The Connections Will Follow You

A week full of inspiration and networking in NYC has come and gone. Some of the 108 Ducks have returned to Eugene knowing that they’ll be back in New York within weeks to start an internship or job. Others don’t have their New York job yet, but know that NYC is their place! And finally, there’s others who aren’t sure or know that New York isn’t the place they’re meant to be. All of these realizations are powerful, and we’ll all end up somewhere great. But, the connections we made through networking this week are important for all of us. 

I’m a junior and have a position as a creative intern lined up at an agency in Phoenix this summer. However, I left for New York City with the intention to learn about the city and agency life. I was prepared, with questions and business cards, to talk with professionals about their experiences. I learned so much from the professionals I talked to and my LinkedIn network expanded enormously. 

They say that the advertising industry is a small family. I can imagine talking with the people I met this week months and years after completing this trip. At some point, they’ll be able to help me and I’ll return the kindness by helping them. Whether I end up in NYC after graduating or not, I hope to maintain relationships with the special people I met this week.

Sure, the New York City lights will inspire you, but I think that the people inspire me more. 

Emily Foster

05.14.17