Strands of Genius: Ad Students and Entry-Level Job Seekers Face Bleak Prospects, Getting Young People into Advertising, Agency Leaders Discuss The Power of Great Mentorship

Guest curated by Trey O'Shea, President of the Ad Club at VCU

Aug 29, 2024

:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, TREY O’SHEA ::

LOCATION: Richmond, Virginia

I'm Trey, the president of the Advertising Club at Virginia Commonwealth University. Our club is a student led and operated organization in Richmond, Virginia on VCU's campus. One of our professors, Andrew Aquino included his former coworker and friend, Faris, in a review of our final strategic advertising projects. The class was an evening class here on the east coast, so we're grateful to Faris for staying up well into the late London evening on a Tuesday to speak with our class and give us new insights and ideas for our work. After seeing our projects, Faris was generous enough to extend an offer to guest curate Strands of Genius -- an offer we couldn't refuse.

Editor’s Note (Genius Steals): We have an open offer to speak to any class of students for free as long as we can provide some value (hence usually people doing marketing, advertising, design and such like courses) and speak to a few mentees via various routes including the London International Awards Liaisons program and so on. We are delighted that Trey took this opportunity - we believe it’s important to help and understand the new generation and the new challenges they face in our industry. This excellent edition does a great job of that so many thanks to Trey and best of luck with your continued studies and the AD CLUB!

It’s tough out there right now, let’s all help each other out, especially the young people, as we navigate this interesting period of evolution in the industry….to quote the first article (shout out to Kevin at ONE SHOW):

“While it’s not uncommon for recent graduates to worry about landing an industry job, the rapidly evolving ad world has ramped up those fears significantly in recent years.

Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity, said ad school students feel largely unprepared to enter the industry given recent technological advancements.

“They might see an industry that looks different from the one they studied in traditional ad schools, many of which haven’t fully adapted their curriculum,” Swanepoel said.

“A once stable career isn’t necessarily guaranteed these days. Mass layoffs, coupled with the fear of what AI means in terms of jobs, is causing a great deal of concerns for students and professionals alike.”

This is interesting - education is always going to lag current professional practice to some degree but that gap is widening as the industry change accelerates….something for us to consider, teachers and practitioners.

:: THE LINKS ::

AD STUDENTS AND ENTRY LEVEL JOB SEEKERS FACE BLEAK PROSPECTS

Lindsay Rittenhouse paints a stark, yet deeply resonant picture of the struggles that aspiring advertising professionals face as they attempt to carve out a space in a rapidly shifting industry. Through raw, personal accounts from students, recent graduates, industry professionals, and instructors, the piece unravels the emotional and psychological toll of being ghosted after interviews, witnessing mentors laid off, and navigating a job market that often feels indifferent to fresh talent. This article doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities but instead underscores the pressing need for structural change. For anyone who’s ever tried to find their footing in a world that feels like it’s constantly moving the goalposts, this piece will hit close to home. It’s a reminder of the importance of support and mentorship in an industry that risks losing the very voices that could shape its future. In this piece, we even hear from Vann Graves -- the Executive Director of VCU's Brandcenter, our very own advertising masters school. (AdAge)

GETTING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO ADVERTISING

The Advertising Association’s piece offers a much-needed breath of optimism amidst the current industry landscape, detailing the concerted efforts being made to break down barriers and open doors for young, diverse talent. It’s a call to action for those within the industry to actively participate in creating opportunities that allow fresh perspectives to not only enter the field but to thrive within it. This article is a blueprint for what’s possible when we collectively invest in the future of our industry. It reminds us why we love this industry so much and how young people can cultivate their creative mindsets and turn them into careers. It emphasizes the importance of creating accessible pathways and highlights the innovative programs that are making a difference. For those committed to fostering the next generation, this piece is both inspiring and practical—a roadmap for how we can turn intention into action. (Adassoc)

AGENCY LEADERS DISCUSS THE POWER OF GREAT MENTORSHIP

We've made it clear the industry's landscape is continually shifting. This means mentorship remains a steady, guiding force—one that can make or break a career. Especially for young people. A survey conducted by Adobe found that 83% of Gen Z respondents consider mentorship crucial for their careers. This article from Ad Age gathers reflections from top agency leaders, who share how mentorship has not only shaped their own paths but also why it’s crucial for the future of advertising. It’s a compelling read that underscores the transformative power of guidance and the ripple effect it can have on both individuals and the broader industry. The piece serves as a powerful reminder that mentorship is more than just a professional duty; it’s a way to ensure that the next generation is equipped to navigate—and ultimately reshape—the challenges that lie ahead. For those who have benefited from the wisdom of a mentor, this article will hit close to home and perhaps even inspire a renewed commitment to paying it forward. (AdAge)

Looking for more from Trey O'Shea? Coming Friday, look for an interview from him in your inbox!

:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::

:: Game :: Texas Hold 'Em

:: City :: Richmond, VA

:: Book :: The Tao of Wu by RZA

:: Podcast :: The Late Braking F1 Podcast

:: Song :: Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd

:: THE TEAM ::

The Ad Club at VCU helps students develop skills for their future in advertising through professional work opportunities, educational workshops, and industry mentorship. If you'd like to learn more or find ways to get involved with our students or club, check our @adclubatvcu on IG or www.adclubatvcu.com.

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It's called Genius Steals because we believe ideas are new combinations and that nothing can come from nothing. But copying is lazy. We believe the best way to innovate is to look at the best of that which came before and combine those elements into new solutions.

Co-Founders Faris & Rosie are award-winning strategists and creative directors, writers, consultants and public speakers who have been living on the road/runway since March 2013, working with companies all over the world. Our Director of Operations is nomadic like us, our accounting team is based out of Washington, our company is registered in Tennessee, and our collaborators are all over the world. Being nomadic allows us to go wherever clients need us to be, and to be inspired by the world in between.

Hit reply and let’s talk about how we might be able to work together :)

Strands of Genius