AdPR Connection Event "Becoming A VIP" Is A Success

Students learned what it means to become a V.I.P. at this year’s fifth annual ADPR Connection on Tuesday, Oct. 20 which was held in the University of Georgia’s Tate Grand Hall. This years event highlighted the importance of being versatile, inspired and prepared in today’s professional world. The event included six VIP inspired workshops, a coffee hour, senior luncheon and a career fair. 

Sponsors for this event include Nebo at the platinum level; BBDO, Coca Cola, Cookerly Public Relations, The Creative Circus, Dodge Communications, Moxie, MSL Group and Porter Novelli at the gold level; and Erwin Penland and Jackson Electric Membership Corporation at the silver level.  Additional photos for this event can be found here.

*The event was sponsored by UGA PRSSA and Ad Club. It is co-directed by Erin Geoffroy and Diana Soloaga.

Advertising student accepts summer internship at BBDO Atlanta

Advertising major Sarah Arrington

Congratulations to current advertising student and past Summer at the Circus Program participant Sarah Arrington, who has accepted an offer in BBDO’s summer internship program in Atlanta.

A junior from Johns Creek, Ga., Arrington is also pursuing a sociology minor and a New Media Certificate. Her decision to apply to BBDO depended mainly on its highly regarded reputation. With their mantra, “The work, the work, work,” they create some of the most successful and creative advertising campaigns around the world.

“They work hard and have a great agency culture. Interning with BBDO is an amazing opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and learn about the industry through a large scale agency,” Arrington comments.

This summer, she will be working as an Account Management intern on either the AT&T, the Bayer or Georgia Lottery account. Towards the end of the internship, interns also have the opportunity to work directly with a local client to create a strategic and unique advertising campaign specific to that client and later present it to agency executives.

Arrington says she is most excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an advertising agency:

“As much as I have enjoyed my advertising classes, I am thrilled to learn more about advertising and the role of an account manager in a real world setting. Last summer, I participated in the Grady-sponsored Summer at the Circus program learning about the creative side of advertising, so my internship will be a great opportunity to learn more about the account side of the industry.”

After graduation in December, Arrington hopes to participate in more internships at various advertising agencies. Her interest lies in the creative side of advertising, so she hopes to eventually attend the Creative Circus to build a portfolio and pursue a career as an Art Director.

AdPR Connection 2013 Recap

AdPR Connection 2013, a networking event sponsored by BBDO and Porter Novelli, took place this year on Nov. 12 in Tate Grand Hall at the University of Georgia.

AdPR Department Head Tom Reichert speaking at AdPR Connection luncheon

The event, free for all participants, gives students the opportunity to network with 120 professionals from over 64 companies in advertising and public relations.

In its third year, AdPR Connection was co-chaired by advertising major Cara Felleman and public relations major Meghan Kanter.

"I knew that directing ADPR Connection would require a lot of time and work, but I had no idea how rewarding it would be. Seeing all of our hard work unfold was incredible, and Cara and I were both able to relax and enjoy the day ourselves.," said Kanter. 

"I am so grateful to be given this opportunity, as it was a great learning experience. Planning such a large scale-networking event took months of planning which consisted of weekly meetings with my co-chair and advisor as well as with my committees, hundreds of emails and constant communication with the students, faculty and professionals. I am extremely proud of the way the event turned out," added Felleman.

AdPR Connection began with a luncheon for professionals, AdClub and PRSSA seniors, faculty and staff. A panel of professionals from BBDO and Porter Novelli was assembled to discuss the importance of “integration” in today’s advertising and public relations fields.  

Following the luncheon, students attended workshops intended to expand knowledge and skills pertaining to the industry. The six professional development workshops included:

• “I Want to Be the Boss”- featuring high-level management professionals speaking about how they worked their way up to their positions.
• “Blurring the Lines”- a discussion on how the communications, public relations and advertising industries are merging together.
• “First Year on the Job”- advice from young professionals who graduated in the past two years on what the “real world “ is like.
• “Branding Yourself”- featuring professionals who explained how students can best present themselves to future employers.
• “Getting Your Foot in the Door”- advice from professionals who work with hiring and gave students advice on how to best prepare for interviews and job applications.
• “Making an Impact- An Interactive Guide to Presentation Skills”
  

  
  

After the workshops, students attended the Career Fair, where they were able to hone with networking skills and find out more information about the companies at AdPR Connection.

Representatives from Porter Novelli at the Career Fair 

To conclude the day, a mixer was held at Porterhouse Grill for students and professionals.

For more information on AdPR Connection, visit here.

2013 Omnicom/Grady Fellows Update

Earlier this year, three public relations graduates from UGA were chosen for the Omnicom/Grady Future Leaders Fellowship program. The Fellowship provides an integrated marketing communications experience for AdPR graduating seniors and recent alumni.

Graduates Allison Moder, Cari Buchwald and Jennifer Linke began their programs in early June at various Atlanta Omnicom Group agencies including BBDO-Atlanta, Porter Novelli, Ketchum and Fleishman-Hillard. In addition to agency work in advertising and public relations, the fellows are mentored by a representative from a third marketing services firm such as Bernard Hodes Group, OMD, GO! Productions, Nancy Bailey & Associates and Changing Our World, Inc. Fellows spend three months at BBDO and three months at one of the leading public relations agencies. The program is designed to foster cross-disciplinary leaders who understand the full spectrum of marketing communication.

(L-R) Jennifer Linke, Allison Moder and Cari Buchwald

Here’s what they had to say about their experience so far:

Cari Buchwald

Ketchum and BBDO

“The Omnicom/Grady Fellowship is one of the most unique experiences I have ever been offered. Not only am I able to work at two prominent agencies in Atlanta, but I am also able to gain experience in both public relations and advertising. Through the fellowship, I have learned how public relations and advertising work hand-in-hand and how important it is to understand both the value and influence they hold over one another. The projects I have completed, seminars I have attended and people I have met at Ketchum and BBDO have all allowed me to grown as a professional. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work at Ketchum and BBDO and truly believe that this experience will influence the rest of my career. “

Allison Moder

Porter Novelli and BBDO

“The Omnicom Fellowship has allowed me to gain a bird’s-eye view of various industries before swooping down into the working world.  It enables its participants to gain real-world experience, while still allowing the freedom to explore all the different avenues within that working environment.  I have been able to meet and learn from people of all backgrounds and disciplines, but most importantly within each organization and industry I worked, I was encouraged to learn about it as a whole.  Too often, internship experiences pigeon-hole students and limit their opportunity for expanding their horizons.  The Omnicom Fellowship breaks down those barriers by providing a holistic view of both advertising and public relations through projects that offer both depth and breadth.”

Jennifer Linke

BBDO and Porter Novelli

“Being an Omnicom/Grady fellow has given me a very rare and valuable opportunity. Not many get to work at both advertising and public relations agencies, nonetheless from top agencies like BBDO and Porter Novelli. The fellowship has been an amazing experience that brought the teachings of Grady to a real world application. Grady constantly taught us that advertising, public relations and communication are so closely knit together and the fellowship has given me the chance to see that first-hand. I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to represent Grady as a fellow!”

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations is very proud of the fellows and wishes them luck on the rest of the fellowship!

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 

AdPR Connection to Host 50 Companies for Workshops and Career Fair

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations at UGA will host more than 50 companies and corporate partners at its annual AdPR Connection, which will include development workshops featuring talks from industry professionals, and a career fair for students. This year's AdPR Connection,which is sponsored by Omnicom agencies BBDO and Porter Novelli, will be Tuesday, October 23 in Tate Grand Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to all attendees.

"We are really excited about the event this year. We are hoping to make it even bigger and better than last year, with more students and more professionals attending," said Ali Campbell, a senior studying public relations and a co-chair for the AdPR Connection publicity committee.

The four professional development workshops at this year's event include: 

• 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.: #DigitalRevolution - the Impact of Social Media on the Industry
• 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.: The Key to a Lasting Impression - What Employers Look for in New Hires
• 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.: Off the Beaten Path – Oh the Places your Degree can Go 
• 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.: Reality Check – Life Post Grady

In addition, resume and portfolio critiques will be offered from 1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Companies scheduled to attend the career fair include Porter Novelli, The Coca-Cola Company, Fleishman-Hillard, Ogilvy, JWT and many more.

A full schedule and list of companies attending can be found at the AdPR Connection 2012 tumblr page. In addition, updates can also be found on the AdPR Connection 2012 Facebook page.

BBDO (Atl) CEO gives advice to UGA students attending Cannes Lions

Students from the University of Georgia studying abroad at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity were treated to a guest seminar featuring Chris Hall, President/CEO of BBDO Atlanta. Hall identified three important insights to take away from the festival:

• Creative communication is far more effective than unimaginative communication. For example, award-winning creative campaigns are 11 times more effective than campaigns not winning awards.
• We are in the golden age of creativity. Technology is making communication possible that was previously unimaginable. Hall said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
• Good creative work is a team effort. Hall pointed out that creative work is a team sport involving many hard-working individuals. He also stated that integration is essential for any good agency, describing the process as “orchestrating the idea over the creative landscape.”

Another point made by Hall is that winning creative awards attracts clients. Afterward, students asked follow-up questions regarding the advertising culture in Atlanta, client scrutiny, and ethical considerations in the age of social media. BBDO-Atlanta is a leading agency based in Atlanta and part of Omnicom.

--Posted by Tommy McConnell (UGA student)