Advertising Graduate Council visits Atlanta

It may have been the smallest group ever to go on an AGC trip, but the size of the group was certainly not indicative of the amount of fun and information that was gained from the recent visit to Atlanta. Four members of AGC, Kristi Flango, Jamie Harvey, Mike Heid, and Jodi Smith managed to visit nine places in two days. The itinerary of the group included: Austin Kelly, West Wayne, Grey, BBDO, Def Jam South records, CNN, Sawyer Riley Compton, Fletcher Martin Ewing, and Coca-Cola. The selection of companies was perfect considering each of the four students had different areas of interest.

On Thursday, Austin Kelly, West Wayne, Grey, BBDO, and Def Jam were on the schedule. At Grey Worldwide, the group was able to meet up with recent ad grad Al Magee. Mark Goldman provided some valuable information stressing that writing skills and being able to fluently discuss great advertising are things he looks for when reviewing resumes and interviewing new hires. At BBDO, each member of the group had the chance to job shadow someone from their field of interest which allowed for some great personal attention. Def Jam South provided a unique perspective on some of the challenges and tactics a major record label experiences and uses in promotion.

On Friday morning, the group went to CNN. Visiting with the individuals at CNN was especially informative as it provided insight into the world of advertising sales, working for a news organization, and the various juggling acts that have to be done to keep both client and networks happy. After CNN, it was off to Sawyer Riley Compton where everyone sat on a pink Cadillac couch while waiting to speak with President and CEO Louis Sawyer. Sawyer Riley Compton had an awesome space where ad-filled bulletin boards lined the hallways and Elvis cut-outs graced the break room. After the tour, an art director showed the agency reel and answered questions.

Next stop was Fletcher Martin Ewing (FME) where UT baseball hats sat on the front counter to welcome the longhorns. A conference room awaited the ad grads filled with refreshments from their major food accounts (including Mrs. Winners Double Dippers and a Fudgie the Whale Carvel ice cream cake). Individuals from every department spoke to the group and the media director, Don Cole gave an extremely eye-opening presentation regarding the "American Consumer."

After FME, it was off to Coca-Cola where the group experienced the super stringent security measures which included metal detectors. John Egan, Group Director for Region Marketing Assets spoke about sponsorships and the various issues that arise when dealing with clients. After returning to Austin, each of the trip participants expressed conclusions about their experience.

"The trip was absolutely incredible. With a small group we were really able to get SO much personal attention. Every place we visited was so hospitable. The group at FME, especially, was absolutely incredible. It was so motivating to sit in a room full of individuals that truly loved their job. They made us all feel right at home and even more enthusiastic about working in advertising." - Jodi Smith

"The Atlanta trip provided us with a more well-rounded view of the advertising industry in the Atlanta market than other past trips have done. Our visits to Def Jam South, CNN, and Coca Cola gave us an interesting perspective that was very beneficial to us all." -- Jamie Harvey

"Overall, the trip was a great experience. Having a small group worked to our benefit, since we were all able to get some one-on-one time with the people in our desired professions. I learned so much in such a short amount of time and came back inspired and with a new sense of motivation" -- Kristi Flango

"Atlanta was really an awesome trip. Short of almost killing the whole group making a quick Interstate exit, the trip went flawlessly. This was my first AGC trip and I really feel like it was worth my while. I made some great contacts with creatives all throughout the ATL and found some really great shops I'll be considering when I start looking for a job." -- Mike Heid

5/13/2004