What Today’s Talent Entering the Creative Industry Needs to Know

There’s an influx of talented students eager to enter the workforce at a challenging time — so what are some important things for them to know?

I’ve been teaching a couple of courses in the final semester of the Creative Advertising program at Seneca, and as the career-focused class just wrapped up, it’s time to share a few tips here.

Curiosity, resilience, problem-solving and building relationships are key in this industry.

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of staying adaptable and continuing to learn — it doesn’t stop when you graduate.

Based on questions from my students, here are a few of the tips covered in our final class:

Job Title Flexibility
All experience is valid. (Dianne B. Oliveira preaches this). Be prepared to pursue diverse job opportunities beyond the specific agency role you’ve studied for. Gain experience through internships, freelancing, part-time options and non-agency roles as part of your portfolio and career journey.

Role Requirements
Don’t lie about skills you lack, focus on your strengths and still apply. Learn through online courses and freelance projects first to meet job requirements. Don’t be intimidated and learn on the job.

Specialization
Explore various aspects of advertising before specializing. Be open to gaining experience in digital marketing, social media, content creation and other practices within the industry, before being exclusive.

Soft Skills
Focus on developing skills like clear communication, empathy, and adaptability. Leadership qualities are also valued, whether you’re in a management role or not.

Portfolio Building
Showcase transferable skills through portfolios if you don’t have the perfect portfolio for the role. Join industry associations too. Do some volunteer pro bono work to put your skills into practice while supporting a good cause.

Introverts
Not all roles require constant client interaction. Set boundaries, manage energy levels, and focus on tasks that matter most. (Great tips from April Hossain).

Avoid Pigeonholing Yourself
Seek mentorship for exposure to new roles. Diversify clients and express interest in different areas.

Have Conversations
Mark Simone recommends engaging in 100 conversations with industry professionals for insights and to improve interview skills. He also suggests auditing your inner circle to ensure positive influences on professional development.

Solution-Focused Mindset
Mark shared that he looks for team members who have an entrepreneurial mindset, focused on actively seeking solutions rather than solely identifying problems. He encourages candidates to approach challenges with proactive problem-solving strategies, and avoid negative comments about previous experiences.

Career Transitions
If you’re moving into advertising from another industry, highlight transferable skills and apply learnings across roles. Don’t hesitate to transition if a role doesn’t align with your goals.