Alumni Spotlight: Bree Riley

Bree Riley, a summer 2012 graduate who majored in advertising and theatre, is originally from Woodstock, Georgia. 

Bree Riley

Where are you planning on working, and how did you find out about the position? I just started work at Digitas in their HQ in Boston. I am a Marketing Associate on the Aflac account. Last summer I interned at Fallon Worldwide in Minneapolis. While I was there, I became friends with a guy who now works at Digitas. He reached out to me to let me know about the open position on his team. I submitted my resume, interviewed, accepted an offer, moved and started work all in less than three weeks.

What are you most looking forward to at your new position? I am excited to work with a client that is headquartered in Georgia.

What kinds of activities/programs did you participate in while a student at UGA/Grady? I was the Co-Facilitator of the Women's Studies Student Organization and event planner for Take Back the Night. I was also the Professional Programming Chair in the Ad Club. I was a Grady Ambassador. I also tap-danced with the UGA Tap Dawgs.

Now that you're a recent alumna, what part of your Grady experience (classes, professors, etc.) has been helpful to you?  Hands down, the most important part of my experience at Grady was getting involved with the Ad Club.  Learning from real-world professionals is invaluable. Ad Club also allows you to get to know your Grady professors better.
What is your favorite Grady memory?  I really enjoyed having the opportunity to visit both New York and Chicago. While I ended up in Boston, I gained valuable connections and learned so much from the people we met. Biggest take home message: alumni want to help you!

What advice do you have for current or potential AdPR students? One thing that I heard over and over again through undergrad is "it's who you know" when it comes to breaking into the ad industry. This was really disheartening to many students. There is this idea that unless you have a CEO for an uncle, you cannot break through the entry-level clutter. It just isn't true. I think it is more about who you meet, rather than who you know. Internships and organizations help you meet the right people who will help you get to where you want to be.

What are your career goals?  I really like the role that I am in now. It is primarily client services, but it is very closely tied to strategy. I would like to take on similar roles in the future.