A Night With Seattle U AMA’s Driven Students
It’s always a bit surprising when people choose to spend their evening listening to me talk. So, when a room full of eager Seattle U AMA students came to hear from Creative Director Chris Corum and me about AAF, the National Student Advertising Competition, and life in advertising, color me floored. Going full Eminem, I’m going to maintain that I’m chopped liver and this turnout had a lot more to do with how hungry students are for professionals to share their insights on marketing and advertising. Kudos to Seattle U and Aria Shaffer for providing the space to explore the world of marketing outside of the classroom.
A few themes clearly hit home. Students wanted to know how to get hands-on experience in a field that values real practice and real-world examples. They wanted to understand how to build a network when they’re just getting started. They were curious how creatives and advertising folk turn a blank canvas into ideas worth sharing and award-winning work. And yes, we had the obligatory discussion about AI in marketing.
A couple things tied all these questions together for me. First, they all point to the type of insight AAF offers its members. Joining, attending, and volunteering with AAF Seattle are great ways to network, learn from fellow ad vets, and get your hands dirty on some important work that affects the entire creative community. For student members specifically, AAF also provides access to internship postings, scholarship opportunities, and soon, some fun ways to meet industry vets and get feedback on work.
Second, if you’re an industry veteran reading this, there’s no shortage of classrooms or student groups eager for your perspective. Reach out. You’ll have a room full of eager faces ready to listen.
What stood out most was just how motivated this group was to soak up every bit of insight they could. These future marketers are doing everything in their power to hit the ground running. Supporting them isn’t just good for the students—it’s good for the entire Seattle creative community.
Dan Vanderhei
AAF Seattle Education Director
Bring AAF Seattle Into the Conversation
Are you an educator, student organization, or campus leader looking to connect students with Seattle’s advertising and creative community? Whether you’re planning a classroom visit, panel, workshop, portfolio review, career conversation, or another opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals, we’d love to hear from you.
Reach out to Dan Vanderhei, AAF Seattle Education Director, to explore how AAF Seattle and our community of professionals can get involved.
Thumbnail Photo Credits: Copyright: Seattle University / Credit: Seattle University / Creator: Chris Joseph Taylor
