As a way for students to gain insight into the world of advertising and establish connections with industry professionals, Florida State University’s Advertising Club coordinates trips every semester, providing students of all majors the opportunity to visit agencies in different cities. In April, the Ad Club traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, visiting highly-accredited agencies, including Fitzgerald & Co., 22Squared, BBDO Atlanta, and Moxie.

Commencing the agency visits with Fitzgerald & Co., or Fitzco, an agency native to Atlanta, the Ad Club met with a diverse group of professionals ranging from Art Director and Account Manager to Project Manager and Senior Producer (see a full list of people the club met with at the conclusion of this article). In addition to highlighting the agency’s award-winning work on clients such as Coca Cola and Checkers/Rally’s, the panel gave an inside look into daily life at a full-service agency and offered advice on how to stand out to prospective employers.

“I wish I would’ve taken advantage of agency tours and more networking when I was in school. The industry is always changing, and the perspective you get from folks in it every day is a great complement to what you’re learning in class. Since we’re full-service at Fitzco, we like being able to shed some light on the wide array of roles that are out there as well.”

– Claire Russell, Vice President of Connections Strategy, Media at Fitzgerald & Co

 

Next on the agenda was 22Squared, where the Ad Club received a tour of the agency and engaged in a Q&A session with personnel from the media and influencer marketing departments. The panel discussed their duties and how their career paths led them to 22Squared. This fully-integrated independent advertising agency develops award-winning campaigns for clients such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Publix, and Home Depot.

“Making connections with industry professionals and hearing them speak about their journeys and how that has shaped their career to this day was definitely the best and most interesting part.”

 – Joseph Ng, Ad Club member

On the second day of the trip, the Ad Club first visited BBDO Atlanta, who bases their creative excellence on business and brand strategies, further supported by data and insight. To showcase their work, the panel walked the Ad Club through a campaign for the Georgia Lottery, detailing how the agency utilized its research, strategy, and creative abilities to develop a unique campaign to meet the client’s goals. After touring the agency and getting a glimpse of the workspaces in different departments, BBDO graciously offered Ad Club members a lunch to enjoy while overlooking Atlanta’s skyline.

“My favorite part of the Ad Club trip to Atlanta this semester was the excitement in the conversations between my fellow students after every agency visit. Our executive board put in numerous hours working towards making this trip an enjoyable experience for our peers, and it was nice to hear them speak enthusiastically about the agencies we lined up.”

 – Samantha Nuñez, Vice President of FSU’s Ad Club

Our last agency visit was to Moxie, a full-service marketing agency that pioneers in channel innovation when working on campaigns for clients such Verizon and Delta. Along with a presentation and Q&A session with a variety of personnel, Ad Club members received a tour of the three buildings on Moxie’s “campus,” one of which included the FutureX Lab, where Moxie develops innovative ways to blend marketing and modern technology.

“The Atlanta agencies were so personable, so it seemed easier to talk to the professionals in person and then again on LinkedIn. I felt motivated to make a connection at each agency, so I could have someone to talk to about not only internships and shadowing opportunities, but also advice on different departments.”

 – Jazmine Francis-Nobrega, Ad Club member

 

Expressing great gratitude for the opportunities provided by FSU’s Ad Club, many members value being able to meet with and learn from highly-skilled professionals behind some of the most successful campaigns in the industry.

“At this point in our lives, every professional connection we make is important. Developing ourselves to prepare for the professional workforce is so important due to the competitive nature of the communications field, and the Ad Club trips are definitely one of the best ways to do that.”

– Miguel Faria, Treasurer of FSU’s Ad Club

 

Once again, thank you to everyone at Fitzgerald & Co., 22Squared, BBDO Atlanta, and Moxie who took the time to meet with FSU’s Ad Club and provide insight into the world of advertising.

Fitzgerald & Co.

Chase Abraham (Account Manager), Hope Barker (Account Manager), Chandler Melton (Account Manager), Dejana Peric (Assistant Account Manager), Erin Fillingim (Art Director), Andrew Wernette (Copywriter), Mis Lachowski (Senior Strategist), Danny Pinedo (Associate Connections Strategist, Media), Ali Knoll (Associate Connections Strategist, Media), Claire Russell (VP, Connections Strategy, Media), Troy Harris (Project Manager), Erika Tribble (Senior Producer & FSU Alum)

22Squared

Jocelyn Jack (Senior Media Buyer), Mackenzie Lane (Senior Influencer Marketing Associate), Jessica Bateman, Hannah Kimsey (FSU Alum)

BBDO Atlanta

Ami Weiner (Senior VP Account Director), Kayla Alderson (Account Executive), Jackie Hernandez (New Business), Donovan Triplett (Account Planner), Fallon Parker (Junior Art Director)

Moxie

Karli Figueroa (Senior Brand Manager), Nick Phillips (Associate Media Director & FSU Alum), Robin Greenbaum (Brand Planner), Paula Simonetti (Associate Project Manager), Esther Lee (Senior Project Manager, Account Management), Megan Tickle (Associate Director of Creative Technology)