find to be invaluable advice:
- Feel comfortable with the uncomfortable and uncertainty
- Find a reason to be in the room
- Your reputation is the only thing that precedes you when you walk into a room.
5.9.18
SNR.
The Last One.
New York, New York you may not have my entire heart but the people I was surrounded by this past week sure do. A week like this last one isn’t easy to summarize or even explain to a parent or friend, but it was an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me for years to come. The lessons were endless, the experiences were unmatchable and the energy was incomparable. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the experience, the program, the professors and mentors, the professionals who gave us their time and advice, and for my peers. We can measure our success in the amount of job offers or new LinkedIn connections or we can measure our success in our growth, not only as creators but as people. This past week, my success was endless but I know I couldn’t have done it alone.
- Do something outside of my comfort zone - stayed up later than 11:00PM with new friends
- Connect with people, but not for the sake of having the connection - spent hours having conversations on the subway with strangers, classmates, and alumni about anything and everything - besides advertising.
- Learn something new everyday, at every agency, from someone new - learned a surplus of knowledge this week, just check out my notebook.
- Figure out the Subway - well, I enjoyed the subway at least.
- Find the best bagel in New York - this was more complex than I thought, however, I ate my fair share of above average bagels!
5.12.18
SNR.
The One On The Subway.
Let me tell you about the wonderful magical underground transit system we get to call the Subway. I LOVE IT. Do I understand it completely? No. Do I still need to use my phone to figure out how to get from A to B to C? Absolutely. If you’re a current NY local you are probably distraught at the majority of my statements. Honestly, I didn’t expect to love the subway either but something about it just captured my heart. I think it had a lot to do with the way it connects a city that seems endless made me feel a little bit more at home. While I was told countless times that you can actual never rely on the subway, I found it pretty amazing that there was a way to get around the city by going around and under it. Growing up in Wisconsin, a public transit system as figured out as the New York Subway was non existent. The subway, with no service, forces face to face interaction, whether with your peers or strangers. The subway, avoiding traffic and being stuck alone in a car, gives you a minute to work, maybe read, or even just think. The subway at 1:00AM with your friends isn’t just a way to make it home safely, but a playground to end your night on. I like the subway. I’m not sure why I like it, but I do. I probably shouldn’t and if I ever have the opportunity to actually call New York home, I’m sure I’ll change my mind.
5.10.18
SNR.
The One With All of The Pups.
Alright, so if you were with me at all over the course of the week you’d be the first to advocate me on this - I love dogs. It’s safe to say I spent more time saying hi to those cuddly creatures on the busy streets of New York than actual people. New York City has everything, from the food to the fashion to the culture and definitely the people, every block has anything you’d want at your finger tips, even if it’s expensive as hell. On these streets of New York, people are always in a hurry or running late to somewhere or something. Interactions with people weren’t always positive due to this, but I could always count on a cute pup to counteract those interactions. New York has every single dog imaginable on the streets, from doodles to labs to mixes and matches of any breed. Every single day a whole new set of pups would take the streets of New York and would easily make my day. Clearly, it’s the little things for me but this small factor is one of hundreds of things that made me fall in love with the city.
WOOF!
5.8.18
SNR.
The One On The Plane.
The last time I was in New York was quite the successful experience for me. I was in middle school with my family and the world was my oyster. The peak of my trip was my success in China Town, where I swindled my way into buying The Hangover, which was still in theaters at the time, for only $5.00. My parents were mostly concerned with my ability to bargain at a young age and far from enthused on my movie choice, still let me use my $5 to purchase the pirated movie, even though I wasn’t allowed to watch it. Fast forward to now, I couldn’t help but wonder if my trip to New York this time around would be just as successful. This had me thinking about what I’d be considering “successful” for my trip to New York, this time around. I came up with a few things:
- Do something outside of my comfort zone
- Connect with people, but not for the sake of having the connection.
- Learn something new everyday, at every agency, from someone new.
- Figure out the Subway
- Find the best bagel in New York
Five goals to accomplish in seven days.
Big Apple or Bust!
5.6.18
SNR.
Takeaways
Crosswalks are just a suggestion. When you’re running late, shoot the gap in traffic.
$1 pizza is fire, but only if you put all the extra toppings on it.
The acoustics inside of subway stations are amazing for musicians.
Times Square is a tourist trap.
The best food comes from the sketchiest places.
Umbrellas are cool here.
Tim Vandehey
05.12.18