5.9.18

One of the most overarching pieces of advice each agency has had to offer is that of good character. Hard skills aren’t the be-all, end-all; you have to show up, work hard, and be someone that you would want to work with. Being yourself is key, and bringing a perspective unique to only you is indispensable.

- Erin Fogerty

The Power of Our Network

I’ve been told by so many people for so many years how important networking is. I thought I understood the importance of networking, but after this trip I have finally figured out why networking matters in our career. Making a deeper connection with our superiors is not only good for having our questions answered, but it is also great for creating a wide range of career and personal support. 

I have been doing so much networking this week with University of Oregon alumni and other professionals in the industry and I have never understood how truly important it is to connect with people who have been where you have been and are where you want to be in the future. We have been told that our network is our family, and after connecting with so many people on this trip I truly believe that. The people in our UO network are so supportive and so willing to connect with current students and I feel like I have learned so many valuable lessons from these knowledgable professionals. It feels really great to be able to reach out to people who have experience and ask questions.

The new group called Flock is one of the coolest networking opportunities I have come across so far. These women are so supportive of their fellow UO network and I am so excited to see how this program grows and is able to help and support women in the advertising industry. 

Casey Kromer
May 9, 2018

May 9

Networking is hard. Knowing the right questions to ask, when to ask them and how to ask them isn’t easy. How much do you ask about the industry and how much do you ask about personal passions and projects? I’ve been worrying a lot about this. Today it was nice to hear from someone I look up to that even they suck at networking. Even as an established professional, it still feels awkward and uncomfortable to show up and know who to talk to and about what. I know I’ll get better with time, I also know how vital it is to use the people we meet to help further our careers.
Raven 5/9/18

Participate, don’t spectate.

The best advice I heard today was from the ECD at Barton F. Graf. Although he thought we were the UO football team, he was spot on with his advice. My favorite tip was that great work isn’t a soloist act, but rather an ensemble of super powers. For newcomers, Helena told us that it’s important to remember to raise your hand and volunteer to figure shit out when no one else wants to. When the going gets tough, get going. 

Hannah Kloft 

New York is all about the reversal of expectations. I came to New York expecting to be extremely overwhelmed, instead, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the city. I came expecting to be bored by one agency and enthralled by the next, and it was exactly the opposite. I loved the agency I was expecting nothing from, and in the agency I was hoping to love I felt no sense of belonging. 
I can’t wait to have the rest of my expectations turned around. 

Sarah Weiss

5.9.18

Be Useful.

Be Useful

Out of everything said at W + K, Rokkan, Laundry Service, Saatchi & Saatchi, and pretty much every other agency I have been to thus far, these two words stood out to me the most.

Be Useful.

So simple yet so true. Making your mark starts with being eager, lending a hand in any way you can, gaining the trust of the people you work with. Going the extra mile is about being there for the people who have given you the opportunity to prove yourself and develop your skills in an environment, unlike anything we’ve seen before. Our goal as students entering the world of professionals is to engrain ourselves in the minds of our superiors and the way this happens is by being there.

This is how you set yourself apart from all the rest.

Savannah Nucci / 5.9.18

Living in a Big City

We all know that New York can be a lonely place but now that I have been meeting more people and making the connection through w+k and Flock, this huge city just became a little smaller. I feel like I’m starting to build a connection with the people here; this community of people give me a sense of belonging and hope that one day I could move here to find a great job. The Flock events both Saturday and Sunday night made it apparent to me that this crazy weird place can be a community of people that are a support system. At the Flock party I found comfort in the fact that there were amazing powerful women that would be willing to help and support me through a huge transition, such as moving to NYC.

Georgy Goodwin

May 9th, 2018

A New Look

The other day, Sean Haney, Roberto Escobar, and I were meandering through the city, seeing the sights, and taking photos I was about to enter an overcrowded subway when I saw a guy come up to Sean and start asking him about his craft of videography. This was probably because Sean was taking videos with his gimbal and getting some insane shots. After entering the subway and sitting down we learned that this guy was a producer and director from California. He showed us some of his work and talked to us about his life. 

He then told me how something in NYC, that can be thought of as a drag or pain, is actually just another opportunity. Commuting. In Oregon, or California, you take your car places, which can be nice since you’re alone and headed to your specific location. In New York, you take the subway, which can be packed, hot, and grimy. 

Most of the time, people are in their cars alone. Not getting anything done; just driving. On the train, you have the opportunity to chat, network, and learn about culture by listening. You almost have an obligation to be productive on the subway. Meet that obligation.

Spencer Kupish - 5/9/18

Expedition: Happiness

I keep going about my day and catching myself at random times thinking, “Damn, I’m in New York meeting amazing people WITH amazing people.” A wonderful reminder to be grateful for all opportunity I have been given, but right now, I feel most grateful for the realizations this experience has brought forth. I came ready to judge New York as a prospective new city to live in. Which, I suppose I’m still doing. But, more than that, I’ve started to understand that it’s not New York I need to be judging, it’s myself. New York has a multitude of amazing things to offer anyone searching for them. Which leads me to the question I keep asking myself: Do I feel like I could be as open and vulnerable as I need to be so that I am able to go out and seek what I need to feel fulfilled in New York? Does this city make me feel like I can be myself? As someone who has visited in a multitude of different countries, it’s easy for me to go in and make decisions on whether I like a city or not, but I’m finding it hard to be as real as I need to be about how a city makes me feel. I keep neglecting to recognize that my environment is a key factor in my energy, my work and most importantly, my growth. This trip is keeping me grounded and I am actively trying to be aware of how I feel in every moment, “We can’t grow if we’re not dialed in, we can’t grow if we don’t know.”

- Hannah Diamond

Big vs Little

Being in New York and being able to see a few agencies has really opened my eyes on agency life. The culture between a large agency and a small one is so different and amazing to me. Being in a large agency you see how busy but controlled everything is, while a smaller one is more laid back but focused. I liked both environments a lot and can see myself working in both scenarios. The biggest take away I’ve had is that at smaller agencies, everyone is involved in all parts of the client. Accounts are also strategist, strategist are also creatives, and creatives are also accounts and I find that very interesting and great way to build a professional profile.

-Tyler Kastan