A List of the Best Advice I’ve Received as an Advertising Student and a Daughter
As a student and nearing graduate, advice about the industry is my most valued possession. Even for students everywhere advice is something that is continually looked for. I’ve compiled a list of the best advice I’ve received as an advertising student and guidance from my mother (who isn’t an industry professional, but still holds valid points).
You’ll hear a lot of no’s before you hear any sort of yes
This is obvious. It can be discouraging to be constantly hearing the small word that seems to end all success. As my mother sympathetically pointed out, it’s hard to get your foot in the door but it’s even harder to get your foot in the right door.
Get used to hearing no, it will make the yes even better.
It’s a lot easier to say no than yes, which is why you’ll hear it more often.
Don’t let its bite sting you. Let it be proof that something better is out there.
Good ideas need great presentations
The saying “great ideas sell themselves” doesn’t always pan out to be true. It never hurts to ensure that the format of presentation for those great ideas is just as good as the insight itself. This, I learned from my cousin who achieved a career as a 32 under 32 prodigy and worked with brands such as Call of Duty and Converse.
People are more willing to listen to an idea when you’ve shown that you’re passionate about it and that comes across in all forms, including the presentation.
You might always have a seat at the table, but that doesn’t mean you should have a voice there too
Not every topic or campaign will touch you; some will feel wildly out of your ballpark and you will need to sit back and listen to others. Find your seat at the table when appropriate but learn to step back for others when needed. Know that your own experiences don’t encompass the entirety of society.
Have humility. It goes a long way.
Listen before you speak. Chances are, you’ll be a lot better off.
Have passion outside
A creative from Wieden + Kennedy noted it was important to find passion, not just work. Find what inspires you, whether it’s in the industry or outside. Odds are, you’ll use that inspiration for more than what you think.
Whether it’s Pinterest boards, magazine ads or playlists, bookmark it away on your computer to revisit for inspiration.
Your passion doesn’t need to be something technical, it could be trying new restaurants, watching Youtube video essays, or simply crocheting.
Take a break, walk away
Creativity is not a certainty and the best ideas won’t come continuously, even after staring at a cursor blink for hours. The struggle to overcome that creative block is so frustrating that we aim to figure out solutions through keynote speaker topics or bestselling novels. But the best way to truly break free is to do just that: break free.
Step away from the computer or office and go for a walk, clear your mind.
If you don't have the luxury to take a walk, switch projects, topics, ideas.
Note that sometimes the best insights come from other places not tethered to that current thought.
Walk away, set it aside, and know it will come.
The worst they can say is no
No is one of the worst words you’ll ever hear, especially when you want nothing more than for others to say yes. You’ll never know until you try, is a powerful and true statement that encompasses the ability to muster up the courage to try. There’s a tendency to overthink responses and situations, and usually the reality is much less dramatic. But know that the worst that can happen is they’ll just say no and move on.
“No” doesn’t invalidate your talent or skills, it simply means that the timing isn't right.
“No” doesn’t mean they don’t like you or put it against you personally. It’s usually more about the ability of their part than a personal reason.
Try something else if you can’t get in right away
As the fight for valued jobs in a tight market continues, it can be difficult to know that you might not get your top choice of career/internship/position/etc. Try something else if you can’t get in right away. Even if they aren’t directly related to your future career, any experience is a good experience and you’ll be able to take away a lot more from a job that you’re passionate about.
If you can't get in, don’t fret. Take the time to explore your own passions.
Every moment of experience teaches you something, even if the experience wasn’t good.
Well-experienced people are more highly regarded and a lot better to turn to in moments of chaos.
Have humility and empathy
People are more willing to listen to someone who understands; we can all relate to that. It’s necessary to have empathy and humility when approaching a problem or topic because we don’t know someone else’s life until we have walked in their shoes. Approach the topic from the side of the consumer, listen and learn; use their experience to understand how to reach them in a way that is honest and authentic to them.
Consumers are more receptive to messaging and topics that personally speak to them.
Take the time to listen to someone else before you end up speaking to them publicly.
“Yes, and…”
It’s easy to become protective or competitive over ideas, especially when working in a group and you want your idea to be the best. The best ideas don’t come from individuality but usually from building off of one idea. “Yes, and…” is to simply continue the conversion through building off of their idea to further the creativity and inspiration.
It’s not a fight to make sure your idea wins.
Good ideas are the ones that can be continually built on.
Final Thoughts…
It can be scary to enter a job market or classroom without any experience. Receiving advice from others is a great way to learn more and how to better prepare yourself for any roles. Lean on those around you for advice, whether it’s parents or teachers or industry professionals. Even classmates who have experienced something different from you can provide you with a new perspective. Remember, if you’re feeling uncertain or lost, look to those around you for guidance as their experiences can provide you with clarity on how to move forward.
