Tell us about your advertising journey.

My advertising journey began after college, marked by an initial struggle to secure a job despite numerous applications. This period was deeply discouraging, making me feel behind my peers. However, this setback forced a crucial reevaluation of my experience and career approach.

Instead of stalling, I proactively sought opportunities to enhance my skills. I completed the COOP Careers Fellowship, gaining proficiency in digital advertising tools and practical experience. Despite attending partner events and interviews, landing a role remained elusive, another setback that spurred me to push my creative boundaries.

Prior to COOP Careers Fellowship, my experience in the advertising/marketing field was two social media internships during college as well as adjacent to this field film and broadcast journalism classes in high school. 

To maintain momentum, I entered the Ad Age Young Creatives Contest, developing a campaign for a fictional sparkling water brand. I penned the pitch and collaborated with a designer. Though we didn't win, the process was invaluable, teaching me how to strategically balance creativity under tight deadlines and maintain confidence in my ideas despite uncertain outcomes.

Soon after, I joined The One Club for Creativity Boot Camp, where I led the strategy for a KB Home campaign focused on redefining “LA to Outsiders.” Our team’s first-place win paved the way for a summer internship at Team One.

At Team One, I contributed to the Lexus account, conducting competitive audits and translating strategic insights into decks that guided the creative, UX, and production teams. Securing this position confirmed that setbacks are not final stops but vital reminders to embrace continuous learning, creation, and adaptability. This philosophy continues to define my approach to challenges and guide my growth in strategy and creative work today.

What drew you to advertising?

My passion for advertising stems from a lifelong love of movies, television, and YouTube. Growing up during the early to late 2000s and 2010s, as the internet became increasingly widespread and popular, I was constantly drawn to visual storytelling.

I’ve also loved and continue to love the marvel movies and tv shows. Some personal favorites would have to be the Iron Man and Captain America movies as well as recent disney plus shows such as wandavision, falcon and the winter solider, ms marvel, loki and wonderman etc.

Two advertisements, in particular, stand out to me. The "Get a Mac" campaign, featuring two actors personifying Mac and PC, always resonated with me, as I've always preferred Apple computers. Additionally, the iconic 1984 Apple Macintosh commercial was visually groundbreaking and set a new standard for Super Bowl advertising.

My entry into the industry began after college when my team won The One Club for Creativity Boot Camp. I led the strategy for a KB Home campaign focused on redefining "LA to Outsiders," and our first-place win secured me a summer internship at Team One.

What advice would you give to people just starting out in the industry?

Focus on networking with others in the field. Gain experience by working on both individual and group projects. Participate in COOP Careers Fellowship Digital marketing track. Take advantage of the resources and network provided to you. Attend networking events both virtual and in person. 

Be proactive by attending networking events and volunteering at relevant advertising industry programs.

What are your career goals?

My career goal is to build up my previous experience which I have gained a lot of in the past year and apply to advertising roles preferably in strategy or media. Also continue to network and learn to expand my knowledge and network.