I am incredibly thankful that I was able to attend this trip because it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and the capabilities within advertising. There are several things I thought I would want in terms of my career post-graduation. However, visiting New York both confirmed and refuted some of these beliefs.

1. I want to work at a big agency. (Refuted)

At least when first starting out, I think it would make me more comfortable to work at a smaller agency. Working at a smaller agency allows you to be more hands-on with projects and build close relationships with your coworkers. I also feel more drawn to the culture of a smaller agency because it feels much more personal.

2. I don’t want to work in New York. (Refuted)

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I never really saw myself working in New York. Although it is still a bit too early to tell, I think I would enjoy working and living here— at least for a few years.

3. I want to pursue art direction. (Confirmed)

Being a creative involves many ups and downs— Sometimes the work turns out good, but many times you scrap your projects and return to the drawing board. For me, this process can be tiring and I sometimes wonder whether or not this is the right track for me. However, hearing from current art directors and designers helped me to really confirm that this is indeed what I want to do within advertising. It’s a challenging job, for sure, but passion and determination is what makes it possible and worth it. 

Kelly Kondo, 05/09/2019, #4