6.24.2013

AdPR students visit NYC advertising agencies to meet and learn from professionals

AdPR students visiting Arnold Worldwide
What better way to learn about New York agencies than to visit them. This May, AdPR students again accompanied Dr. Kirsten Strausbaugh to the Big Apple as part of her maymester seminar course. The AdPR 5990 class, which took place from May 14 to June 5, gave students the opportunity to learn about the communications industry, develop case studies, and do a one-week tour of New York advertising agencies to meet and learn from professionals.

“It was truly a BANNER year for us, with a total of 19 advertising agencies, public relations firms and internal communications departments visited! An unbelievable pace, but an invaluable takeaway for all of us!” said Dr. Kirsten Strausbaugh-Hutchinson, a senior lecturer in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations.

Some of the agencies that the class visited included Social@Ogilvy, DiMassimo Goldstein (DIGO), A&E Networks, Strawberry Frog,  360i, Arnold Worldwide, BBDO, Porter Novelli, and Yelp! among others. In addition, students participated in UGA-related events, including a reception with the Peabody Award winners and a networking mixer with New York-based UGA/Grady alumni.

“I loved the trip!! I learned so much about the industry that I could not have learned just by being in the classroom. I was able to see what I have learned in my classes being applied in a real corporate setting,” said Nicole Tate, a rising junior and public relations major. “Because we went to so many different types of agencies I now have an idea of what kind of agency I could see myself working in in my future. I also am thankful for all the connections I have made.”

"It was incredible to experience the world of advertising in New York,  especially due to the pace of the city and the immense amount of competition among the agencies," said Madison Skeens, a junior and advertising major. "I  became increasingly more impressed with the smaller agencies, like Strawberry Frog and Concept Farm. The way in which they collaborated was considerably more intimate;  giving each person the opportunity to contribute to an idea or piece of work, despite their strength or  position."


Once they returned to classroom, students selected their favorite agency, examined the agency's current client roster, identified a potential category or piece of new business that the agency could/should pursue, and then and applied its approach in creating a full blown new business pitch, including creative concept, and multi-touchpoint outlets.

This is the second year students traveled to New York as part of a course. "It represents our commitment to the students and the profession to be there every year," said Tom Reichert, AdPR Department Head. "We've had many students find their way to New York over the years but this trip helps current students see that they can make a go of it in the city. If you want a career in brand communication, New York should be on your list."

AdPR students visiting Erwin Penland advertising agency 

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