AdPR students visit tech industry giants during trip to Silicon Valley

AdPR students and faculty at eBay headquarters in San Jose, California.

AdPR students looking to enhance their education were selected for a 3-day immersive experience in California’s Silicon Valley over winter break. Through the new Grady AdPR partnership with eBay and help of UGA alum Suzy Deering (CMO of eBay), students were connected with a number of industry giants including eBay, Facebook, Google, Pinterest, Imgur, and Kiip. Students also toured the Verizon Innovation Center to see demonstrations of some of the latest technology innovations for communications. Program participants had their marketing, sales, and tech industry questions answered by leading experts in the field.

Students had exclusive access to new technologies in beta testing from Verizon Innovations and Google. After experiencing first-hand facial recognition software at the Verizon Innovation Center and Tango in action at Google, senior Advertising major Caroline Fowler said, “It was exciting to see the development of new technology and discuss how it is going to change the future of the advertising industry.”

AdPR students talk with Brian Wong, founder and CEO of Kiip.

The group was also introduced to the robust landscape of business in Silicon Valley and fostered connections with professionals in the field. The students did Grady Proud. According to Brooke Montgomery of AOL, “The UGA students were extremely passionate about marketing and advertising. They asked extremely thoughtful industry-related questions.” AdPR faculty also enjoyed watching their students develop a greater interest and awareness of the successes and challenges of a start-up business. “You could tell immediately how invested the professors were in their students’ futures,” said Montgomery. “It was delightful to interact with faculty and hear about the extensive curriculum at UGA. All of the students were already so knowledgeable about virtual reality which was a pleasant surprise!”

AdPR students and faculty at Google headquarters in
Mountain View, California

Caroline Youngs, a senior Advertising major, said her favorite aspect of the trip was learning about the new opportunities within the virtual and augmented reality space. She is specifically interested in the marketing of these new technologies. “The networking opportunities provided by the University, and connections that were made as a result, were invaluable for us all,” said Youngs. “Hopefully there will be a future in Silicon Valley for some or all of the participants. It was an incredible educational experience and I am so thankful for the opportunity!” The attentiveness, professionalism, and enthusiasm of the students on this trip truly reflected the excellence of Grady students.

Costa selected for Lockheed Martin's Communication Leadership Development Program

Ananda Costa, a recent graduate with a degree in public relations and a New Media certificate from Grady College, is one of the top students selected for Lockheed Martin’s two-year rotational Communication Leadership Development Program. Throughout her time in Grady College, Ananda gained valuable experience in her leadership roles including the co-director of AdPR Connection and director of outreach for TEDxUGA.

Lockheed Martin’s Communication Leadership Development Program is designed for selected individuals to gain experience and knowledge in corporate communications. Participants have the opportunity to be immersed in the world’s top advanced technology company. While completing this program, participants are encouraged to continue their education with provided tuition to obtain their master’s degree. Lockheed Martin hopes to mold future company leaders through this exclusive program.

Ananda Costa chosen for Lockheed Martin's Communications Leadership Development Program

“I am so honored to have been selected for Lockheed Martin’s Communications Leadership Development Program. Grady has a proud history of having several students participate in this prestigious initiative. In fact, I couldn’t have gone through the rigorous interview process without the encouragement of exceptional Grady professors, alumni and PRSSA. Having a strong support system of people who helped proof my application materials and provide me with program insights gave me an edge throughout the application process. I am so grateful to Grady and can’t wait to begin my Lockheed journey working with the Space team in Denver soon," said Ananda.

We look forward to supporting Ananda in her future success in Lockheed Martin’s Communication Leadership Development Program.

Two AdPR students selected for AAF’s 2017 Most Promising Multicultural Students Program

AdPR students Emily Laramy (L) and Savannah Rabin (R) are a part of the AAF's 2017 Class of Most Promising Multicultural Students

Two Grady College advertising majors have been named to the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) 2017 Class of Most Promising Multicultural Students (MPMS).

Emily Laramy and Savannah Rabin are part of the elite group of 50 students from AAF’s college chapter network who were selected for the program through a vetted application process that included essays, letters of recommendation, resumes and specific academic requirements.

“We are so proud that two of our students have received this national recognition,” said Tom Reichert, head of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. “It’s wonderful that the American Advertising Federation has created a program that honors high-achieving multicultural students and also connects them with industry professionals.”

“Being a part of AAF’s Most Promising program means so much to me,” Rabin said.  “I have an incredible love for the advertising industry and I feel as though programs like this are pivotal in further enriching its work and culture. To be recognized in this way is such an honor and I feel empowered and emboldened to make valuable contributions to the ad world.”

Laramy echoed that sentiment. “To know I was selected by a panel of judges made up of advertising professionals means my career goals are validated by the very people who make advertising what it is,” she said. “To have AAF invest in my future, and in broadening diversity in advertising as a whole, makes me hopeful for how advertising will change even more in the future.”

In addition to the recognition, the MPMS program includes a four-day industry immersion in New York City designed to promote diversity and inclusion within the advertising and marketing-related industries. It includes professional development workshops, agency visits and a recruiter’s expo.

“We’ve studied their campaigns in class, but being able to engage with the creators of great work is invaluable,” said Laramy, who aspires to work in art direction and ultimately as a creative director in an ad agency. “Also being able to share this experience with other multicultural students, many of whom I know from participating in the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program this past summer, is an amazing perk as I know we all share a focused passion for advertising and will likely be collaborating together in the industry very soon.”

The industry immersion means a lot to Rabin, as well. “Not only will I be visiting NYC for the first time, but I’ll also have the opportunity to network and converse with professionals eager to find talent,” she said. “I’m interested in both strategic media planning and brand strategy. I am still searching for the best fit for my skill set, so I’m excited to talk to more professionals in regards to my potential.” 

Both students attribute much of their success to Grady College and its faculty.

“I feel overwhelmed with gratitude to have professors who go out of their way for students to ensure their success after graduation,” Rabin said. “I am confident I’ll be relying on their expertise well after college as well.”

Added Laramy: “Grady has been a huge part of my journey to join the advertising industry. I applied to UGA in the first place so I could attend Grady, because of its reputation and dedication to the advertising program.”

With an average GPA of 3.6, this year’s MPMS Class represents 34 schools and 20 states across the country, according to a news release from the AAF.

Leading agencies and companies have utilized MPMS year over year as a recruitment tool, including BBDO, DigitasLBi, Google, Leo Burnett, Omnicom Group, Pepsico, Turner and Wieden+Kennedy, among many others.

Kim Nguyen (ABJ ’16) was a member of the 2016 MPMS Class.

Author: Stephanie Moreno