Learned and Grateful
This June will mark six and a half years since I left home in Bombay and moved to San Francisco for a Masters and a career.
After four and a half years spent in the Masters program, I moved to New York for a seat at the super desk at The Barbarian Group.
From day one I’ve always felt that luck has been on my side — things just seemed to fall in place and I could see myself grow with every good and bad experience.
I am packing up my bags now to head to London for a new adventure. In some ways it feels like a chapter is closing. But! before that happens I decided to take a deep breath and make a list of some things I’ve learnt along the way.
My hope is that if you’re a junior starting out in Advertising the notes below will help to light your path a little.
It starts with you You have to believe in yourself even before other people can begin to. Take your seat at that table, even if you’re the most junior person in that room. Come with a clear point of view and fight the nerves to make sure you speak up — make sure your voice is heard.
Again, the Ad industry rewards extroverts the quickest The American Ad culture is quick and competitive — If you don’t speak up in a meeting it’s almost like you were never there.
Find out what you’re the best at I’m driven by updates in technology and how quickly popular culture evolves — trend analysis, innovation strategy etc. For me it’s less because of the tech but more because it has the power to effect positive change the quickest. Find what drives you, what do you find yourself doing when you have some down time (this interest doesn’t have to be advertising related, if it is even better!)
I eventually would like to focus my tool box of skills towards projects that have a direct positive impact.
Put it in a box Advertising prides itself on thinking out side of the box — but when it comes to building a team (Hiring people) there are boxes and there are labels. If you want to get hired quickly figure out which box you fit in and commit to it all the way. People will respect you more if you have a clear idea of..
What you want to do
How you label yourself
What your superpowers are
Then finally, Do you have projects that reflect this skill set
It’s less about the work and more about the people Be good to the people you cross paths with, be the best team player you can be. Being selfless in a competitive work environment is hella tough, but it’s worth it. In time people will begin to trust you and bring you on to more projects than you can handle.
Thats all for now. Lots More to come once I have boots down in London.
