How Average Ad Makers Have Above Average Careers

Countless athletes who were average on paper ended up in their sport’s hall of fame. Drafted in the late rounds, many attended small colleges with even smaller sports programs if drafted at all. They defied the odds, overcame skeptics, and forged legacies. Tom Brady, the former quarterback of the New England Patriots and currently playing for Tampa Bay, is a relevant example. Drafted later, Brady worked his way into a starting position and led his team to the record books. Today he is arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of pro football.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandFebruary 8, 2021advertising, ad career, career advice, Tom Brady, Major League Baseball, FOCUSComment

Interviews Are The "What's-Wrong-With-You?" Meeting

The foremost reason people blow interviews is that they don’t realize an interview isn’t an interview. An interview is the “What’s-Wrong-With-This-Person?” meeting. Employers do everything possible to prevent a hiring mistake. This includes heeding “red flags” during an interview. Ill-preparedness is how these flags are waved. To avoid this fate, take these steps to prepare for the interview, nail it, and get the offer.

Land a JobBart ClevelandFebruary 1, 2021job interview, advertising, ad career, career adviceComment

5 Ways to Inject Creativity Into A Lousy Job

You’ve always had a creative streak in you. Maybe you even went to school to nurture it into a creative career. Chances are, that plan hasn’t come to fruition. Most people who go to school to be in a creative career in advertising end up doing something on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandJanuary 11, 2021advertising, ad career, career advice, career improvementComment

4 Ways to Immediately Improve Your Ad Career

The number one reason people leave a job is a lack of growth and opportunity. If you’re feeling discouraged about your career, lack of development probably tops the reason list for why. Before you decide to bail on your present job, construct a plan for going forward that improves your situation.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandJanuary 4, 2021advertising, ad career, career advice Comment

Three one-year goals to quickly grow careers.

We reflect in disbelief that another year has passed. Goals for the year may remain unfulfilled. Instead of surrendering to discouragement, use the lack of progress as an opportunity to change your approach. Start a career journal to track progress. Assess the steps you will need to do to achieve each goal. Every day, assign one task to each target. Review progress at the end of your day. Here’s a list of three goals that help progress careers at a faster pace.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandDecember 28, 2020career advice, advertising, ad careerComment

Why The Ad Industry Is Losing "Full-Stack" Talent

Advertising was once the career for those who wanted to create and be paid well for doing so. Today, we fail to compete with industries that reward innovative thinking as we once did.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandDecember 15, 2020Pew Research, AAAAs, advertising, ad career, career advice, college costsComment

Start Your New Year’s Resolution Now To Improve Your Ad Career in 2021.

The end of the year approaches, and you’re still in the job that isn’t doing your career any good. Don’t lament that no one hires this time of year. Instead, use the next few weeks to prepare for your career in high gear by early 2017. Here’s a checklist of things to do until it’s time to sing “Auld Lang Syne.”

Career AdviceBart ClevelandDecember 1, 2020advertising, ad career, job change, career change'Comment

2020 IN 20/20: A challenging year made us better.

For most people, this year is without comparison. We certainly don’t want to repeat it, but there are many things that trials teach us, and 2020 is not the exception. In fact, after reviewing the year, you may find you’re better at your job. Overcoming the challenges you faced may foster opportunities that would not otherwise become available.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandNovember 24, 2020advertising, ad career, career advice, 2020 Comment

Ad students who act like pros, succeed.

Most academic advertising programs are inadequate in preparing a graduate to enter his or her career. Those few who walk across the stage into premiere positions share more in common than great portfolios. They act like a professional before becoming one. Here’s how they do it.

Image used by permission. © Joel Robison

Career AdviceBart ClevelandNovember 16, 2020advertising, ad career, career advice, portfolio schoolsComment

Ad career dead? Try this DIY autopsy.

Resurrecting your career can seem daunting. Don’t give up on goals. Believe that you can do what you can dream. Chip away at it daily, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you change your fortune.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandSeptember 14, 2020ad career, career advice, Guns & KittensComment

Four ways to beat the odds and have a great advertising career.

Starting your career at the right place increases the probability that you will reach your true potential. Above all, remember that the secret to successfully launching your ad career is to become a professional while you’re still a student.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandAugust 12, 2020advertising, ad career, career advice, portfolio Comment

Want to keep your creative career on track? Don’t get the ax.

When times are tough, and an agency needs to trim the fat, you want to be lean muscle. By continually improving and increasing skills, you become less vulnerable. Here are a few tips on how to become your company’s most valuable employee.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandJuly 15, 2020creativity, advertising, career advice, ad career Comment

JPL Rocket Fuel: Portfolio Highlight from Gina Senese

This series follows the careers of JPLers. They share their experiences and advice to help others seeking the creative career they want most. This interview shares advice from Gina Senese, art director, Ogilvy NY. Gina went through Job Propulsion Lab’s Rebuild program in 2016 while attending The University of Texas. Soon after, she went to work for Ogilvy in New York City.

Career AdviceBart ClevelandMay 18, 2020advertising, ad career, portfolio, career adviceComment

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