AdPR Students Tour Some of Chicago's Top Agencies

Advertising and Public Relations students from Grady College, along with faculty member Kim Landrum and Studies Abroad Coordinator Kelly Meyer, spent four days in Chicago touring the city and meeting with industry professionals. The group arrived in Chicago on Sunday, October 11th, and spent the afternoon taking in the sights and sounds of the windy city.  Time was spent meeting with recruiters, account managers, strategists, designers, and social media specialists at 88 Brand Partners, FCB, Golin, Leo Burnett, mcgarrybowen, and Weber Shandwick. Students left with a better understanding of agency life, learned about internship and job opportunities in Chicago, and saw evidence of how their skills will be put to use in the future.

Ad Club takes on the Windy City

Recently, 16 members of UGA's Ad Club headed north to Chicago. From October 15th to October 19th, the students and their advertising faculty escort, Senior Lecturer Dr. Jennifer Griffith, participated in the Chicago advertising agency tour. This year the group was pleased to have Advertising and Public Relations Department Head Dr. Tom Reichert, AdPR's Dr. Karen King, and assistant dean for enterprise and development, Dr. Parker Middleton, join them on their adventure.

The group made stops at Starcom, Digital Kitchen, Tapestry, Leo Burnett, and McGarry Bowen. They also visited Advertising Age's Chicago office, Edelman Public Relations, and brand activation shops, Craftsman Experience and Kenmore Live Studio.

"Hopefully (fingers-crossed) I will be hired in Chicago and get to give back to UGA Ad Club by hosting them next time they tour the Windy City."

Ad Club first visited Chicago in 2007. The Chicago advertising agency tour alternates with the New York trip, so Ad club will journey back to the Big Apple in 2012. For the time being, though, it seems that the trip made a big impression on the advertising students. "I had strongly considered moving back to my home state of Texas upon graduating, but now I've decided I should take advantage of my youth and take a chance on another city (with Chicago being at the top of the list)," said senior Nicole Nazarenus. "Hopefully (fingers-crossed) I will be hired in Chicago and get to give back to UGA Ad Club by hosting them next time they tour the Windy City."