A few quick notes from Orientation

Thoughts and attitudes to keep in mind as I start my first year at the Brandcenter in the Creative Brand Management track.

1. Have a point of view and don't shy away from it

2. Question the creative, ask what does it ADD to the brand.

3. The Brandcenter is a prelude to a career, treat is as such

4. It's a PHD program - Professional/Proactive, Humble, Dignity

5. Run your meetings with the PAL method

-Purpose, Agenda, Limit

6. Overcome weakness by taking on roles that may seem uncomfortable

Welcome to the Brandcenter

Yesterday was my first day, well if you can call sitting through 9 hours of orientation the first day of school. The day was long, but I learned a lot about the program not only from the professors but from a few of the students.

A 2nd year student came to speak to us who was fortunate enough to represent the Brandcenter at the Cannes Ad Festival in Cannes, France. These are a few of his main talking points:

-Storytelling is not dead

-If you have a digital ad piece, make sure it functions on it's own and is not a continuation from your print or TV campaign

We also had the pleasure of really hearing from a recent grad who now works for the Martin Agency. I was so impressed by her presentation skills and how comfortable she seemed infront of us. These are a few things I learned from her:

-Find your happy place

-Be Patrick Swayze from Dirty Dancing

-Don't be a douchebag

What a glorious first day. I can't complain at all, especially when the day ends with a Happy Hour provided by the school.

New Experience Awaits

Hey there, I am back from the abyss, also known as summer break. Today is my last day of summer, tomorrow I have a 12 hour orientation for the VCU Brandcenter. Although it's going to be a long day, I am very excited to be starting this new chapter in my life. I feel as though I have a second chance at making a great career choice. There is something about Advertising that gives me those butterfly's in the stomach. Not from anxiousness or nervousness, but a giddy feeling of complete joy that I will be creating creative campaigns for awesome and inspiring brands.

These next two years are going to be very busy, at least that's what everyone keeps saying! I have been told that I will be a completely different person after this experience. I hope that is true as long as I keep my core values and principles.

My goal is to keep yall updated daily on my experiences. Some of my posts will be full of excitement while I am sure others will be downers. That's just the way life is at the Brandcenter.

More later.