Written by Parker Ladle
Brianna Winders graduated last Spring from FSU’s School of Communication (SCOM) with a B.S. in Advertising and now works as an Associate Project Manager at DDB Health in New York City. In this role, Brianna facilitates collaboration and ensures that projects are completed on time and within scope for clients.
Brianna talked about her experience at SCOM, her role as an associate project manager, and advice she has for students who hope to work in advertising in the future.
Q: How did your classes and experience within FSU’s School of Communication help prepare you for your current job?
A: SCOM aided me in developing a strong foundation for my post-grad career by motivating me to truly learn both inside and outside of the classroom. There are so many opportunities you can take advantage of in this program. Take on internships, join clubs, and don’t be afraid to ask your professors/peers for help. Get to know the people in your classes, as you will go through the program together and can support each other along the way. I learned so much from those around me and was able to establish great friendships.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: My favorite part of my job is getting to see a project evolve from launch to landing. Project Managers play an integral role on their team; one that is only growing in importance in the field of advertising. I was unfamiliar with this role in advertising prior to now, but I would highly recommend looking into it. Working in pharmaceutical advertising was also never on my radar, but it is extremely rewarding to see how the work our agency produces has positive impacts on the quality of life of real-world patients.
Q: What is your advice for current SCOM students who are hoping to work in communications in the future?
A: My biggest piece of advice for current students is to NETWORK! I know you’ve heard this a million and one times, but it truly makes the difference. Oftentimes, your network can take you farther than your experience. You do not need to personally know someone in order to leverage their experience. Reaching out to FSU alumni, recruiters, or even people who have roles you are interested in can open a lot of doors for you. You’d be surprised how willing people are to connect and lend a helping hand. I would also recommend taking advantage of the resources you have at hand through FSU. Your professors, advisors, clubs (shoutout Ad Club), and the Career Center can help set you up for success.