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Board Member Spotlight: Jillian Minderler

Dan Nesselbush

She had a recurring role as “Jillian the Graphic Designer” in the series Casual Fridays and still found the time to head up our programming committee. Get to know Jillian Minderler in this Board Member Spotlight.

Let’s hear about your day job.

Where do you work, and what does your role entail?

I have been at Quinlan Company for over three years now as a graphic designer. Being at a small company, I’m lucky to be able to work on almost every project, from brainstorm to execution and everything in between — whether it be a simple banner ad or a full blown campaign. I’m part of an awesome team.

What drove you to get into the advertising/marketing biz?

It was senior year in high school. I took an advertising and design class and fell in love. The thought of being an architect went out the door and my mind was set on graphic design. It was love at first sight.

What do you like best about what you do?

I love that I go to work loving my job. Every day I get to be creative. One minute I am sketching, the next I am staging props for a photo shoot, and by the end of the day I’m at my computer bringing things to life. It’s hard to pick out a “best.”

What trends or insights are you finding in your field/market?

That’a a tough question because it’s constantly changing! It’s really important to keep up on what is trending, changing or evolving in the industry.

What are three things you use at work every day?

That’s easy. Coffee, my Moleskine and my Mac. If there was a fourth it would be coffee.

What was your first job?

My first “real” job was managing a restaurant on the Upper West Side in Manhattan when I was in college. My first “career” job was at Paper + Cup Studio in Brooklyn, NY, as a graphic designer. It is a stationary and paper company. I was designing wedding invitations, birthday invites and baby announcements one day and then binding books and foil stamping them the next. It was such a fun job!

When you’re not working, how do you spend your free time (hobbies, side projects, etc.)?

My husband, pup and I love to hike. We are planning to start the 46ers next summer.

What’s your favorite app or social media outlet? Why?

I have to say Instagram. I love photography and follow some awesome people and companies from all over the world. It’s not just a social platform but a creative outlet for people.

What’s the last thing you read?

I’m currently reading “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.” It’s about finding joy in your atmosphere and experiences rather than “things.” Aside from being a great read, the book has the cutest illustrations on every page!

What’s your favorite hidden gem in WNY?

Lockport trails. It’s our little sanctuary. My husband and I love going with our dog. It’s never very busy and you hardly ever run into anyone because of all the different paths. It doesn’t feel like something that would be in Lockport.

Duff’s or Anchor Bar?

Duff’s? I don’t eat chicken wings, so I’m not sure if I’m the right person to ask.

 

Now, let’s talk a little about AAF Buffalo.

Why did you join AAF Buffalo?

After moving back to Buffalo from NYC I felt out of the loop. I didn’t know anyone other than my coworkers in the industry and had no connections. I joined as a member when my creative director introduced the organization to me, went to as many events as I could and then was asked to join the board of directors. It was the best decision I made.

What role(s) do you play on the AAF Buffalo board?

I’m the programming committee chairman, which means I organize committee meetings and make sure that we are on task for planning events and having everything organized (with lots of help from everyone else!). I am also one of the graphic designers of the group to contribute artwork for social media and our website. It’s like a breath of fresh air, designing outside of client projects.

What has been your proudest moment in your role on the board?

Being a part of the rebrand from Advertising Club of Buffalo to AAF Buffalo. This was such a big change for the club and a step in a positive direction. With the name change, our local chapter now has an immediate connection to the national organization. Before, members may not have understood they were a part of something so much bigger.

What’s your favorite AAF Buffalo event?

Preview Night. I love looking at all of the work that agencies in the area have worked on throughout the year. It’s really inspiring and the student work that is displayed gets more impressive every year.

What do you enjoy most about AAF Buffalo?

The people. It’s so important to connect with others in your industry and not just those that you see at your workplace every day. I have met some awesome humans through AAF and have built connections that I would not have if it wasn’t for the organization.

Why would you encourage others to join AAF Buffalo?

It’s such a great opportunity for both professionals and students. There is a variety of different events where you can learn, mingle, become inspired and grow with the advertising community in Buffalo. There are only positive advances you get out of it, so why wouldn’t you join!

 

Keep up with Jillian on Twitter at @jmminderler or on Instagram @jmminderler.

Advice Board Stuff

Board Member Spotlight: Marcia Rich

Dan Nesselbush

You may know her as Scarlett Marcia from Ad Smack Battle Rumble Mania. We know her as the hard working board member who carried the weight of the American Advertising Awards on her shoulders all with a baby in her belly. Get to know Marcia Rich in this Board Member Spotlight.

Let’s hear about your day job.

Where do you work, and what does your role entail?

I work at Crowley Webb as a UX designer. I design and develop our digital assets including websites, emails, and banner ads.

What drove you to get into the advertising/marketing biz?

In high school I attended BOCES for graphic design and came to love it. I went to RIT and got my BFA in Graphic Design and started learning programming. Post college I pursued front-end web development and digital design and have made it my career. Having a website is such a critical part of any business. I love helping business owners to improve their web presence and make a site that really showcases the services they offer.

What do you find challenging in our industry?

Everything is constantly changing, which is a challenge, but also keeps it interesting. There are always new technologies which require new standards and programming techniques.

Tell us about organizations/charities you’re passionate about.

I really admire Girl Develop It, which is an organization helping women learn code. I like that they’re helping to bridge the gap of women in technology.

When you’re not working, how do you spend your free time (hobbies, side projects, etc.)?

My latest full-time hobby is as a new mommy to my son Daniel.

What’s one thing not many people know about you?

I’ll give you three – I speak Italian, I used to have a 3-legged cat, and I’ve been hit by a train (literally).

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Phish food ice cream.

What’s your favorite app or social media outlet?

Pinterest! I use it for everything from design inspiration, new recipe ideas, decorating and DIY projects, and now parenting stuff.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

I love Dick and Jenny’s on Grand Island, my hometown. Their breakfasts are amazing.

What’s your favorite hidden gem in WNY?

I’m not sure if this is a hidden gem, but I recently had Donut Kraze and they’re even better than Paula’s.

Now, let’s talk a little about AAF Buffalo.

Why did you join AAF Buffalo?

I really wanted to help spread the word to students and young professionals about all our great networking opportunities. Plus, I still learn from all our events and speakers so it’s great to be part of the selection process for that.

What role(s) do you play on the AAF Buffalo board?

My first year on the board I joined the communications and programming committees. My second year I co-chaired the American Advertising Awards committee.

What has been your proudest moment in your role on the board?

Definitely chairing the awards show. It was amazing seeing everyone working together and pulling it off to honor all the winners in such a fun way.

What’s your favorite AAF Buffalo event?

The Big Tip Off – its super fun and for a great cause (student scholarships).

How has AAF Buffalo impacted you professionally?

I’ve gotten to meet other professionals from small businesses and other agencies all over WNY. My fellow board members are now lifelong friends and continue to impress me daily with how hard they work and how much everyone contributes.

What differentiates AAF Buffalo from other groups?

I think we do a great job involving a wide range of professions. We don’t just cater to designers – we have events and speakers that hold value for writers, AE’s and PM’s, photographers, illustrators, developers and more.

Why would you encourage others to join AAF Buffalo?

Everything mentioned above – fun, friendships, networking and professional advancement.

Keep up with Marcia on Twitter at @mrs_wrich3.

Announcements Blog Board Latest News Stuff

Club. Of. The. Year.

Dan Nesselbush

By Dan Nesselbush
Board members Tim Bouchard, Jaime Applegate, Dan Nesselbush, and Scott Bartels show off AAF Buffalo’s eight AAF Club Achievement Awards.

Yes, you read that right. Of the 200 American Advertising Federation chapters across the United States, your friendly neighborhood ad club known as AAF Buffalo left New Orleans with the title of 2016-17 Club of the Year! The honor also earned recognition for Scott Bartels as 2016-17 President of the Year during ADMERICA, the AAF’s annual national conference.

The accolades, earned through AAF’s Club Achievement Competition, resulted in an extra checked bag fee thanks to a stack of awards presented during the four day conference. We collected eight plaques in the competition which recognizes local advertising clubs for their initiatives in a variety of categories established to honor the significant contributions of the AAF network of professional advertising clubs and to encourage excellence in areas of club operations that contribute to the strength of the AAF’s member clubs.

AAF Buffalo is part of Division II (250-499 members) for the club achievement awards competition and became club of the year based on points earned for first and second place finishes in the following categories:

1st Place AAF Club Achievement Awards

  • Club Operations
  • Membership Development
  • Diversity & Multicultural Initiatives
  • Government Relations

2nd Place AAF Club Achievement Awards

  • Advertising Education
  • Communications
  • Programs
  • Public Service

Being honored as AAF Club of the Year was sweeter than a Sunday morning beignet at Café Du Monde, but the NOLA edition of ADMERICA offered so much more for our organization. It provided great opportunities for our executive board to hear from industry leaders and champions of diversity initiatives, meet with our fellow AAF chapters, attend a slew of workshops, and draw inspiration from the best of the best at the American Advertising Awards.

A huge thank you goes out to each and every member of our board of directors: Scott Bartels (HSBC Bank USA), Tim Bouchard (LUMINUS), Kyle Rogers (BlueCross BlueShield of WNY), Jaime Applegate (NOCO), Andrew Bevevino (Martin Davison Public Relations), April Brown (FARM), Teresa Carosa (Independent Health), Erin Collins (BlueCross BlueShield of WNY), Brita D’Agostino (Daemen College), Erin Haskell (Great Lakes Orthodontics), Brittany Klotzbach (Gelia), Jillian Minderler (Quinlan), Marcia Rich (Crowley Webb), Shannon Silva (dPost), Grace Gruarin (Telesco Creative Group), Alexa Godwin (Crowley Webb), club admin Tina Pastwik, and our student liaison Angela Marini. They balance their work and family obligations, yet still find a way to volunteer their time and energy throughout the year to make club initiatives happen.

It would be very remiss of us to not thank our members, corporate members, sponsors, and the employers of our board members for tremendous support throughout the year. Your participation allows our organization to thrive and create opportunities for all involved in the marketing communications field in Western New York and that backing is greatly appreciated.

All of those awards are the result of a very busy year, so we’re going to give everyone (except our board members) the month of July off. We’ll see you back at The Big Tip-Off on August 24 at Soho Burger Bar as we raise funds for our academic scholarship programs.

AdWeek Announcements Blog Latest News Students

2017 AAF Buffalo Future Marketer Scholarship

Erin Collins

 

Buffalo Prep Gala 2017 Photos by Dawn M Gibson Photography

AAF Buffalo is proud to award the first Future Marketer Scholarship to Anthony Liriano. A senior at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Liriano was recently recognized for this achievement at the annual Buffalo Prep Celebration event.

The Future Marketer Scholarship is awarded to a Buffalo Prep student planning to study marketing and advertising in college. Liriano will receive $500 per year for the next four years for a total scholarship of $2,000.

Buffalo Prep was founded in 1989 by education and community leaders to help promising, economically disadvantaged, underrepresented students prepare for, obtain entrance into, and excel at demanding college preparatory high schools.

AAF Buffalo President Scott Bartels with Future Marketer Scholarship Recipient Anthony Liriano

During last October’s annual Advertising Week, AAF Buffalo hosted a career day for Buffalo Prep students, including Liriano. Participants visited Crowley Webb, Luminus and dPost to learn about the careers and services each company offers relative to the advertising and marketing industry. The week also included Mayor Brown’s Ad Week proclamation ceremony at City Hall, where AAF Buffalo announced the new Future Marketer Scholarship program. Liriano spoke at the event about his experience with the career day and what Buffalo Prep means to him.

In the fall, Liriano will attend the University at Buffalo and major in marketing and advertising. He one day hopes to start his own advertising agency.

 

 

Take a look at how the Future Marketer Scholarship came to be.

Advice Blog Events Speaker Speaker Series

Nightmare Marketing: How to Create Great Content

Erin Collins

In a black sweater and black jeans, Jonathan Kranz wandered through the crowd of networking professionals unassumingly before his presentation at Big Ditch Brewing on Tuesday, May 9. Introducing himself to different groups, he immediately sparked connections – showcasing his effortless ability to adapt to the different personalities in the room, much like the multitude of clients he’s written for in his 21+ year career as a freelance copywriter.

As the sole proprietor of Kranz Communications, the writer illustrated a unique ability to adapt to his surroundings, audience, and clients at AAF Buffalo’s final 2017 Spotlight Speaker Series presentation. From engaging with the back row to conjuring the most mundane product ever marketed amongst the room, Kranz showed how to keep an audience engaged and interested in topics that aren’t exactly eye-catching.

Jonathan Kranz speaks at Big Ditch Brewing on Tuesday, May 9.

Focusing on the foundation of marketing and advertising – being convincing about things for which we have no conviction – Kranz broke content down into three categories: the boring, the complex, and the undifferentiated. For each he presented three practical solutions, the basis of which came down to asking questions such as who (“Who cares and why?”), what (“What unexpected value can I emphasize”), where (“Where can I make a meaningful distinction?”), and how (“How do I make this relatable?”)?

Showing samples of his work, Kranz enthusiastically read the Canterbury Tales-inspired article he wrote for an apartment complex and spoke to the use of a ‘plumber’s magnet’ – the tactic of using an uncommon program design for an equally uncommon talent. When asked about his writing practices when it comes to crafting interview scripts, he advised to drill down past the high-level questions/answers to find what really makes the product unique.

Among the other practice tips Kranz advised were using case studies to make a product real and tangible, taking a contrarian position to catch the reader’s attention (e.g., “Top 10 Reasons NOT to Hire Jack”), and playing up the players to show how the company wins the game.

After a quick game of “Who Markets the Most Boring Products” and some one-on-one Q&A, Kranz left the audience intrigued and thoughtful – blocking many attendees’ writer’s block, at least for the time being.

 

Advice Blog Board Students Stuff

Board Member Spotlight: Brita d’Agostino

Erin Collins

Read below to learn about three-year board member and academics guru, Brita d’Agostino.

Let’s hear about your day job.

Where do you work, and what does your role entail?

I work at Daemen College as an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design. My role includes teaching introductory-advanced level graphic design courses, research, and service to the college.

What do you like best about what you do?

I enjoy teaching and working with students. It’s been fun to mentor a couple of Daemen students who have served on the AAF board in the Student Liaison position.

What advice do you have for emerging talent in your field?

My advice is to be both driven and adaptable. Keep learning!

What are three things you use at work every day?

Critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Italian desserts.

What’s the last thing you read?

How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and (Every Once in a While) Change the World by Michael Bierut.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Romeo and Juliet’s Bakery and Café. See guilty pleasure above.

Now, let’s talk a little about AAF Buffalo.

Why did you join AAF Buffalo?

I joined AAF Buffalo to build my professional connections in the communications field in Western New York. I moved to Buffalo from San Francisco for my job at Daemen in 2013, so being on the board helped me connect with local industry professionals and meet new people in the area.

What role(s) do you play on the AAF Buffalo board?

I lead the Academics Committee, and my main role on the board is in education.

What has been your proudest moment in your role on the board?

As an educator, I have been most proud of my students who have served on the board as Student Liaisons: currently Angela Marini; formerly Chelsea Turton, who now works as a Designer at Luminus. They both put in a lot of hard work and dedication to their role as the club’s Student Liaison, and it’s been wonderful to see them rise to the occasion as valuable team members.

What’s your favorite AAF Buffalo event?

My favorite AAF Buffalo event is the Portfolio Review. It’s an excellent opportunity for graphic design students to have their work reviewed by local professionals, and leading the event for the past two years has also been rewarding. I also enjoy reviewing student portfolios and seeing the work coming out of other programs in the area. It’s a lot of fun.

How has AAF Buffalo impacted you professionally?

It has helped me build my professional network in Western New York and make industry connections in the region.

Why would you encourage others to join AAF Buffalo?

I would encourage others to join to make professional connections and learn new things about their industry, whether they participate in a  social networking event, come see a speaker, or participate in a skill shop. In addition to making local professional connections, AAF Buffalo brings in dynamic speakers and programming from outside the region to add new and different perspectives. There’s truly something for everyone.

Blog Students

2017 Don Nichols Scholarship Winners Announced

Dan Nesselbush

AAF Buffalo is proud to announce the winners of the 2017 Don Nichols Scholarship competition.

The theme for the 2017 competition was “Refugees” and students were provided with the following project guidelines: The news has been filled with coverage of refugees. Men, women and children. Seeking asylum from war-torn countries, hoping for the chance at a better life somewhere else. Some countries welcome refugees with open arms, other countries are imposing limits on the number of refugees they are willing to accept. What’s your take on this situation? What do you believe can be done to help? Bring to life your thoughts and opinions in any medium you choose.

The entry format was the contestants’ choice—an advertisement, booklet, essay, poem, illustration, poster, blotter, game, sculpture, photographic print. Macintosh compatible multi-media, three-dimensional pieces or reproduction quality prints were all acceptable. The competition was open to Western New York undergraduates in design, writing, communications, illustration, photography, or fine arts.

Without further ado, the winning entries for the 2017 Don Nichols Scholarship are:

 1st Place $1,000 Scholarship – Katie Giglia of Villa Maria College

2nd Place $500 Scholarship – Erika Tozzo of Villa Maria College

3rd Place $300 Scholarship- Jessica Mjoen of Daemen College

The theme for the 2018 Don Nichols Scholarship Competition will be announced at AAF Buffalo Ad Week 2018 in October and entries will be due in April 2018.

About the Don Nichols Scholarship:
Don Nichols began teaching at the Albright Art School. He founded its Graphic Design Program in 1950 and brought it to UB where, until his death on July 7, 1987, he served as the program’s head and an extraordinarily dedicated teacher. He educated hundreds of graphic designers, a number of whom attained national prominence. Nichols received the Osborn Award for Creative Excellence from the Art Directors/Communicators of Buffalo and the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching from UB in 1982

Advice Blog Board Stuff

Board Member Spotlight: Kyle Rogers

Erin Collins

What exactly does a treasurer do? Is Kyle Rogers ever not working? And why is he always wearing a suit? For the answer to at least one of these questions about our trusted treasurer, read on.

Let’s hear about your day job.

Where do you work, and what does your role entail?

I’m Manager, Corporate Relations at BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. Essentially, I’m responsible for creating and managing corporate messaging and positions on a multitude of issues and key initiatives for internal and external use. I also work to identify opportunities to enhance the corporate brand through various public relations and thought leadership opportunities.

What trends or insights are you finding in your field/market?

Coincidentally, as I’ve become more connected with the marketing and advertising community through my tenure on the AAF board, I’ve also noticed PR and marketing coming closer as well. Content marketing has become an emerging area of opportunity for me and many other PR practitioners, who are tasked with finding new ways to reach key audiences beyond the standard press release.

What advice do you have to give to emerging talent in your field?

Learn to ask good questions. You are never going to become an expert in your industry. By developing relationships with subject matter experts and using their time effectively, you can position your company and yourself as a go-to resource.

Tell us about organizations/charities that you’re passionate about.

There are so many organizations in Western New York that are doing amazing work. If I had to pick three, I’d say Camp Good Days & Special Times, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation and Westside International Soccer.

What was your first job?

Soccer coach for 3-8 year olds. This is where I developed the important skill of patience.

What’s the last thing you read?

How to Win Friends and Influence People – I’d strongly recommend it for any rising PR practitioner or business leader.

What’s your favorite hidden gem in WNY?

The town of Wilson in the summer.

Why are you always wearing a suit?

It suits me.

Plus in the PR world, you never know what your day will look like and it’s best to be prepared.

Now, let’s talk a little about AAF Buffalo.

Why did you join AAF Buffalo?

I became exposed to the club when our social media strategist presented on a panel coordinated by former board member Kristen Cronyn. After a couple conversations with Kristen and another former board member, Katie Briggs, it sounded like a great opportunity to expand my network and my skillset.

What has been your proudest moment in your role on the AAF board?

Scott Bartels and I met with the Mayor in his office to discuss our organization and our industry. The timing was perfect as AAF Buffalo had just launched a new partnership and scholarship program with Buffalo Prep. It was gratifying to hear the Mayor speak highly of the industry and its impact on the economy.

How has AAF Buffalo impacted you professionally?

It’s tough to measure. By taking on increasing responsibilities within the club I’ve made connections with some amazing people in our local industry and really, across the country. Part of the reason we rebranded to AAF Buffalo this year (from The Advertising Club of Buffalo) is so that our membership understood that we belong to a national federation. Whether it’s hosting judges for the ADDYs, industry thought-leaders for our Spotlight Speaker Series or attending district and national meetings and conferences, I’ve met so many talented individuals that I still keep in contact with.

What differentiates AAF Buffalo from other groups?

Unlike some other organizations, AAF Buffalo is more than just a networking or social club. Happy hours are a great way to keep in touch with your colleagues, but why pay dues when you can easily organize that yourself? AAF offers outside speakers, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions that can help you develop a skill or spark an idea. Our connection to the largest national federation for the advertising industry allows the club to offer some valuable professional development resources.

Why would you encourage others to join AAF Buffalo?

It’s not hard to convince someone in the industry to join. What’s nice is how diverse the organization’s focus is. AAF is a valuable resource, whether you’re a student trying to get a foot in the door or you’re a senior executive interested in macro industry trends. If you’re a freelancer, maybe you’ll develop your client base. There are so many opportunities once you get involved.

Industry Updates Stuff

AAF Buffalo Industry Roundup: April 2017

Dan Nesselbush

The AAF Buffalo Industry Roundup is a monthly post dedicated to sharing news from across our membership.

Block Club

Block Club was featured in the April 20 edition of The Buffalo News for their new residency program.

dPost 

Production and post production company dPost recently added two members to the team.

Greg Wichlacz fills the role of Creative Strategist and is responsible for concept development and design for dPost’s direct clients. He brings more than 30 years of experience in corporate design, creative direction and brand development, strategy and management.

John Jacobs is the new VP of Business Development. John has extensive wholesale, retail, e-commerce and global specialty sales experience from a broad industry spectrum including outdoor, travel and tourism, sports, automotive and consumer and perishable goods.

dPost 3D Artist and 2017 AAF Buffalo Future Star Sam Tato found himself immersed in Vegas at this year’s NAB Show. Software developer Mettle showcased leading 360/Virtual Reality filmmakers and industry professionals at their booth. Sam was a featured presenter with his demonstration on how dPost integrates traditional 3D animation with 360 video utilizing Skybox Studio.

dPost’s Sam Tato presents his work at NAB Show in Las Vegas

Submit your news

Noteworthy industry news regarding new hires, company growth, and client stories will be considered for our monthly newsletter. Submit a link to your company’s blog post or enter a brief story using our form. News can also be submitted via email by adding pr@aafbuffalo.com to your distribution list!

Stories must be about an AAF Buffalo corporate or individual member. Please make sure all parties involved are aware / consent to the use of their name and/or images in the newsletter. The communications committee has the right to select the best submissions for inclusion each month.

Advice Blog Board Events Students

2017 Career Panel Recap

Erin Collins

Guest post by Briana Maggio, president, Canisius College Advertising Club; Canisius College ’17

On April 19, 2017, a panel crafted of AAF members arrived at Canisius College with two sheet pizzas and a variety of insightful information. Students beyond the Canisius community gathered in the audience to listen to relevant information about their transition into the workforce.

AAF President Scott Bartels of HSBC Bank led the conversation. The panel offered expertise from Tim Bouchard, co-creator of Luminus; April Brown, art director at Farm; Erin Haskell, marketing manager at Great Lakes Orthodontics; and Kyle Rogers, corporate relations manager at BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.  

Topics the panel discussed included:

  • Finding your first career
  • Things you wish you did differently when entering the workforce
  • The importance of networking
  • A typical day in your position
  • Tips for job searching
  • The most important piece of advice to share with college students

Members of the panel helped to ease the anxieties of the soon-to-be-graduates as they shared their startup stories. Panel members included that internships played a large role in landing their full-time positions post-graduation, and so did the people they know. Some members of the panel left the country for work, while others bounced around to different companies and mixed in some freelance opportunities through their personal connections. They worked for some unpleasant people along the way, but those baby steps are what shaped them into who they are in the professional world today.

A general consensus among the panel members was that after you land your first job, it’s normal to realize it’s not your dream job. Despite your dream, it is in a young business professional’s best interest to stay relevant and to focus on the learning aspect of the position to grow within the field. Proficiency, professionalism, and talent can boost you towards your professional goals. The marketing and advertising fields are constantly evolving, so make your presence by growing with them.

Juniors and seniors in attendance learned that networking is just as uncomfortable of an approach for the business professional as it is for the student, and yet just as crucial for future success. It is important to do your homework, both for the job you’re reaching for and the contact you are trying to develop. You can have a “bullet-proof” on-brand resume and cover letter, but so could the individual you’re competing with for the job. Hiring in agencies is very strategic, so students can provide themselves with the upper hand by networking prior to the interview through AAF hosted events and informational interviews.

The career panel offered new considerations as well as influential suggestions for students embarking on the application process this spring. The conclusion of the event provided a question and answer segment, which allowed students to share topics that have been on their minds during this transition. The information from the career panel was very appreciated, and surely an influence to college students. Canisius College looks forward to developing a relationship with AAF Buffalo and believes in the success it can bring to the students.

A big thank you on behalf of Canisius Advertising Club to all that attended and to all that presented to make this a valuable first event hosted at Canisius College!