During my time at Webster University, I had the privilege of participating in a class called "Campaigns," which has had a large impact on my experience in advertising and marketing. This class provided a unique opportunity for students to form their own "agency" within the class and engage in a real-world competition known as the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), where we competed against other schools.

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Before entering the class, each student had to undergo an application and interview process with the instructors to secure their roles within the "agency." and showcase their individual capabilities. In my case, I served as an executive member of the account team. This was an exciting opportunity for me to immerse myself in all things strategy and ensure our ideas always aligned with key messages and overall campaign guidelines. This experience closely resembled the dynamics of a professional advertising agency, as we collaborated, strategized, and executed campaigns as a cohesive unit.

 

Each year, the NSAC competition is sponsored by a different company, and during my participation, Indeed was the sponsor. Over the course of just one semester, we embarked on an intense journey of research, creative brief development, brainstorming, and campaign creation. Our final presentation was presented before a panel of judges, mirroring the experience of pitching to clients. 

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This class taught me the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and presenting our ideas convincingly. I found myself crafting numerous mock-ups to visualize our campaign concepts, which sharpened my skills in design and presentation.

 

The "Campaigns" class at Webster University provided a hands-on, agency-like experience that allowed me to apply my knowledge in a practical setting. It reinforced the idea that advertising and marketing are not just about creativity but also about collaboration, research, and effective communication – all of which are vital skills in the industry. This experience has significantly enriched my understanding of the field and has equipped me with valuable insights and skills that I am eager to bring into my full-time career in advertising and marketing.