I graduated a semester early from Syracuse in December 2018. I was eager to jumpstart my career … but then of course that thing called the recession happened. After several interviews, handshakes, and thank-you notes I found myself working in media, buying TV space for MillerCoors. I loved my job and the people I worked with. Not much could be better for a 22-year-old than buying TV space for a beer brand across sport properties like ESPN and CBS Sports!
Though I loved my first job, I knew I wanted to be making ads not just buying media space for them. After a few strategic career moves, one that included a brief stint in Los Angeles, I found myself on Madison Avenue working at Roberts + Langer making ads for Neutrogena.
Since that first creative advertising job, I have worked on accounts and in categories that ranged from beauty to retail to telecommunications to financial services. I’ve managed accounts that were $4 million and others that were $20 million. I’ve worked with several Fortune 500 companies, helped produce two Super Bowl commercials, created an App, and filmed with one of the shark extras from “Jaws,” as well as with Kevin Durant and JJ Watt.
It is because of these experiences I was able to pivot from Account Management to Business Development. I work closely with our chief marketing officer to help brands meet their business objectives through creative advertising. Some call it marketing, some call it advertising, I call it fun! Every day is truly different and exciting.
My advice to students: enjoy the ride and take control of your own narrative. You have the power to be and do whatever you want. Resources are all around you. Be confident. Be bold. And laugh when it doesn’t go exactly to plan, because it all works out. And one day, you’ll be writing a feature like this thinking, “Wow, where did the time go!”