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Blog Speaker Speaker Series Stuff

Hiking the breadcrumb trail of food typography

Dan Nesselbush
By Jaime Applegate

“My ideas have always been bigger than me.”

In the second Spotlight Speaker Series of the year on November 8, Danielle Evans took us down the breadcrumb trail of her journey from art school to her coined profession, food typographer. It was a rocky road, and at some points she wanted to give up art altogether. Even her art teacher didn’t seem to have faith in her. Her drawings were good, but not great so she tried her hand at photography next. Then sculpture, then interiors, then design. Nothing seemed right. Finally, she tried her hand at typography and realized a passion developing. She loved the letterforms and how they conveyed an inherent meaning. Evans explains it this way, “there was a moment when things clicked – the breadcrumbs of my past brought me to this point.”

Evans decided lettering would be her specialty but she wasn’t able to find much work doing the type of design she wanted. With limited money and art supplies, she started lettering with different materials including food. Some of her ideas “just needed to get done” so she started producing the work she loved and posting it on Instagram under the handle @marmaladebleue. After just a few jobs, Target called and commissioned her for a project. After that, her career took off and she went on to do work for Disney, Condé Nast, and Bath & Body Works, just to name a few.

Evans captured the audience at the nearly sold out talk with her “dad joke” humor and inspiring story. She took us through many examples of her work, explaining her process along the way. She starts out with a sketch before getting her hands dirty with the ingredients – some of which she has been able to travel to different states to retrieve. Below is a sketch and final product using mined crab legs and claws.

One thing that stuck with me about Evan’s talk was this, “the work you covet, isn’t always the work you create.”

You can “covet” the design work of Danielle Evans, but that might not be the path you are supposed to take. You might even need to invent your own niche as she did with food typography. Evans did, however, recommend playing with your food and creating your own art if you are at all curious (just not on new marble countertops – they will never look the same!)

Finish out the Spotlight Speaker Series with us in 2018. You’ll even get to hear from one of Evan’s design idols – Tad Carpenter on May 16. You won’t want to miss it!

 

 

Blog Students Stuff

A Few Sips for the Scholars.

Dan Nesselbush
By Brittany Klotzbach

Last Thursday, we held our seventh annual Big Tip-Off. This event has become a favorite tradition of ours, combining friendly competition with a casual environment for networking. The venue allows us to mingle with peers in our industry. Each company that participates has their own representative bartender, pouring drinks for a good cause: raising money for the AAF Buffalo student scholarship fund.

Our bartenders were more than just baristas the night of the event. They also created some promotional videos that helped us boost the event on our social media channels. And it worked; we had our highest-ever attended Big Tip-Off with a whopping 183 attendees (increasing last year’s record by a whopping 73 people!). Our bartenders kept the excitement going, as many of them brought treats and decorated their tip jars. There were even sales to purchase pins raising money directly for the cause. This year’s Big Tip-Off brought in a total of $4,462.21 in tip money, which is more than $745 increase from the year prior. A special congratulations goes out to Biagio Patti, this year’s winning bartender who raked in an impressive $1,219.21 (and those 21 cents really played into effect!).

AAF Buffalo is proud to provide scholarship opportunities to local marketing students through the money we raised collectively at this event. A special thanks is owed especially to our celebrity bartenders who worked hard to earn those tips alongside Biagio Patti, representing Crowley Webb: Tim Staszak, Block Club; Doug Bradley, clevermethod; Grace Durant, Quinlan; Dan Gigante, 19 Ideas; Josh Robinson, Luminus; Kelsey Hanks, Martin; Max Principe, Fifteen. We would also like to thank all of the generous attendees that tipped big.

We hope to see you all again next year to challenge the returning champions from Crowley Webb!

Advice Blog Board Stuff

Board Member Spotlight: Brittany Klotzbach

Dan Nesselbush

She’s known to throw a good party with her involvement in The Big Tip-Off, Holiday Bowling Tournament, and the Buffalo edition of the American Advertising Awards. Get to know Brittany Klotzbach 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 Gelia as the Senior Creative Project Manager. Essentially, I’m the liaison between the creative and account service departments and my job is to manage and monitor projects from start to finish. There is a lot of communication within my role.

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

When I was in college as a Communication major, I took an internship at The Martin Group. I quickly found an appreciation for the fast-pace creative work environment. I was lucky enough to be offered a position there during my senior year of college, and when I graduated I became the full-time Traffic Manager.

What do you like best about what you do?

I get to see projects from start to finish, as well as all the changes in between. It’s rewarding when projects are complete and feeling like I was a part of the team that accomplished it, but I also really have such an appreciation for the talented people I get to work with every day. My role is one of problem-solving, and that typically allows me to be pretty active with projects to always make sure that everything is running as smoothly as possible.

What do you find challenging in our industry?

Our industry is very client-driven and you always want to make your client happy. It can be challenging to always be accommodating, as sometimes projects are needed in a quick turnaround. I have found that with positive client relationships and strong teams within the agency, even the most challenging circumstances are manageable.

Describe a recent success.

Although I’m a project manager on most projects I touch at Gelia, I’m also an account executive on a couple of our pro bono projects throughout the year. The two projects that I managed that are dear to my heart won a total of three ADDY awards. I was extremely proud to be part of the team and to get recognition for the work we did for nonprofits that have my full support.

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

Try to be as involved as possible; stay patient during the challenging times; celebrate with your team through the successful times; and remember at the end of the day, it is advertising.

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

We have two pro bono clients I work closely with at Gelia: Food Bank of WNY and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I was passionate about Food Bank since I was little, as it’s also a passion for my father who was on the board of directors there for several years. Being involved in projects for them is special to me because I know the good they do for our community. I didn’t know much about JDRF before working at Gelia, but the local chapter has taught me so much about the organization, and it’s something I can see myself supporting for many years to come. Each year it seems JDRF gets closer to finding a cure, and you know that the support and money they receive is really making a huge difference to those it affects.

(Unrelated to advertising): I’m also very passionate about the Kevin Guest House, a Buffalo non-profit that provides a comfortable place to stay for families or family members receiving treatments at our local hospitals. It is right on the growing medical campus, and it continues to expand. I learned about this organization a year ago through an organization I belong to, Junior League of Buffalo, who is a big supporter of the cause.

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

I play tennis recreationally (sometimes competitively). I enjoy working out, but balance that with a healthy amount of TV watching (specifically, Bravo). I’m also involved with Junior League of Buffalo which allows for hands-on volunteer projects that I’m very passionate about and thrilled to be involved with. Lastly, I’m mildly obsessed with my nieces and spend a lot of time with my family.

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

I went to states three years in a row for tennis in high school. This is one of my more proud accomplishments/achievements in my life. I also went to St. John Fisher where I played tennis for my freshman year of college. I retreated back to Buffalo because after one year away, I realized that Buffalo will always have my heart.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Moe’s and Bravo. (Ideally eating Moe’s while watching Bravo.)

Duff’s or Anchor Bar?

Anchor Bar!

 

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

Why did you join AAF Buffalo?

I was looking for a way to be more involved within the ad community, and I thought it would be a great way to network and meet new peers that I might not otherwise get a chance to work with. I also see the value the club brings, and I wanted to be a representative for Gelia to continue the AAF Buffalo presence at my company.

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

Much of what I do for the board is event-based since my background isn’t in copywriting or design. I’ve enjoyed my involvement with the ADDYs and events like the Big Tip-Off and the annual bowling tournament.

What’s your favorite AAF Buffalo event?

My favorite event is The Big Tip-Off. The venue being at Soho Burger Bar has made it really nice and fun in the summer, and it’s a great event to have a lot of active industry people together mingling in a casual atmosphere. And the best part is that it’s all for a good cause raising money for student scholarships.

What do you enjoy most about AAF Buffalo?

I enjoy the opportunities to meet and work with new people I might not otherwise know. I also think the Skillshops and Speaker Series provide a lot of valuable information about our industry, and I’ve personally found value in attending the various events hosted by AAF Buffalo.

How has AAF Buffalo impacted you professionally?

It’s made me more of a leader within my company because people have come to me as a sort of “go to” for information. It’s also introduced me to people that I’ve never gotten the opportunity to work with but have heard really great things about professionally. It makes me feel really connected within our advertising community, and I’m grateful for the experience.

What’s one pro tip you can share with our membership that will make their lives better or easier?

I’m not a shy person, but I think the thought of “networking” makes people anxious or nervous. After attending a few networking-specific events we have held, I have to say, they’re actually some of my favorite events. If for nothing else, you get to meet other industry professionals and peers within the Buffalo community that have the same interests as you. It’s worth putting yourself out there.

Why would you encourage others to join AAF Buffalo?

AAF Buffalo is geared toward really uniting our advertising community. When I attend the events, I notice that many of our members are the people in the industry that are putting themselves out there and making an effort to learn more. We spend so much of our week at work; any attempt at trying to better yourself professionally is worth it, and AAF Buffalo provides you with the tools to do just that.

Keep up with Brittany on Instagram @brittanyklotzbach.

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.

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!