Light Bulb Moments

After settling back in Eugene, my thoughts have had time to clear up. After thinking about the common themes I’ve heard from agency visits, and talking with alum and other students, I realize there are three skills that will work almost anywhere. The first is to build or become a part of the team as quickly as possible. People move around a lot, especially in advertising. Because of that, building relationships as soon as possible with the people I could possibly work with is essential. Wherever I end up in the future, they are there to help me, and I am there to help them. Also, most of the day is spent with colleagues, so might as well build that relationship right away. This brings me to my second point which is to bring my fullest self to the table. We are all hired because we bring something unique. If we try to blend in or do what isn’t ourselves, then in a way that kind of defeats the purpose why we are hired. We’ll lose our authenticity, and that can show in the work. So, that means I shouldn’t be afraid to be myself. My last point is to not become stagnant. Having unique skills and thoughts is important, but that doesn’t mean it should be the only thing to rely on. In an industry where things change fast, it’s important to try, learn, and see new things. I can learn a new skill that isn’t part of my job, pick up a new hobby, or see a new museum exhibit. As long as I do anything that takes me out of my routine I most likely have more light bulb moments. Inspiration is everywhere, but there’s more of it in places I haven’t seen and doing things I’ve never done.

Luis Sevilla | 05/15/18