The college chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), or as it is known on campus, Ad Club, took 15 students to New York City February 12-16.  While in the city, students participated in two agency visits and the AAF Mosaic National Career Fair.  Dr. Amy Stokes, marketing assistant professor and Ad Club advisor, accompanied the group.

“This trip was an important experience for the students because not only did it give them direct and personal access to recruiters from the top agencies in the nation, more importantly, it gave them confidence that they can compete on a much bigger stage. After traveling to New York, having in-depth conversations with the employers and touring the agencies, they walked away knowing that the programs here at Missouri State have prepared them to compete with any student, from any university, for jobs in the best agencies,” states Dr. Stokes.

The AAF Mosaic Career Fair was the instigator for the trip and provided students with the opportunity to not only meet with prospective employers but also attend panel discussions with industry professionals, one-on-one resume critique sessions and career development workshops.  The fair proved very valuable as many of the Ad Club students came home with interviews arranged for summer internships and potential permanent job placement after spring 2014 graduation.

“Ad club’s trip to New York City was truly an unforgettable experience; it not only helped me grow as an individual but also as a professional. It allowed the Ad Club members to bond in a new way and exposed us to the Marketing Industry on a much larger scale than I think we could have imagined, “states Brandi Frye, Junior.

Following the Career Fair, students spent an entire day learning about the advertising industry from industry insiders.  First-up was a visit to George Batten’s Batten Company (BBDO) where students took a tour and spent an hour with President and Chief Executive Officer, New York, John Osborn.  The New York office of BBDO is the global headquarters for the ad agency that employs approximately 15,000 employees in 289 offices in 80 countries.   After BBDO students spent time with Nicole Lierheimer with E squared hospitality and discussed working in-house advertising.  “It is crucial for our members to see all of the careers in advertising. Most student’s think of advertising as the ‘Mad Man’ job working in an agency, but there are many other options out there. Exposing our members to the whole spectrum of options in advertising is crucial to their future success in this industry,” states Mikel Howard, Senior and Ad Club President.

While in the city students also had some time to do a little sight-seeing which included time spent at the Museum of Modern Art.  “Overall, it was amazing to see our members exposed to a new culture and experiences within our own country.  Most of the students who attended this trip had never been to New York City, including myself, and we found it to be a phenomenal trip professionally and personally,” says Howard.

The Ad Club is currently planning to attend the 2015 Mosaic Career Fair.  For more information on Ad Club, please visit the Marketing Department website.