Last night, the
advertising students had an amazing treat as we had a chance to meet
representatives from different agencies and companies. These representatives
were invited by the SAA to discuss the number of entry level positions that we
could potentially apply to and to also share some insightful knowledge on the
cultural and business aspects of their agency and companies.
For this post,
instead of sharing my wonderful experience going into my first networking
event, I will be talking to you about the importance to “PREPARE”. My
definition of “PREPARE” means to be ready and have yourself well equipped
before an activity or performance. In consideration to network night, you want
to be well prepared when approaching these representatives. This means you have
to research these agencies and events that are coming to the event as you don’t
to look clueless or confused when conversing with the representatives. Research
includes looking through their “About Page”, following them on social media,
and my favorite part in this is to review and analyze their past campaigns.
Asking about their opening positions and about their agencies can only take you
so far in comparison to talking about what attracts them the most about their
past projects. For myself, with Dentsu AEGIS, I immediately asked about their
interactive media campaigns and with Cossette, I have greatly followed their
McDonald’s campaign.
In consideration to researching the agencies
and the companies available, the next to you should “PREPARE” for is your
professional portfolio; which means have your resumes, cover letters, and
linkedin account edited and viewed for positive and negative criticisms. My
advice for your professional portfolio, please build one that best describes
the job you will want in the future.
The final and
most important “PREPARE” is to develop a professional image of yourself. As we
all know you will be a student prior to work, that doesn’t mean you can’t look your
best and to look as if you are already working in the industry. When you are
meeting these representatives, have your best business/working attire ready.
Dressing to impress is the key to building a good rapport with the
representative. Apart from your attire, another aspect of the professional
image is to learn to develop good eye contact as you don’t want to look down
but at the representative, a clear voice that will ensure you will communicate
properly, and finally, a good hard handshake to seal the deal.
Hope This Helps.
