So you’re an AdStud and you’re wondering why you should go to the ADDYs. You know, now that I’m thinking about it, I’m really not sure why I ever went to the ADDYs myself. I’m trying to think of the benefits and my mind’s drawing a blank. I mean, what did I really get out of my ADDYs experiences?
It’s not like a majority of the region’s best marketing and advertising professionals show up for the ADDY’s. Well I guess that’s not entirely true. Ok, so maybe tons of men and women with the hiring power to get you your first job in the marketing industry are there, but why should that matter to you? You’ve probably got a party to go to or a test to study for or a movie to watch on Netflix. Surely you can’t be bothered to show off your stellar work and make a great first impression with potential employers.
And really, it’s not like the event itself is fun. Who wants to get dressed up, connect with friends, meet new people and see some great awards given out for some really top notch work? Nobody I know. Least of all me. I’d rather just sit around with the same people I hang out with every weekend watching the Timberwolves lose again. Way more fun than enjoying a fancy night amongst professionals.
Ok, on a serious note, the ADDYs are not only worth attending – they should be a requirement for up-and-coming young folks interested in the advertising world. And if you’re a student who has done creative work that you feel could compete with other work from students in the region, ENTER IT IN THE STUDENT ADDYS! Seriously. I honestly never did this (because I’m an anomaly in this industry and didn’t start doing work that could win awards until I was about 3 years in), but I know plenty of students have gotten great job opportunities simply based on their impressive work entered in the Student ADDYs.
There’s a strong difference between a portfolio and “award-winning work.” Don’t miss out on your chance for “award-winning work” simply because you were unsure of what to do or were uninterested in doing it.
If you have ANY questions, just ask us. And seriously, don’t be afraid. The ADDYs judges don’t give out “Worst Entry” awards or anything, so even if you don’t win, it doesn’t mean you lose. Your work goes on display (and trust me, most of the higher ups in the Sioux Falls marketing community DO look at the student work…I’ve seen it with my own beautiful green eyes) and you get a chance to add some awards to your résumé.
If you want me to ramble even more about why you should 1) Go to the ADDYs, 2) Enter the ADDYs, or 3) Name your kid ADDYs, just leave a comment and I’ll tell you more. Otherwise, I’ll just assume you read this and understood that you should be there.
Sound good? Awesome. See you there!
-Mike B.
