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Each year, the fine folks at the Advertising Federation of Minnesota introduce students to the advertising industry with their annual Student Advertising Summit. At the Summit, students are bombarded (in a good way) with networking opportunities, portfolio reviews and plenty of sage-like advice from those in the know.
Close to 300 students in attendance, each getting much needed guidance from industry professionals. And in addition to the students, 8 Periscopians showed up to lend their talents.
Designer Chelsea Brink and Senior Digital Media Specialist Sarah Zielie were there to lead roundtable discussions and network with students. Art Director Benson Hardy and Copywriter Andy Zetzman looked at many a student portfolio. VP/Management Supervisor Lisa McEllistrom put together a killer breakout presentation titled, “The Changing Roles of Marketers: The Super AE.”
And, if that weren’t enough, the sage-like advice came from noted sages, VP/Management Supervisor Bob Ballard and VP/Executive Creative Director Charlie Callahan, both of whom delivered an inspiring and truthful look into life in advertising.
“The good news is that you get to wear jeans,” said Callahan. “But on the flip side, you need to wear a helmet. Advertising is a contact sport; it’s not for the weak or the faint-hearted. You don’t get to hide in a cube and hang out – you need to deliver the goods. It’s a fun business, but it’s absolutely a tough business.”
Ballard echoed the notion that, while advertising isn’t easy, it’s really the best job in the world: “[People that work in advertising] are there for one reason and that’s because they love their jobs. I love my job. I look forward to coming into work every day. It is a great industry. I love the challenge, I love the excitement, I love the creative atmosphere, I love the pace – you never know what the next hour will bring.”
None of this (the Summit … not advertising) would have happened without the insanely hard work of Periscope’s own Christine Eide.
“Helping to plan and execute the Student Ad Summit was a whirlwind; an absolute blast,” said Christine. “It was stressful, time-consuming and mentally draining, but it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had and I learned so much from so many people. I think students got a lot out of it. I’m thankful it went so well and so many Periscopians could lend their talents to an event like this.”
So are we, Christine. So are we.
